There are five stages a problem
gambler goes through. The five stages are the winning stage, the
losing stage, the desperation stage, the hopeless stage and the
recovery stage. During each of these stages the problem gambler
spends endless energy as their world spirals out of control. With
each new stage the problem gambler’s height of anxiety increases.
During the winning stage of a
problem gambler their self esteem is at the highest. They seem to
be winning more often then losing. They are spending their winnings
on their friends and family. They begin to reduce long over due
debts. Their spouses are so proud of them. The spouses of a
problem gambler even believe their spouse has a system to win big.
The gambler begins to fantasize on what materialistic possession
they can obtain through gambling. I usually call this stage hook
line and sinker.
During the losing stage of a
problem gambler their self esteem decreases as their personal debt
decreases due to their gambling addiction.
During the Desperation stage of
a problem gambler their lives have been significantly affected by
their gambling addiction. A majority of their mental space is now
preoccupied with the notion of placing their next bet.
During the hopeless stage of a
problem gambler their desire to go forward in life becomes
emotionally draining. They are at a loss of what to do, how to pay
their debts and how to face their loved ones.
During the recovery stage of a
problem gambler their ready to take charges of their life and to
begin the process of rebuilding what they have lost. Once they
realize they can live their life with out gambling recovery seems to
accelerate as they regain control of their life.
Through the above stages a
problem gambler can lead a normal life once they realize they have a
problem gambling and take the necessary steps to better themselves.
Very few gamblers realize they have a problem until the reach the
hopeless stage. A compulsive gambler always believes that they will
hit the big one and all of their troubles will be gone.
Unfortunately even though they won big they continue to convince
themselves that they can do it again.
Reaching a problem gambler prior
to the hopeless stage is almost impossible. Husband, wives,
children and even family members knows theirs a problem, but don’t
know what to do or where to go. Even if they can find stop gambling
addiction resources, it’s still up to the compulsive gambler to
admit they have a problem with gambling.
