Pathological Gambling is characterized by persistent and recurrent gambling that results in causing a detrimental effect on the person's life and family.

There is an association with risk in pathological gambling, more so than financial gain for most individuals. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder are frequently highly competitive, overly concerned with approval from others and prone to other ‘addictive’ type disorders.

Persistent and maladaptive pattern of gambling which causes difficulties with interpersonal, financial, and vocational functioning.

The most effective treatment has developed through adaptation of the Alcoholics Anonymous model to treat alcohol and drug addictions.

Prognosis varies depending on the individual. Some argue that there is no cure for this disorder (much like alcoholism), but that prolonged or continual abstinence is possible.

• Preoccupation or obsession with gambling
• Need to gamble with larger amounts of money
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling
• Restless or irritable when attempting to control gambling
• Lies to family and others about gambling losses and frequency of gambling
• Illegal acts to support gambling (stealing, fraud, forgery)
• Used as an escape or form of relief to avoid life's problems

Adapted from:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.  Vol. IV  American Psychiatric        Association.  1994