Diagnoses of gambling disorder

People who, over a 12-month period meet four of these nine criteria devised by the
American Psychiatric Association, are considered to have a gambling disorder:

• Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired
excitement.

• Are restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.

• Have made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.

• Are often preoccupied with gambling.

• Often gamble when feeling distressed (e.g. helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
• After losing money gambling, often return another day to get even

• Lie to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.

• Have jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career

opportunity because of gambling.

• Rely on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by

gambling.
 Treatment of gambling disorder
Some people can stop gambling on their own. But many people need help to
address their gambling problems. Only one in ten people with gambling
disorder seek treatment:

• Psychotherapy: Individual and group approaches such as cognitive

behavioral therapy, which helps to identify and modify damaging thinking
and behavior, can help people overcome the problem.

• Medication: There are no FDA-approved medications to treat gambling

disorders. Some medications may help treat co-occurring conditions like
depression or anxiety.
• Support groups: Some people with gambling disorder find help with such groups as
Gamblers Anonymous, Participants meet and share experiences, supporting each
other in their efforts to abstain from gambling.

• Support from family and friends can be critical to a person's recovery from
gambling. However, only the individual can decide to stop the behaviors.
 Strategies to deal with cravings

• Reach out for support. Call a trusted friend or family member. Go to a Gamblers
Anonymous meeting.
• Distract with other activities.
• Postpone gambling. Giving yourself time may allow the urge to pass or weaken.
• Stop for a moment and consider what will happen when you gamble.
• Avoid isolation.
 "Dos" and "Don'ts" for Partners, Friends, or
Family Members
Do
• Seek the support of others with similar problems
• Remain calm when speaking to the person with a gambling disorder.
• Understand the need for treatment of problem gambling and that it may take time.
• Set boundaries in managing money
Don't

• Preach, lecture, or allow yourself to lose control of your anger

• Exclude the gambler from family life and activities
• Expect immediate recovery
• Bailout the gambler