Gambling has become one of the most difficult areas of our modern community in Melbourne and Victoria in the early 21st century. The costs to individuals and communities are substantial and frequently published in daily news bulletins.
Chronic hard-core problem gamblers number in the hundreds of thousands in Melbourne. They share, no matter what their gambling preference - pokies, horses, roulette, blackjack or other casino games or sports - common symptoms and behaviours. They also share an inner, driving urge to have to have a bet with the thrill of winning being a large motivating factor.
They often seek to re-create the thrill of a big win.
Other factors may include escapism or socialising.
Problem gamblers frequently talk about always thinking about when they can get to their venue. Sometimes their gambling is spontaneous. Invariably, problem gamblers, once they are doing their
"craft", can't leave it, even with a good win, but plough it back onto the next horse or another machine as long as they have money in their pocket or purse.
Frequently, a problem gambler is someone who takes time away from work, time away from family, money away from the family budget or one who regularly lies, cheats or steals in order to fund their gambling habit.
Treatment of gambling addiction by DSA Psychologists is usually individual counselling or psychotherapy, with hypnotherapy being a useful tool to assist that process by those at DSA Psychologists who are qualified to do so.
Sometimes key family members such as spouses or parents may be involved in the therapeutic process since their support is required in taking control of the individual's finances and for the protection of the family. Techniques include goal-setting, coping with anxiety, achieving outcomes and finding alternative activities. The most difficult area is maintaining commitment to the process.
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