Gambling Addiction “Recognized”… and Ignored
December 5, 2013
The American Psychiatric Association “Recognized” the disease of Gambling Addiction now known as “Disordered Gambling” with the May 2013 release of the the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – THE resource for diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Read more →
Gambling Addiction Suicide: The “Inner Circle”
September 14, 2013
Bea Aikens, Founder Lanie’s Hope
I’m not one for exclusive memberships or inner circles. Yes, there was a day when my head was turned by private clubs and the trappings of privilege I once took great joy in knowing that I was a part of Neiman Marcus’ exclusive In Circle, where I had the great privilege of overpaying for all sorts of frivolous things… earning me In Circle “perks” like free sample product swag, attendance at private events, and even a personal shopper who knew me by name. Read more →
Anonymous, Not Invisible Anymore
Anonymous, not Invisible….What does that imply? To most people, it may mean nothing other than as a reference to a single person lost in a crowd, visible to others, but not known to them. For those individuals who are of an addictive sort, it may be a reference of people belonging to one of the “A” groups ending in Anonymous, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous and so forth. No, the statement ‘Anonymous, not Invisible’ instead is directed towards that small percentage of people who are compulsive gamblers that are surrounded by those who would be insensitive to someone with this problem. Read more →
Internet Cafes: What are they selling?
July 22, 2013
If one were to Google “Internet Cafe”, a consortium of choices will confront you. What are these Internet Cafes and what are they really selling? Some would describe them as storefronts conducting gambling operations (unlicensed, unregulated, untaxed, and illegal.) Proprietors of these cafes describe their operation as providing a service or product; phone cards and Internet time, as well as a chance to win prizes. In fact, they compare their operation to that of a sweepstakes such as the McDonald’s Monopoly game or one of the big companies (like Home Depot, Olive Garden, K-mart) that offer customers an opportunity to win a prize if they complete an online survey (after purchasing a product). Read more →
Dostoevsky: A Compulsive Gambler
Dostoevsky recorded his struggles with Gambling Addiction in the 1800’s, yet the American Psychiatric Association did not recognize this addiction until 1980.
Today The American Psychiatic Association recognizes the disease of
Disordered Gambling as a treatable mental health disorder.
Fyodor Dostoevsky famously wrote “The Gambler” , published in 1867. Obviously not a work of complete fiction, Dostoevsky notably had first-hand experience as a gambling addict.
In a letter to his beloved Anya, Dostoevsky asks her to
“Remember too that I’m not a scoundrel, just a passionate gambler.”
Certainly one can surmise that with the expanded availability of gambling (now legal in 48 states), the incidence of problem or “disordered gambling” is likely to have increased commensurately. It has been well-documented that gambling has been around since ancient times. It would also seem, based on Dostoevsky’s letter to his wife, that gambling addiction has existed through the ages.
Get a glimpse of the mind of a compulsive gambler in Dostoevsky’s letter to Ayna Dostoevsky_Letter
It’s Only a Penny Machine!
June 18, 2013
The title says it all. “It’s only a penny machine. I don’t understand how I just blew another paycheck.” Unfortunately, this refrain is heard throughout 12-step rooms around the country and not just from the grandmother type, but from all walks of life. It’s true that it may be a penny machine, but many of these themed machines offer one the ability to play many pennies at a time or even change the denomination of the coin. Read more →
What’s in a Name?
May 22, 2013
Perhaps…HOPE, HELP and ultimately enhanced UNDERSTANDING and TREATMENT
Clinicians have long-awaited the release of the DSM-5, with the resultant recategorization and change in nomenclature for Gambling Addiction, from Pathological Gambling, Gambling Addiction, Compulsive Gambling and a variety of terms used to discern the varying degrees of severity of addiction, to the newly endorsed term of “Disordered Gambling.“
For those who suffer from a gambling addiction, or “Disordered Gambling” ….the name doesn’t matter. The category doesn’t matter. What matters is..access to treatment, being cared for with dignity as one who suffers from a serious illness versus an individual of weak morals and even weaker character. Gambling addiction is a progressive illness. By the time the afflicted individual reaches out for help, financial resources are decimated, familial relations are strained and help of any kind is hard to come by. There are a few low-cost outpatient treatment services available and, in most states, residential treatment, if available at all, is cost prohibitive and not underwritten by insurance or social services. Read more →
Drop the Gun, Drop the Pills, Pick up the Phone!
May 10, 2012
DROP THE GUN. DROP THE PILLS. PICK UP THE PHONE! Over the past 10 days I have literally connected directly with four people suffering from gambling addiction who were at the brink of suicide. Thank the Lord they are all still with us and reaching out for RECOVERY! This disease that hijacks our brains and eradicates our souls also can be arrested with treatment and mutual aid groups, spiritual counsel, a friend who cares…there ARE “No wrong doors” …just enter one and RECOVER. Life is precious and the pain passes. Those in recovery from addiction are LIVING PROOF…RECOVERY is a reality for many and it can be for those who consider the ultimate choice.
SUCIDE PREVENTION HELPLINE is 800-273-8255.
GAMBLING ADDICTION HELPLINE is 800-522-4700.
Boulder City Hospital – May 2, 2013 3PM
RECOGNIZING PROBLEM GAMBLING
In recognition of National Mental Health Month, Boulder City Hospital’s Mental Health: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) staff will participate in a one-hour introductory course to understanding and recognizing Problem Gambling.
Lanie’s Hope Founder and Advocate for the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, Bea Aikens will present a one hour presentation, providing a basic explanation of what happens when gambling becomes an addiction and review screening methods and resources available to identify and treat problem gamblers and their families.
7th Annual Nevada Conference on Problem Gambling April 25-26, 2013
“The Changing Landscape of Gambling and Addiction”
Reno, Nevada April 25-26, 2013.
Innovator and Trail Blazer in the field of Problem Gambling, Executive Director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, Carol O’Hare, sets the tone for this year’s conference with the Opening Keynote,
Problem Gambling in Nevada: Then, Now and in the Future
Conference Featured Presentations Include:
- Addiction and Recovery from an Atheists Perspective
- Youth Gambling Awareness in the Classroom
- Internet Use Disorder
- Understanding the Female Trajectory into Problem Gambling
- Changing the Game:Supportings Young People in Recovery
Known for innovation, this renowned conference concludes with the unique presentation Experiential Yoga and the 12 Steps.
Don’t Miss Out on Early Bird Registration Rates! Register on line at nevadacouncil.org
Read more →
Problem Gambling Town Hall Meeting – Butler, PA March 15, 2013
Butler, PA continues to blaze new trails in Problem Gambling Education in Western Pennsylvania.
Friday, March 15 2013 12:30-3:30
Monarch Place, Red Chimney Hall
100 Brugh Avenue Butler, PA 16001
This Town Hall Meeting is open to the public. Clergy, Social Workers, Counselors, Attorneys, Financial Advisors and Family Support Services will find this information especially valuable, as Pennsylvanians struggle with a rise in gambling addiction.
Pennsylvania has the second highest gambling revenue in the Nation; second only to Nevada. While many people can gamble recreationally, those impacted by Problem Gambling face severe consequence. Compulsive Gambling is a serious public health issue.
Topics covered will include an overview of Butler County’s Problem Gambling Initiative, Assessment of Local and National data on compulsive gambling, an Educational Program on the Signs and Symptoms of Gambling Addiction and access to Available Resources for those impacted by problem gambling.
Lanie’s Hope Founder Bea Aikens will conclude the presentation with a personal story of Recovery and her mission to Advocate for Social Change in Problem Gambling.
Psychiatrists Have New Term for Compulsive Gambling: Behavioral Addiction
3/12/13
In May psychiatrists will start referring to gambling addiction as a behavioral addiction, the first disorder in that newly created category of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the textbook for psychiatry that’s widely used by doctors, courts, and insurance companies. The latest edition of the DSM—DSM-5—will be published in May.
Gambling isn’t often thought of as a health issue, that perception needs to change.
takepart.com/article/2012/09/16/why-gambling-can-be-more-destructive-addiction-drugs-or-alcohol-0