Group Therapy

Pathological gambling is on the rise with the proliferation of gambling outlets. It is estimated that approximately 3-5% of gamblers suffer from a serious gambling addiction. In areas with casinos, the figures are much higher. Gambling addiction can be a debilitating illness that spells both psychological and financial ruin for the gambler. To tackle problem gambling, many psychosocial therapies exist. One such treatment mode is group therapy. Group therapy emphasizes the involvement of peers in giving rational nonjudgmental advice to a pathological gambler.

Peer pressure

Unfortunately, most gamblers hide their gambling addiction from family and friends. Thus they fail to admit that they have a problem and consequently, fail to seek professional assistance. In rare cases when the gambler seeks help, it is usually with a group like Gamblers Anonymous. Patterned on Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous provides group therapy for problem gamblers. Group therapy sessions stress the admission of the problem and ways to overcome it. This peer pressure is a better technique for helping the pathological gambler confront the problem. The second step is to search for achievable goals to wean the gambler away from his compulsive gambling mania. The measures suggested in group therapy may be either a gradual or a drastic withdrawal from compulsive gambling. Peers may outline a self-help program of action for the gambler to follow diligently. Any lapse from this “control impulse gambling” program invites disapprobation. Peers thus constantly monitor compulsive gamblers and this group therapy can work miracles.

Group services

When in group therapy, a compulsive gambler is free to consult his peers on any aspect of his life. This may include recommendations on how to recoup financial losses incurred while gambling, and new directions for seeking meaningful employment that would help in paying back gambling debts. Some groups may go a step further and even offer free legal help for those declaring bankruptcy on account of compulsive gambling. Group therapy is thus a profitable activity for the compulsive gambler.

For the problem gambler, group therapy is valuable and advantageous. Group therapy allows the compulsive gambler to use his peers as a sounding board for his myriad problems. In return, a gambler receives good advice and prudent feedback that aids his recovery from the gambling addiction.

Recommended Reading

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