Peer Support

Gambling has soared with the proliferation of casinos. It is estimated that compulsive or pathological gambling is a disease that afflicts approximately 3-5% of the gambling population. The figures are higher in areas with gambling outlets. In this scenario, it becomes imperative to seek help to curb the gambling urge. Peer support and peer groups can make a difference in curtailing the instinct to gamble. The best example of peer group pressure is Gamblers Anonymous, which works on the same principle as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Peer pressure

What peer support does is it provides an avenue for the pathological gambler to admit his problems and to seek diversionary activities. A majority of compulsive gamblers are secretly ashamed of their gambling addiction and will try to conceal it. Admission is then a first requirement in any peer pressure therapy. What a peer group does is it acts as a non-judgmental hearing outlet for the compulsive gambler. The peer group will quietly absorb the shabby details without passing quick judgments. The next task of the peer group is to convey its ideas on the whole scheme of pathological gambling to the gambler. This free and frank exchange of views can act as an eye-opener for the compulsive gambler. Remember an addicted gambler lives in a state of denial where he does not want to admit that he has a problem. The next step is to convince the compulsive gambler that he is on a path of financial ruin. Compulsive gambling is an expensive habit that requires a constant source of funds. No wonder a majority of compulsive gamblers have accumulated large debts and are consequently in financial straits. Peer groups will emphasize this bitter truth and lay bare the heavy costs that compulsive gamblers incur. Peer groups thus act as a reality check for the gambler. They bring the compulsive gambler to face the enormous costs of wayward gambling.

Peer groups may also provide information on financial, employment and legal services that a compulsive gambler may need. Peer groups are beneficial for providing psychological support in times of stress and relapses that a compulsive gambler might experience. Peer groups therefore have intrinsic value and function as a comfort zone for compulsive gamblers to unburden themselves.

Recommended Reading

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