Treating Problem Gamblers — and Their Family Members
continued from page 13
• Putting family members at risk for domestic violence — consistent evidence shows an association between gambling problems and family violence .
• Putting the children of parents with gambling problems at risk of developing gambling problems themselves — these children are at a much higher risk of developing gambling problems than children whose parents don ’ t have gambling problems . ( https :// www . problemgambling . ca / gambling-help / support-for-families )
A big loss for couples in which one partner is a problem gambler is the deterioration of intimacy and trust . Spouses of a problem gambler initially will deny the evidence , make excuses , and cover-up the behavior .
As the problem gambling continues , however , poor communication , conflict , and abuse increase , creating stress and disharmony . The cost is enormous , both to the financial stability of the couple , and the marital relationship . The resulting behaviors
create havoc and eventually the relationship disintegrates .
The statistics on the impact of problem gambling are disheartening . More than 90 percent of family members of problem gamblers reported emotional distress , negative effects on their relationship with the gambler , negative impacts on their social life , and significant financial hardship , according to the results of a study that appeared in the August 2014 issue of the journal Addictive Behaviors ( https :// doi . org / 10.1016 / j . addbeh . 2014.04.011 ). Other issues included diminished work capacity , loss of employment , and physical health problems .
Most family members of problem gamblers don ’ t know where to get help , and this lack of control leads to a sense of helplessness , hopelessness , and vulnerability . While some family members seek help , almost 40 percent aren ’ t aware support is available , according to a 2018 British study ( bit . ly / 3qL6W7q ). Among the help-seeking barriers faced by these family members were “ embarrassment and shame ( 56 %) about their loved one ’ s problem gambling , and depression ( 56 %) and anxiety ( 56 %).”
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Turn your conference stay into a resort vacation at The LINQ , AMHCA ’ s 2022 conference hotel :
• Ride the High Roller observation wheel ,
• Fly The LINQ Zipline over the Las Vegas “ Strip ,” and
• Cool off amid the ice sculptures at the ICEBAR . www . amhca . org / conference / travel
see the special conference section in this issue , pages 17 – 24
AMHCA ANNUAL CONFERENCE / JUNE 22 – 24 , 2022 / LAS VEGAS / BOOK YOUR CONFERENCE ROOM BY MAY 22
14 The Advocate Magazine 2022 , Issue # 1 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) www . amhca . org