Problem gambling and gambling problem
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Declaring problem gambling a disease is BIG for medico’s wallets.
More than four out of every five Americans (83%) believe that “moral weakness” plays a part in the development of a gambling addiction, according to a new survey conducted by Ipsos Reid for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). A third (32%) of the adults surveyed say compulsive gambling was primarily a personal or moral weakness, while half (51%) believe it to be a combination of weakness and disease. A slim minority (13%) felt it primarily a disease. The study also found that a significant majority (68%) believe controlling compulsive gambling is mostly a matter of willpower.
However, fewer than 50% of those surveyed believe that the majority of people who receive treatment for pathological gambling achieve lifelong recovery. “The evidence is clear that treatment works,” says Don Feeney, Communications Committee Chair for the NCPG. “But those with a gambling problem need encouragement from their family and friends to seek it out. They will not get this encouragement if they are viewed as morally weak or if they don’t believe the treatment will be successful.”
Complete findings of the study are to be released today at the 22nd National Conference on Problem Gambling in Long Beach, California. Whyte notes that the final day of the conference is devoted to recovery from problem gambling. “There are so many inspiring stories of people who have achieved recovery,” he adds. “If you or a friend or a loved one is dealing with this disorder, know that you are not the only one. Know that recovery is not an impossible dream. Know there is hope.”
The subrosa agenda is a desire to have problem gambling declared a disease, as alcoholism has been, opening the door for “medical” treatment and insurance reimbursement.