The Council of Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) has demonstrated its willingness to spread awareness of problem gambling, and more specifically, the work of some medical pioneers such as Dr. Robert Custer in the field.
Dr. Custer was one of the specialists under whose efforts disordered gambling was classified as a psychological disorder by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980. In his study of the progression of gambling addictions as mental issues, a total of three phases were identified, including the winning phase, the losing phase and the desperation phase.
Now, the non-profit organization CCGNJ wants to raise local residents’ awareness of specialists such as Dr. Custer and to provide them with more information about problem gambling. The Executive Director of the CCGNJ, Neva Pryor, commented that providing gamblers with enough information about the risks associated with gambling and raising their awareness about problem gambling is very important, and the Council had already helped many people bring their lives back to normal. Ms. Pryor explained that it was never too late for a gambling addict to seek help and recover from gambling-related harm.
Council of Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey offers help to gambling addicts and their families in order to help them understand the real extent of gambling disorder. The Council is also aimed at offer adequate treatment to such addictions. CCGNJ has a website and a 24/7 hotline for problem gamblers and their friends and families, and works in collaboration with trained professionals specializing in gambling addiction and recovery.
Phases of Gambling Disorder According to Dr. Custer
In his study on the matter, Dr. Custer found out that in the winning phase, players usually start to enjoy the emotions they feel at the times when they win. During this phase of gambling disorders, players may also experience a false sense of control over the situation and confidence in their own capabilities. While in this phase, gambling addicts may make some extremely risky wagers.
Then, problem gamblers usually enter the losing phase, in which the sense of excitement wearies out. While in this phase, they usually feel more stressed and irritable, especially when chasing their losses. In addition, at such times financial problems may occur due to the players’ lack of control, while on the other hand, they may feel ashamed from their behaviour.
According to Dr. Custer, the desperation phase comes last. While in it, problem gamblers often make things even worse. They may start blaming others for the problem or asking their friends and family to lend them some money. Committing illegal acts to finance their gambling habits are also possible. The stress associated with the possible financial problems that most gambling addicts face during the second and third phase of their addiction, could often lead to even more serious emotional issues, such as other disorders and depression.
