The lifecycle and consequences of gambling on male patients treated in residential care all diagnosed with symptoms of pathological gambling
Abstract
Problem gambling among men and their subsequent progression to pathological gambling has a significant negative impact on the key areas of their life, many of which are relevant to the initial diagnostic and subsequent treatment process. There is great deal of relevant published literature and current research supporting this view.
The aim of this study is to describe the key stages of gamblers' lifecycle and the associated consequences from clinical, social, economic and time perspective. South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used.
Sample: The sample audience consists of 147 men living in residential care all diagnosed with a problem of pathological gambling. Research was conducted within the specialized departments of three psychiatric hospitals, based in Bohnice, Kroměříž and Opava.
In total 139 patients agreed to be interviewed. All 147 agreed to complete the SOGS questionnaire.
The length of the individual gambler's habit ranged from 0.5 to 40 years. The initial phase usually started around the age of 20 (34,5 % of participants) but generally, it can start at any age.
There is almost no gap between the first experience of gambling and the subsequent transition to regular gambling. The majority of participant (68 %) reported that the regular phase lasted between 6 and 8 years.
Surprisingly only after this long term experience did the individual recognise the first real costs of the seriousness of the problem, triggered by the need for regular gambling. It generally took a further 2-5 years before they decided and agreed to enter a programme of treatment.
Younger participants more frequently manifested comorbidity of a substance abuse problem while gambling in comparison with older. Participants described various triggers that led them to gamble.
They usually prefer one or limit themselves to a few casinos or gambling rooms. They were capable of commuting to these places despite of the distance.