The Council for Compulsive Gambling New Jersey

The CCGNJ Spreads Awareness of the Three Stages of Disordered Gambling

 

Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2018 -- The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about disordered gambling, spreads awareness of the work of medical pioneers like Dr. Robert Custer. The American Psychiatric Association classified disordered gambling as a psychological disorder in 1980 largely due to his efforts. In his study of the progression of a gambling disorder, he identified three phases: the winning phase, the losing phase, and the desperation phase.

In the winning phase, gamblers begin to enjoy the rush of excitement they feel when they win. As the odds appear to be in their favor, they may experience a misguided sense of confidence and control. To continue feeling this rush, they may feel the need to up the ante. For example, someone participating in sports betting in Atlantic City may make increasingly risky wagers. As a disordered gambler enters the losing phase, their sense of excitement peters out. Instead, they may feel irritable and stressed as they chase their losses. Once a disordered gambler's lack of control brings about financial problems, their sense of shame may lead them to isolate themselves and hide their behavior.

Finally, in the desperation phase, disordered gamblers often compound the issues they face. They may deflect from their behavior, blaming others or withdrawing from friends and family. At this point, they may even commit illegal acts to finance their gambling activity. As they develop further emotional issues like depression or substance use disorders, they may even consider suicide or other extremely self-destructive behaviors.

"It is never too late for any disordered gambler to seek help," said Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the CCGNJ. "The Council has helped countless people turn their lives around. No matter how hopeless one may feel, recovery is always possible."

The CCGNJ provides educational resources to disordered gamblers and their families and friends so as to help them understand the disorder and its treatment. To access these resources or find a local Gamblers Anonymous meeting, visit their website at https://800gambler.org/. Call or text their free, confidential hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER, for immediate treatment for unhealthy sports betting in New Jersey or any other kind of gambling.

About The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is a non-profit, private organization dedicated to helping individuals seek help for their disordered gambling problem, and for concerned friends and loved ones to confidentially express their concerns about someone close to them. Their 24/7 hotline is 800-GAMBLER. The Council also works to train professionals in the fields of gambling addiction and recovery.