Recognising and Dealing with Addictive Behaviours

Recognising and Dealing with Addictive Behaviours Addictive behaviours are habits that a consumer has where they indulge in expenditures that they cannot afford but nonetheless cannot stop for one reason or another. Addiction falls into two types, physical and psychological. Very often a person may have both types pertaining to a specific addiction. when there is one addiction there is often another. Debt Counsellors should always be on the lookout for addictive behaviours and when identified refer the consumer for professional assistance. Gambling may be one such addiction. It is important to understand gambling. Gamblers can be classified in 3 broad groups:

a) Recreational gamblers gamble on social occasions with friends or colleagues. They have pre-determined acceptable losses and by and large their gambling activities cause little harm and their behaviour is associated with minimal guilt. They simply require information and education on gambling behaviour in order to make sensible decisions.

b) Problem gamblers spend too much time and money gambling. Their behaviour causes harm both to themselves and others and is associated with much guilt. Normally problem gamblers draw money on a regular basis at casinos or use their credit card for online gambling. These individuals require treatment to change this lifestyle.

c) Compulsive and pathological gamblers have a psychiatric disorder diagnosable by strict clinical criteria. It is regarded as a disorder of impulse control and has a very poor prognosis. Such gamblers have an inability to control their gambling, with consequent significant damage to themselves and others. They are often very difficult to treat. They constitute less than 1% of gamblers. Should a consumer be involved in gambling they should be encouraged to contact the NRGP counselling line at 0800 006 008 where they can obtain free and confidential assistance. Debt Counsellors should build up a list of local support groups for other addictions such as alcohol and drugs, as well as marriage counselling and depression related illnesses.