March 1999

By Deb Ellison-Culver, Gamblers Intervention Services

Dr. Robert Custer, a clinician, researcher and pioneer in the field of helping individuals with gambling problems observed a progression of behaviors and symptomology in the person experiencing severe gambling problems. Not so surprising is the fact that Dr. Custer observed a significant amount of what clinicians label "anti-social" behaviors exhibited by his clients, and that this behavior was typically limited to obtaining money to gamble or covering up their gambling. Those behaviors included lying and other forms of dishonesty, stealing from friends, family, employers, spouses, co-workers and neighbors, embezzling money from work, insurance fraud, etc. Individuals who presented for treatment were faced with their behavior and normally displayed intense shame and remorse for their behavior, in fact, found it hard to believe that is was "them" that did those things.

The chronically incarcerated population appears much different. While they, too, have gambled to excess and experienced serious consequences due to their behavior, life patterns suggest many more complications to recovery and long term healing based on abstinence and attitude modification. St. Louis County Jail is a new, state of the art facility which provides programming that truly embraces the goal of correction as opposed to simply warehousing those convicted of crimes. Inmates here have access to a spectrum of help including Alcoholics Anonymous, GED classes, chemical health and vocational assistance. Groups are offered on a voluntary basis to those who qualify for programming. Inmates utilizing therapy for problem gambling appear to have one major characteristic in common: almost 95% have the accompanying diagnosis of chemical dependency. Most participants describe a history rich in chemical and alcohol abuse, as well as, gambling and chaotic relationships. These are stories of adolescents who were abused physically, sexually and emotionally while having few or no parental role models or support from adults in authority. While a history of abuse or neglect never excuses criminal behavior, it often goes a long way in explaining the consistently chaotic lifestyle which stalks the repeat offender.

The only means by which these individuals function well is with strongly enforced structure. This group of people is largely overrepresented by the male gender, seems to be thrill seeking by nature and has few, if any financial or moral boundaries once they have begun to use chemicals and gamble. These men seem to almost dissociate while sharing in group their gambling experiences. A new world emerges, one specific to the fantasies of the "big shot." While in action, this individual feels bullet proof, indestructible to the legal system, and the potential consequences disappear.

Once incarcerated, gambling continues to be a way of life to alleviate boredom. Residents gamble for desserts or entire dinner trays. Cigarettes are a popular bet in institutions where outside privileges are granted and smoking is allowed. Shooting the odds on sentencing following conviction is perhaps least observed by jail staff. The stakes are high and the numbers are consistent, if not predictable in terms of years, months and days that fall into the grid on sentencing guidelines, literally months on that bet alone. Therapy is ineffective for any compulsive gambler while they are in action.

While samples are too young and too small to begin to see patterns in outcomes based on a particular therapy milieu, it appears as though cognitive behavior dialogue (with emphasis on behavioral) appears to have responsive impact. Most people have some concept of what they would like their life to consist of, and this group seems to have very little grasp on how to get there. Process must be broken down into very practical behavioral steps that may help the individual get what they want from life. Release/discharge plans must be intricate and process oriented, to include probable consequences from lack of follow through. Probably the largest gap in this service is the absence of family participation. Jails are simply not set up to include family therapy or discharge planning.

Working with the incarcerated population is somewhat like impatient treatment. You have a "captive" audience who has nothing better to do at the time than attend sessions. Our challenge is helping our clients translate that education into decisions they make on the outside.

Gambling Problems Resource Center
2720 Highway 10
Mounds View, MN 55112