Gambling disorder is one of the conditions that are discussed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). A review of the diagnostic criteria for this condition reveals striking similarities with the criteria for substance use disorders. One of the similarities is that those who engage in compulsive gambling and the individuals who struggle with substance abuse are unable to control the urge to engage in these destructive activities (APA, 2013). Another similarity is that when they attempt to abandon the behaviors, they experience distress. The DSM also notes that the two conditions are characterized by a persistent need to engage in gambling or substance abuse. While they are largely similar, the criteria for compulsive gambling and substance abuse disorder also have some differences. One of the elements in the criteria for compulsive gambling that is missing in that for substance abuse disorder is lying to hide the problem and that gamblers often return after losing money with the hope of recouping their losses (APA, 2013).
The case of Gary highlights the challenges that those struggling with gambling disorder experience. His case also allows one to understand how various etiological models explain the causes of compulsive gambling. After reviewing Gary’s case, it is clear that the social reward approach offers the best explanation of Gary’s gambling. In the audio, he admits that he yielded to pressure from his friends. This admission indicates that Gary engaged in gambling in an effort to gain acceptance and establish a positive image. The social reward theory posits that gamblers desire to be accepted and to gain respect (Blaszcynski & Nower, 2007). By attempting to impress his friends and gain their respect, Gary embodies the social reward theory.
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Gary’s case sheds light on the diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder. He notes that he was unable to control his gambling problem and that he would spend huge amounts at the bar while gambling. Moreover, Gary confesses that upon receiving payment, he would rush to gambling despite having suffered massive losses. These experiences mirror the diagnostic criteria for compulsive gambling. The DSM notes that to be diagnosed with this condition, an individual needs to experience a persistent need to gambling and should be unable to control the urge to gambling (APA, 2013).
References
American Psychological Association (APA). (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5 th Edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Blaszczynski, A., & Nower, L. (2007). Etiological models. In Chou, P. A., Smith, G., Hodgins, D. C., Van der Schaar, M., & Williams, R. J. Research and Measurement issues in gambling studies. Bingley: Emerald Group Publishing.
