Behavioral and Process Addictions ARCO 503 Module 4 · Gambling improves mood or helps escape 6. Chasing in order to win back losses with more gambling 7. Lying to minimize the extent

Behavioral and Process Addictions 1

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Behavioral and Process Addictions

ARCO 503

Module 4



Module Four

Table of Contents

Gambling Addictions Gregory Jantz, Ph.D. ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

Adrenaline Addiction Archibald Hart, Ph.D. ................................................................................................................................................... 9

GAMBLING & ADRENALINE ADDICTIONS



Description The face of gambling is changing and it can destroy individuals and families. Dr. Gregory Jantz addresses the issue of gambling, the forms of gambling, how to know if someone has a problem, the gambling addiction continuum, and how to overcome and treat gambling addiction.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the dynamics and characteristics of pathological gambling. 2. Know how to recognize the severity of gambling addiction and

determine proper interventions.

3. Be able to communicate a message of hope for gambling addicts.

Gambling Addictions

VIDEO

Gregory Jantz, Ph.D



I. Gambling

A. Gambling should be viewed as an addiction.

B. When has one stepped into pathological gambling?

A persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior which includes at least 5 of the following:

1. Preoccupation

2. Tolerance requiring increasing amounts of money

3. Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop

4. Irritability when trying to stop

5. Gambling improves mood or helps escape

6. Chasing in order to win back losses with more gambling

7. Lying to minimize the extent of the problem

8. Illegal acts to fund addiction

9. Jeopardized or lost significant relationship

II. The Path of the Gambler

A. Pathological gamblers have the highest suicide rate amongst psychological disorders.

B. Be aware of co-addictions.



C. If the Gambler Stops Increase in depression

Relationships and intimacy must be rebuilt

Changing environment

Accountability

III. Find the Source of Poison

A. Thrill Seeker/Stimulus Seeker – Addictive personality, problem with appropriate emotions

B. Social/Occasional Gambler – Justification of behavior entraps someone where he/she never wanted to be.

C. People with incomes of less than $10,000 are the biggest consumers of lottery tickets.

D. Gambling is seen as a way of taking someone from the pit of poverty. IV. Intervention

A. Pathological gamblers need intervention.

B. Gamblers often must hit rock bottom; professional gamblers are probably pathological gamblers.



C. Gambling Personality Questionnaire Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?

Have you ever had remorse after gambling?

After a win, did you have a strong urge to return and win more?

Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?

D. Gambling is growing at rapid rates; along with sexual addiction, gambling is the fastest growing addiction in the United States.

E. Gamblers Anonymous Is medication helpful?

How serious is the neurochemistry altered?

Are there other physical problems?

Certain neurotransmitters can be seriously altered in the pathological gambler.

Gamblers need accountability much like sexual addiction treatment, whether in

a “sponsor person”, environmental removal, and/or residential treatment programs that will truly address core issues that led to addiction.

F. Is there hope for the pathological gambler? Yes, but with a plan. Assessment & evaluation of the whole person

Renewing minds over and over



Must be willing to be honest at a level the person probably has never reached before

There is the high probability that the gambler could be compulsive in other

areas.

H. Whole Person Approach

Address Physiological Needs

Address Co-Addictions

Address Relationships

Address anger, fear, guilt

Address anxiety



Study Questions

1. According to the lesson, what would qualify a person according to the DSM-IV as being a pathological gambler?

2. Discuss “finding the source of poison” for the gambler.

3. When has a person stepped into pathological gambling?

4. Discuss interventions for the gambling.

5. Discuss the whole person approach.



Description Dr. Archibald Hart discusses the issue of adrenaline addiction, and he reveals the heart of the matter behind this particular phenomenon. He explains the basic physiology of adrenal glands, the reasons for adrenaline addiction, and the effects and causes, as well as providing hope and practical suggestions for overcoming adrenaline addiction.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain a comprehensive view of the reasons for adrenaline addiction. 2. Identify the underlying causes of adrenaline addiction.

3. Be able to communicate the recovery process regarding adrenaline

addiction.

Adrenaline Addiction

VIDEO

Archibald Hart, Ph.D.



I. Overview of Adrenaline Addiction

A. 1 John 2:15-17 – “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

B. Manifestations of Adrenaline Addiction Workaholism

Television, Internet, Computer, and Gaming Addictions

Shopping

Arguing

Sexual practices, Cybersex, Pornography

Thrill-seeking behaviors

C. Adrenal Glands Designed for emergencies

Designed for short term use

Adrenal cortex produces a group of hormones called the glucocorticoids

(cortisol).

Adrenal Medulla produces a group of hormones called catecholamines (adrenaline).

Adrenaline affects the heart; cortisol affects the brain.

Adrenaline gives a heightened sense of well-being which can be misleading.

Stress is the root of adrenaline addiction.



II. Physical Consequences

A. Cardiac Disease

B. High Blood Pressure, Stroke

C. Sleep Deprivation

D. Diabetes, Obesity

E. Panic Anxiety Disorder

F. Major Depression III. Underlying Causes

A. Need to Numb Painful Feelings

B. Crisis of Meaninglessness or Purposelessness

C. Absence of True Pleasure (Anhedonia)



IV. Solutions and Recovery

A. Spirituality should not be adrenaline or excitement driven. Worship should offer peacefulness.

B. Symptoms of Adrenaline Addiction Strong compulsion to be doing something all the time

Obsess over things left undone

Feelings of guilt when idle

Post adrenaline depression

Restlessness, pacing, leg-kicking, finger-drumming

C. Recovery Manage adrenaline

Pay attention to one’s body

Important Changes to Make

1. Lifestyle changes

2. Personality changes

3. Enhance peacefulness

4. Incorporate healthy physical changes

5. Disengagement strategies

6. Anger control



Practical suggestions

1. Face emotions directly

2. Learn to live within limits



Study Questions

1. What are some of the manifestations of adrenaline addiction?

2. What are some of the underlying causes of adrenaline addiction?

3. Discuss the role of the adrenal glands in adrenaline addiction.

4. Discuss the symptoms of adrenaline addiction.

5. What are the two practical suggestions given at the end of the lesson for managing adrenaline?

Documents

Behavioral and Process Addictions ARCO 503 Module 4 · Gambling improves mood or helps escape 6. Chasing in order to win back losses with more gambling 7. Lying to minimize the extent