engleski

Family and gambling addiction – how to overcome the risk of social exclusion?

A growing number of families in Croatia are faced with the problem of gambling addiction. It is estimated that currently in Croatia is about 50, 000 pathological gamblers (about 1% of the population), and 5% of the population has a problem with gambling, while the occasional gambling is present even in 50% of the population (Zoričić, 2007). The problem of pathological gambling leaves devastating effects on the individuals but also on the environment, especially on their families. Families of individuals with pathological gambling in an advanced stage of the disease are often faced with the problem of stigmatization and social isolation, and mostly being left to themselves. The reasons could be seen in several aspects: (1) the lack of support from informal sources (relatives, friends, colleagues) because of experience of persistant asking for money ; (2) the environment's attitude that gambling is not a disease, but a lifestyle, which gives a support to the addictive behavior, but the responsibility for addiction and healing is transferred to the gamblers and their families, (3) the absence of organized professional help to the individuals and families for timely recognition and help in purpose to overcome the problem of pathological gambling. This paper presents the results of qualitative research conducted in-depth interviews with five gambling addicted men and their female partners (four married couples and one cohabiting couple). The aim of the research is (1) to gain insight into the experience of addicts and their wives on the environment reactions towards a problem with gambling addiction they are faced with ; (2) to find out their opinion towards the effectiveness of organized forms of family support in dealing with gambling addiction and what needs to be done to improve the efficiency of prevention and treatment exposed ones to addiction. Participants were 30-50 years old, and all have children aged 1-16 years. All participants have the experience of participation in some form of counseling work. In analyzing data the open coding method was used. Regarding to perception of environment relations towards families with gambling problems results show that the male participants (gamblers) experienced rejection and distance based on environment interactions. Participants from smaller communities experienced environmental acceptance and trust that the gambling addiction is a gamblers’ current weakness that they will prevail. Women perceived that interactions between their family and environment are significantly less frequent and supportive as addiction is more developed. Also, a social network became significantly impoverished. The gamblers also recognized distancing reactions of friends and acquaintances, but most of them are still counting on the support of members of their primary family. Regarding the general society attitude towards the gambling the gamblers reported the perception of indifference of the wider society in order to systematically solve the problem of gambling. Women emphasized that the environment is not informed enough and has a low level of awareness regarding a gambling problem, and express an inadequate response to the gambling situation. Regarding help system efficacy estimation the gamblers expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting the problems of insufficient expertise of experts and a lack of capacity for hospitalization and treatment in isolation (commune). On the other hand, women recognized the benefits of their partner’s involvement in counseling treatment and support groups where they received emotional, practical and spiritual support. Professional work and support given in the institutions and organizations they estimated as praiseworthy, and highly motivated, but not effective enough. With regard to recommendations of gamblers in order to improve the prevention and treatment system of gambling they have expressed an ambivalent attitude towards the restrictive measures. Some of them did not advocate any prohibitions, while others recognized the need to define more strictly rules in this "business". Women emphasized the importance of informing the public through the media about the devastating consequences of this addiction and supported the implementation of prevention programs with young people. They indicated the necessity of investing resources in increasing the availability of therapeutic communities and experts who are specialized in dealing with the treatment of gambling addiction. Also, they advocated stronger enforcement of restrictive measures aimed at greater control, limited access to gambling, higher taxes on the gains, and clear rules in this “business”. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate the risks present in the families of gambling addicts that are related to the experience of abandonment and stigmatization by the environment and to the experience of insufficient interest of society to systematically solve the problem of gambling addiction. The research results also indicate the need for education of the public and the need to develop more efficient models of informal and formal support in purpose to increase possibilities to overcome the risk of social exclusion of this population as well as a transmitting cumulative negative consequence of gambling addiction from generation to generation.

family; gambling addiction; social exclusion

nije evidentirano