Cessation of High Frequency Gambling and 'Withdrawal' Symptoms

Summary A retrospective survey of high frequency gamblers (members of Gamblers Anonymous) suggested that, on ceasing to bet, some 30–40 per cent reported significant disturbance of mood and/or behaviour. The content and frequency of these reported disturbances were similar to those reported by high frequency alcohol drinkers on cessation of drinking and it was suggested that in the context of a study of alcohol and related problems they would be labelled ‘withdrawal’ symptoms. Greater disturbance reported by individual gamblers was associated with aspects of previous gambling such as, betting just at the ‘off, or when a favourable price was quoted, being ‘extremely excited’ while listening to a race, exhibiting more than one behaviour out of the following, pacing around, fidgeting, shouting out, and ‘often’ changing his selection at the last moment. The level of disturbance was also associated with the difficulty experienced in suddenly trying to stop betting. The implications of these tentative findings were briefly explored in relation to the concept of addiction.