Topical issues of Gamblers in Kazahstan

Game loop

In the behavior of patients gamers isolated phases that make up the so-called “game loop” (Зайцев & Шайдулина, 2003):

• Phase abstinence is characterized by abstinence from the game due to lack of money, pressure micro social environment, depression caused by the failure of the next game.
• Phase “automatic fantasies” when frequent spontaneous fantasies about the game. Gamblers lost in his imagination a state of excitement and anticipation of winning, displaces episodes losses. Fantasies arise spontaneously or under the influence of indirect incentives.
• Phase slew of emotional stress. Depending on the individual characteristics there is melancholy, depressed mood or marked irritability, anxiety. Sometimes the mood is accompanied by increased fantasies about the game. In some cases, it is perceived by the patient as meaningless and even directed away from the game and replaced by an increase in sexual desire, intellectual exertion.
• Phase decision to play. The solution comes in two ways. The first of these is that the patient is under the influence of imagination in “telegraphic style” plans a way to realize their desires. It is “very likely to win”, according to Gamblers, one play behavior and characteristic of the transition of the first stage of the disease in the second. Another option – the decision to play the game comes immediately after the episode. It is based on an irrational belief in the need to win. This mechanism is characteristic for the second and third stages of the disease.
• Phase displacement of the decision. The intensity of conscious patients desire to play is reduced and there is “illusion of control” over their behavior. At this time, can improve the economic and social status of gamblers. The combination of these conditions leads to the fact that the patient is aware of the risks is to meet the circumstances provoking game breakdown (large amount of money on hand, alcohol intake, an attempt to play to stay, and etc.).
• Phase implementation of the decision. It is characterized by a pronounced emotional arousal and intense fantasies about the upcoming game. Most Gamblers describe this state as “trans”, “become like a zombie”. Despite the fact that in the mind of the patient still having constructive opposition, they immediately swept aside irrational thinking. The player is dominated by misconceptions about the ability to control themselves. The game does not stop until I can not play all the money. Then begins the phase of abstinence and starts a new cycle.

Why is it so hard to get rid of most Gamblers?
Any game always brings pleasure. Excitement, a powerful adrenaline rush while you play so stimulates the brain, that he gets used to this powerful stimulation in strength comparable to an orgasm that other mundane pleasures (socializing with friends, love, sex) are no longer interested in the patient’s gambling (Gamblers) and remains just a game.
Patient gambling (Gamblers) all the time walking in circles, which he can not break. In this case, it may not even be aware of the need for treatment for gambling (Gamblers). Of particular importance is the peculiar state “enchantment”, or the state of self-hypnosis, trance, which occurs in the patient’s failure to gambling on the eve of the game. During this period, the patient can not control gambling themselves and their desires. Gradually leave desires, emotions, love for family and a man turns into a robot.

Treatment of gambling addiction

Gamblers need for treatment is due, at least three reasons:

• Serious financial problems and family breakdown patients Gamblers.
• The prevalence of illegal actions – up to 60% of patients Gamblers commit crimes.
• High risk of suicide – from 13 to 40% of patients Gamblers attempt suicide, have 32-70% marked suicidal thoughts.

The first stage of diagnosis treatment – reasons for the formation of gambling addiction, as well as the possible exception of painful disorders, particularly depression. In case of detection of latent depression, if necessary, being held by her medication.
The second stage of treatment (psychotherapy) gambling addiction is psychological correction, which is carried out individually and in special training groups. Psychological assistance aimed at improving relationships with loved ones, learning self-control and ability to cope with difficulties, education willpower, self-esteem, the formation of new vital interests.
Task of psychotherapy for Gamblers:

• Return patient gambling from the “trance of the game” in reality.
• Return patient gambling to the previous values ​​in life (family, love, friends).
• Education patient gambling ability to govern themselves (their feelings, thoughts) and resisting the urge to play.

Compulsive gambling affects family relationships, so during addiction treatment is carried out in parallel and psychotherapeutic assistance to relatives of patients with gambling.
According to the PCG on PVC “Center for medical and social rehabilitation” – the organization of health care, and prevention work and to provide specialized medical care, as well as medical and social rehabilitation of patients who use the harmful effects of alcohol and (or) other surfactants and dependent on alcohol and (or) other surfactants.
Gambling industry – one of the most profitable and can generate a lot of revenue to the treasury. But despite this, the government of many countries, putting the health of society in the first place, limiting their activities.
Russian State Duma adopted the law “On State Regulation of the organization and conduct of gambling”. According to the document, from July 1, 2009 casinos and slot machines moved beyond the major cities, and the rest of the Russian gambling is prohibited.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree imposed a tax on gambling activities. Casino owners in Minsk, having up to 10 gaming tables, a monthly pay of 3.5 thousand euros, while owners of more than 10 tables – 4 th. euros. Tax on slot machine is 100 euros, cash sweepstakes – 1.5 thousand euros, cash bookmaker – 200 euros.
In Tbilisi, the tax for the operators of gambling increased threefold. In Uzbekistan, casinos are banned by President Islam Karimov. Azerbaijan and Tajikistan gambling is prohibited.
Kazakhstan adopted a law “On gambling business”, according to which from 1 April 2007 the casino and slot machine halls can accommodate only two cities – Kapshagai (south-east) and Shushinsk (north of the country).

Preventive measures

A serious social reflection of gambling dependency requires specialized professional intervention. Preventive measures have significant meaning and have to be practiced in educational institutions surrounding. Practicing pedagogical interaction and humanization of education can constitute trustful environment of positive dialogue. Scholastic surrounding stimulates development process of kids and teenagers and establishes moral culture as a sole social pedagogical system. Preventive measures practiced in scholastic surrounding limits behaviors caused by asocial type of character. When applied to a child these measures form a certain psychological attitude towards antisocial behaviors including dependencies. Individual participation of each child is ensured by implementing pedagogical interaction, traditions, celebrations, rituals etc. in school. Such traditional methods as conversation, informing on the harmful consequences of risky behaviors, are complemented by new practices child personality-oriented – raising self-esteem, forming confident behavior, problem solving, self-control stimulation. Teamwork, cooperation, tolerance, feedback have to be encouraged and rewarded. Educational work in scholastic institution is related to special events, informative newsletters about bad habits, expanding the range of influence as “single educational space” where all participants show proactive attitude – teacher, class teacher, school’s management team, group and class (Smantser, Rangelova, 2011). The role of the school as an institution for education, training and cooperation is becoming more significant in the meaning of introducing children to beliefs, values and dialogue that leads to resistance to negative environmental influences.

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