An Insider’s Look Into the Process of Recovering From Pathological Gambling Disorder: An Existential Phenomenological Inquiry
Date
2005-11-21
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
eCOMMUNITY: International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction
Abstract
An existential phenomenological method of study was implemented to better understand the recovery process of 11 pathological gamblers. After analysis, seven recovery themes were generated, which brought to light that recovery from pathological gambling may take place over several years and cycle through successive stages. These stages demonstrate and suggest that recovering from pathological gambling is more cyclical and spiral in nature as opposed to being linear, and is reflective of a continuous, ever evolving process. Specifically, recovering from pathological gambling may take place over several years and cycle through stages of heavy gaming, periods of abstinence, relapse, and re-commitment to recovery, with the recovering gambler gradually moving towards stability through embracing the flow of life and a new identity, and over time finding meaning through extending hope to other troubled gamblers.
Description
Copyright © Masood Zangeneh, Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction
Keywords
Compulsive gamblers -- Rehabilitation
Citation
Nixon, G., & Solowoniuk, J. (2005). An insider's look into the process of recovering from pathological gambling disorder: An existential phenomenological inquiry. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 3(2), 26-34.