Family Dynamics Around Gambling and Sexual Addictions Dr. Linda Itson DMIN, MALLPC, CAADC Catholic Charities Flint, MI
Course Objectives Participants will learn to identify signs of sexual and gambling addictions. Participants will gain knowledge regarding addictions. Identify resources available in the community.
Ground Rules Turn off all cell phones or put on vibrate. Participate at your own level. Please be respectful to others. Please don’t judge others. One person speaking at a time. Agree to respect the confidentiality of others. Questions are welcomed at any time.
Definition of a Family Today’s definition of family. What is a nuclear/extended family? What is a Family systems?
Addiction What is an addiction? How does it affect the family system?
Sexual Addiction What is sexual addiction? How is the family affected?
What is Gambling Addiction? According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, “All gambling behavior that comprise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits….In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career, and family, or even suicide.” (1)
Signs of Sex Addiction Signs of sex addiction are not easy to see at first because the addiction tends to progress rapidly going from small discrete actions to major noticeable behaviors. Some noticeable signs are: Compulsive masturbation Extra marital affairs Multiple one night stands
Signs of Sex Addiction (cont’d) Voyeurism or watching others have sex Rape Molestation Prostitution Cyber sex either on the phone or online Chat rooms Failing marriages
Consequences of Sex Addiction Financial problems Health problems Social problems Emotional/depression problems Shame and Guilt Anxiety Family problems
What Causes Sex Addiction? Rejection Social isolation Social learning Dysfunctional family structure Biological Psychological
Treatment of Sex Addiction Individual therapy Group therapy 12 step recovery Inpatient therapy
Signs of Gambling Addiction Obsession with any type of gambling, casino, horse racing, numbers, etc. Failing to control gambling. Missing work to gamble. Selling possessions to gamble. Taking bigger and bigger risk to gamble. Stealing to gamble. Lying about money spent to gamble.
Signs of Gambling Addiction (cont’d) Signs of gambling addiction is sometimes referred to as a “hidden illness” because there are no physical signs. You may have a problem if you: Feel the need to be secretive. Have trouble controlling your gambling. Gamble even if you don’t have the money. Have family and friends worried about you. Hide money to use for gambling.
Co-Dependency What is co-dependency? Characteristics found in unhealthy family systems defines co-dependency. What is the difference between co- dependency and enabling?
Intervention Strategies Assessment approach Intervention Follow up
Treatment/Recovery Change process Health and wellness Lifestyle change
Family Support Education Family needs and structure Recovery for self and family
References Hughes, Jaclyn (2015) 10 Signs of Addiction. CASA Columbia (2012) Addiction Medicare. Closing the Gap Between Science and Practice. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (2011). Retrieved from www.samahsa.gov/newsroom. Gambling Addiction Symptoms, Causes and Treatment (2016). Retrieved from http//www.healthline.com/health/addictions/gambling. National Council on Problem Gambling (2013).
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