Alcohol And Gambling Issues

This article by Dr. A. J. Higgins M.D. (New Jersey, USA) tackles two epidemics of 21st Century western culture – gambling and alcohol – and examines them from a Biblical perspective.

Any student of American history quickly recognises the name of Eliot Ness and his “Untouchables”, who enforced prohibition in Chicago during the 1930’s. Alcohol and gambling, both illegal at the time, were viewed as moral evils, responsible for crime, and recognised for their destructive influence on family, society and individuals. The “noble experiment” of prohibition ended, mostly due to the fact that it could not be enforced. Gambling continued for decades as a covert activity, carried on mostly by organised crime and by legalised race tracks.

On the flip side, one pattern that is commonly seen among people with a history of alcohol dependence is the development of a gambling problem—even after being in recovery for many years. 5 Additionally, gamblers may use drugs and alcohol to celebrate a win or to cope with depression after a loss. Someone who struggles with a gambling addiction, for instance, may get intense pleasure from gambling, and suffer from cravings and emotional withdrawal symptoms when they stop gambling. Behavioral addictions can create a range of issues, just as drug and alcohol addiction can, including: Financial strain; Homelessness.

The Link Between Substance Use Addiction and Gambling Addiction One of the most strongly linked addiction combinations is alcohol and gambling, suggesting that those in recovery from an alcohol or drug addiction are at significant risk for becoming addicted to gambling. Gambling addiction and alcoholism is a deadly combination. Gambling Problems are not unique to Las Vegas and it is a real disorder.About 1% of American adults (nearly 3 million people) are pathological gamblers. 1 out of 3 people who have a gambling problem also have problems with alcohol. A gambling addiction or problem is often associated with other behavior or mood disorders. Many problem gamblers also suffer with substance abuse issues, unmanaged ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. To overcome your gambling problems, you’ll also need to address these and any other underlying causes as well.

Legalised gambling became a reality in the 20th century, joining alcohol as a government-sanctioned activity. Gambling and grog – once viewed as vices – now are virtues for nearly every western nation, frequently adding to the coffers of governments. While the initial claims that these tax windfalls would aid worthy causes, no one stopped to debate the basic morality of these activities. Government has adopted the view that it cannot legislate morals. Everyone acknowledges the destructive effects of alcohol, and the addictive nature of both alcohol and gambling. So individuals are cautioned to exercise moderation, and to seek help if they have a “problem”. Everyone rushes off to buy the latest lottery ticket in hopes of a life-changing jackpot, confident that they are always acting in moderation. Documentaries have shown how life-changing a lottery win can be – but not in a positive manner.

Likewise, the acceptability of alcohol has become so normalised that it might well be considered the national drink. What should the Christian’s view on these be?

Alcohol

Many are quick to point out that the Scriptures do not prohibit the use of alcohol. There are those who characterise an abstainer from alcohol as a “weak brother” for whom they are willing to sacrifice their “liberty” to drink, so as not to offend (Rom 14; 1 Cor 8). Of course, there are others who do not even bother to sacrifice this “liberty”. Are we being a bit over-the-top by abstaining from a glass of wine when out for dinner, from popping the cork on a bottle of champagne to celebrate a special occasion, or from enjoying that six-pack after a hard week at work? Is social drinking really all that evil? Is it permissible to enjoy alcohol in moderation?

Much could be written about the medical and social results of alcoholism; the number of traffic fatalities, murders and other crimes linked with alcohol. These, however, are all linked with alcohol in excess, and hardly enter into the issue of social drinking. No one ever engages in social drinking with the intention of becoming an alcoholic – but it does happen!

Our examination of the question begins in the Old Testament. Throughout the Old Testament, it is the excess of wine which is being condemned, and not wine itself. In a culture where water was not always safe, wine was an acceptable drink. There are abundant learned treatises available to you which discuss the different words for wine and strong drink referred to in Scripture and their alcohol content and potential to cause drunkenness. Suffice it to say that in sufficient quantity, all had the desired (or undesirable) effect.

In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus turned water into wine (John 2). This serves as sufficient justification for many to imbibe. We are reminded, also, that the Lord Jesus spoke of not drinking of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God should come, thus implying there would be wine in the coming millennial kingdom.

Against this is the warning of Ephesians 5:18 to “be not drunk with wine”, which is set over against being filled or under the control of the Spirit of God. Those who proclaim their liberty to enjoy social drinking are quick to point out that it is the issue of being drunk which is addressed here and not social drinking. Paul also had to urge Timothy to take “a little wine” for its medicinal value. That he had to urge Timothy might suggest that, either Timothy was very sensitive and scrupulous, or that, the dangers of alcohol being recognised, Timothy chose to avoid any temptation to indulge. Proverbs 23 provides one of the most graphic pictures of drunkenness in literature, as well as an insight into its addictive effects (vs 29-35). Warnings against alcohol and its potential dangers are peppered throughout the wise counsels of Solomon in Proverbs. The Scriptures are fully cognisant of the social, medical, and physical effects of alcohol.

There is also the special case of the man or woman who wanted to please God. Numbers 6 tells of the Nazarite who willingly abstained, not only from alcohol, but from even the grapes, lest the taste of the one lead to a desire for the other. Does this have any relevance to the question we are answering? Is it not teaching that the man or woman who wants to please God will not practice “minimal” Christianity, but will sacrifice and avoid anything which might affect usefulness for God?

What conclusions can we draw from this seeming divergence of example and counsel? Is, then, social drinking a liberty which believers can enjoy? Are those who avoid alcohol among the weak and overly-scrupulous? How can you avoid the availability and temptation of social drinking when every business meeting, every non-Christian wedding or special event to which you are invited, and every interaction at a social function is lubricated with alcohol? It is ubiquitous and unavoidable in our society today.

“First mentions” in Scripture are incredibly insightful. The first mention of wine is, tragically, in Genesis 8 and linked with Noah. Few would question Noah’s spirituality and moral strength. He had stood for centuries as a witness to the living God. He had proved faithful amidst an entire world which had departed from God, “eating and drinking” (Luke 17:26-27). After the flood, he planted a vineyard and became drunk. If nothing else, the Spirit of God is sending out a warning at the very outset of human history concerning the dangers of alcohol. It is significant that there was, linked with his drunkenness, a loosening of moral restraints; alcohol and immorality frequently travel together.

The wine which was drunk in Old Testament times was a very diluted wine mixed with water. Its alcohol content was likely 0.5% as compared to the wines available today which are 10-15%. Alcohol sold today is the result of distillation, a process which greatly increases the alcohol content of whiskey and other drinks. This process was not well known nor used until the 12th or 13th century. So it was obviously not known to the Hebrews of 1,000BC. What the Hebrews drank bears no resemblance to modern day wine and alcohol.

Water was mixed with wine, probably two parts water to one part wine, to make the water safer to drink. Today, we have abundant safe options for fluids, and do not need wine to make our beverages safe. The “moderation only” argument, however, reminds us that we can overeat and become gluttons just as easily as we can over-drink and become drunk. This shows that we need moderation in all areas of life. Of course, what is not emphasised is that you need food to live; you do not need alcohol to live.

This is not an appeal for us to resurrect the American Temperance Union or the Anti-saloon League of the 19th century. It is a reminder of the danger inherent in social drinking. Paul exhorted the believers in Romans 13 to “make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (v14). In other words, “Don’t play with fire!” Social drinking carries with it the risk of going beyond the first drink. There are individuals who are genetically and biochemically prone to addiction. In a sense, they cannot avoid addiction if they begin drinking. The only choice that is theirs is to avoid the first drink.

Alcohol And Gambling Issues Against

Along with the reminder to avoid providing for our flesh, we are exhorted to holiness of life (1 Peter 1:15; 2 Cor 7:1). Does the practice of social drinking tend toward holiness?

There is also the danger of the example being set for other believers. There are believers among us who have been saved out of a life of alcoholism. The principle of 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14 is that I must always consider the example I am setting for others, and the potential damage I can do to another believer. The social drinking of one believer may be the open door for another believer to return to alcoholism.

It may be awkward drinking your Pepsi or your orange juice at the business meeting when others are guzzling down their wine or martinis. You may feel as though everyone is looking at you when you do not drink the champagne at your relative’s wedding reception. It would be much easier to conform to society’s behaviour and to fit in with them. Romans 12:1-2 would have some bearing on that attitude. Is my desire to be as much like my neighbour as I can be, without crossing some imaginary line I have established in my mind, or is it being as different as the Word of God bids me be?

I cannot use the diluted wine of Biblical times to justify my social drinking. I cannot appeal to my “liberty” as the basis for drinking. Liberty is the freedom to do the will of God, not to fulfil my own desires. I am confronted with the question of which is more pleasing to God – being like society, or seeking to live a life which avoids not only sin, but every provision for sin.

Gambling

Most would think that the issue of gambling hardly needs to be addressed among believers. But modern media, office lotteries, online gambling and “innocent” betting pools can become snares for some. How do you respond when they sell raffle tickets at work or in the neighbourhood to help cover the medical expenses of someone’s daughter with leukaemia? How do you handle sweepstakes tickets for which you pay nothing but merely answer a question or two? What of the new craze of Fantasy Sports League gambling?

The basic appeal in every form of gambling is an appeal to covetousness. There is little question that covetousness in every form is condemned in Scripture. Along with its place as the last of the commandments in Exodus 20, Romans 13:9 repeats the warning in the New Testament. It is not to be “once named” among the believers (Eph 5:3) and is equated to idolatry (Col 3:5). Numerous New Testament Scriptures can be cited with which the reader is already familiar.

Couple that with the fact that the first sin which plagued Israel on entering the land was the covetousness of Achan (Josh 7); and the first act of discipline in the newly formed assembly in Jerusalem involved the covetousness of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5). While covetousness can embrace far more than money, as seen in what it is linked to in the mention in Exodus 20, the appeal to greed and materialism is certainly a major problem in our western world.

We are not addressing issues such as awards, bonuses, and financial incentives to bank with this financial firm or another. What is being addressed is the issue of gambling for gain which is motivated by covetousness. Its evil can be traced in many different ways.

Is it ethical to use another’s money to try and gain riches, understanding that it is far more likely that I will lose what is another’s? All that we have is really another’s and not ours (Luke 16:12). If, as I profess, all that I am and have belong to the Lord Jesus, how can I take what is His and risk losing it with a view to profiting myself? Some, without a blush, claim to do so in order that they might have more to give to the Lord. But God is not so impoverished that He requires me to increase His wealth by gambling His money.

Also, for every individual who wins at gambling, many people must lose. Winnings are only possible if enough people lose their money in return. The gambling industry exists to make a profit. Common sense says that so many people must lose money, that the industry gains money as well as the winner of the lottery or bet. Thus, gambling “enables” thousands, and at times millions, of people to lose money; some lose heavily and many lose repeatedly.

Gambling is also an addiction which enslaves many people. The craving to win, the urge to try, just one more time, to reach the impossible dream which keeps replaying in their minds – all of these impel the gambling addict to continue the self-destructive behaviour. Tragically, this behaviour can also destroy families, careers, and lives.

When we look at the cross, we not only see One Who gave everything for others, we witness soldiers at the foot of the cross gambling. Someone hit the “jackpot” that day and went home with a seamless robe! It was not a big lottery win, but it was gambling.

How then do you respond to the less blatant and more appealing forms of gambling? How do you respond when it is a lottery in the office to benefit a sick fellow-worker; when it is a contest in town to help pay for medical bills of a neighbour? You certainly would not want to appear callous and indifferent to needs and suffering!

The solution in these cases is quite simple: you give the required amount and do not take the lottery ticket or chance. You have contributed your money and done so with a far more altruistic motivation. But all other forms in which the temptation to gamble presents itself to you require no wisdom or finesse. We do not covet and thus do not gamble.

Why have we cooperated with society in its shifting mental attitude toward what were once conceived of as vices? Is it our tendency to want to fit in, and not appear judgmental? God’s standards never change; society’s standards do.

(Used with permission from Truth and Tidings magazine)

PsychMed's Dr Jane Oakes recently joined our peer support forums for a special Q&A event on the relationship between alcohol use and gambling behaviours. Jane has extensive experience treating people experiencing gambling-related issues and addictions including drugs and alcohols. She has published articles and given invited presentations and workshops in this area both nationally and internationally. Many of our members feel that alcohol is a major trigger for them, so they took the opportunity to ask lots of helpful questions.

Answers have been prepared by Dr Jane Oakes, supported by Dr Quentin Black and assisted by Rachel Aves.

Check out her answers below:

I wonder if there is anything that you recommend for people looking to stop or cut down their gambling and their drinking at the same time?

I would firstly like to acknowledge the strength of people beginning the pathway to recovery. Just reading this section is a start to regaining control of your life.
An essential factor for recovery is support from those around you, including professionals with experience of helping people with gambling issues. When people stop gambling and drinking alcohol, they often experience a wide range of emotions, so reaching out for support at this time is essential. Just having someone to talk to about how you're feeling can help.
Furthermore, if you’re just beginning to question if gambling may be affecting you or a loved one, reaching out for support is essential, even though it may be daunting. Please do not let this stop you from reaching out. People who take this first step towards recovery admit once they reached out for help, they feel relief.
It is also important to have the correct information about issues related to gambling and alcohol. This information empowers people with essential tools and strategies to help someone or themselves.
I will discuss some other strategies in my answers to the questions below.

Could you discuss the biological association between alcohol and gambling?

It is common for people who are experiencing gambling-related problems to also have issues related to alcohol.
Alcohol and gambling have similar biological processes in common, including:

• strong urges
• overwhelming and intrusive thoughts
• impulsivity and loss of control, and
• feelings of irritability and agitation when you can’t drink or gamble.

It’s therefore not surprising that both behaviours involve the same biological mechanism where the ventral tegmentum releases the brain chemical Dopamine, which forms part of the brain's reward system. When people drink or gamble, the reward system is flooded with Dopamine, which makes the person feel good.

Dopamine is designed to make us feel good and reward positive and pro-social activities that are life sustaining so we repeat them. For example, engaging in activities such as procreating, eating healthy food, and drinking water. However, other activities like, eating a sweet dessert, listening to music, and exercising also release Dopamine.
When people engage in gambling and drinking alcohol, this also stimulates the Dopamine pathway but causes a surge of Dopamine. Over time this excessive release of Dopamine leads to cravings and a motivation to continue to gamble and drink alcohol. This creates and maintains gambling and alcohol problems because the urge to engage in these behaviours and feel the rush of Dopamine becomes overwhelming and difficult to resist.
Additionally, recent UK medical neuroimaging research has shown that alcohol and gambling behaviours light up the same regions of the brain called the Nucleus Accumbance. This region is involved in the reward centre, where emotions are processed.
With the correct psychological interventions these processes can be adjusted through the use of cognitive and behavioural techniques that can assist in reprogramming our thinking and eliminating urges.
If you are experiencing gamble-related issues, specialised treatment programs can be beneficial as they use best practice techniques that can help you to eliminate this behavioural response and regain control of your life.

How does alcohol hinder the road to gambling recovery? How hard is it to quit one without quitting the other?

Alcohol can exacerbate gambling problems by impacting on the gambler's ability to think clearly about their financial decisions and exercise their better judgement when gambling. The gambler becomes more disinhibited with poor impulse control when drinking alcohol and may gamble more than they were
initially prepared to bet.
Excessive use of alcohol further impairs the capacity for sound decision-making by damaging the parts of our brain responsible for reasoning and self-control, the frontal and prefrontal lobes. This allows the mesolimbic system, which is associated with primitive and instinctive urges, to operate without constraint. The result can be impulsive choices and behaviours, such as uncontrolled gambling and other pleasure-seeking behaviours.
It is at this time that the gambler is least likely to stop gambling once they have started until all their available money is spent. Realising they have spent more than intended often causes gamblers significant distress and they may be drawn to drink more alcohol in an attempt to escape this negative emotional distress.
Some of the feelings of shame and regret associated with these gambling harms will help fuel alcohol use.

How much of a cumulative risk does alcohol play when paired with problem gambling (mental health, relationships, the extent of gambling, recovery)?

Alcohol is strongly associated with impulsivity and increased acts of violence during use. Alcohol withdrawal and use is also strongly associated with irritability and has a corrosive effect on interpersonal relationships.
People with gambling-related problems have more significant physical and mental health problems than non‐problem gamblers. For example, they are more likely to have issues with alcohol and severe mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Gambling and alcohol can provide some people experiencing these emotions a temporary escape, but this escape leads to more problems. Without professional support to deal with these mental health issues, recovery from gambling and alcohol can be affected, as people will turn to these behaviours as a way to cope.

Given that increased distress is correlated to continued gambling, how can loved ones support a problem gambler who refuses to seek outside help?

It is normal to find it frustrating and upsetting to help someone struggling with a gambling issue, especially when they refuse to seek help. Often when loved ones or close friends are caught in a cycle of dependency, it is reasonable to feel the need to be responsible for helping them. People in this position often feel helpless and powerless.
It is difficult to know how best to support those struggling with gambling, which is why it is crucial to seek support and sound advice. Talking to qualified, trained health professionals can help guide how best to assist the person in need of support without inadvertently facilitating the behaviour.
In these circumstances, when you may feel powerless to help just being available to listen and offer support is essential. At the same time, it is important to seek assistance for your own mental health if you are struggling, feeling distressed, or overwhelmed.

What surprised me was how my husband could hide his alcohol and gambling addiction in plain sight of me. We have since separated, and in hindsight, I can see clearly all the signs. Why do you think, as a partner that I was blinded to this for so long?

This is not an uncommon story. In our closest relationships we often do not want to so see the negative signs, and we naturally want to defend, make excuses, justify, and rationalise the behaviours we do not agree with or understand. It’s also a natural tendency for us to want to explain away and defend our partners, children, or even work colleagues’ behaviours.
Sometimes when support is offered we can respond negatively, leaving the significant other to be afraid to challenge or doubt their own observations.

Drinking And Gambling Issues

One of the reasons we try to forgive and tolerate is that these values are an integral part of relationships and bad choices and behaviours result from dependence, poor decisions, and bad actions.
Remember that these bad choices and dependent behaviours do not mean the person is bad. We often want to be tolerant and offer forgiveness and support, as these are the good parts of a relationship. However, it is essential to remember that ultimately, we must not forget the person with the dependence needs to take personal responsibility for change.
It can take time for the person with the gambling or alcohol issue to develop insight that they have a problem and begin to take personal responsibility for seeking and engaging in help. For some, the continuing cycle of lapse and relapse becomes overwhelming for the significant other, and they come to the point where they need to consider their own mental and capacity to continue supporting the person.

It was difficult for me to come to terms with my blindness as I am one who values truth and honesty. Do you think perhaps I tricked my mind into believing everything was okay?

People sometimes say they feel that they should have noticed a problem sooner. However, remember that the person gambling may have gone to great lengths to hide it from you. This is usually because the person with a gambling problem is trying desperately to win back the money they have lost. They become caught in a vicious cycle of trying to win the money back and once started, this cycle can be hard to break without professional help. Thoughts of winning back the money lost to pay off all debts can fuel an overwhelming desire or urge to gamble. This urge becomes difficult to resist and if money is available it can become impossible for some to stop the cycle.
You may see the signs of someone caught in this cycle, as their moods may fluctuate rapidly from extreme agitation to gambling to depression after the money is lost. At this time, the gambler may be faced with the consequences of their gambling. This can become too painful to tolerate so gambling becomes a focus in an attempt to win back the money and make everything okay. However, this rarely happens and the cycle is repeated. It is at this time the gambler often admits that money loses its value. Therefore, it is important that you ensure your finances are safe. Check out some measures you can take to protect your finances and assets:

• Talking to a financial counsellor on 1800 007 007 they are open Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Self-Care is Important

When supporting someone it is important that you take time out for yourself. Therefore, if you suspect someone close to you is having an issue with gambling, I encourage you to seek some support for yourself. Just having someone to listen to your concerns will help reduce your distress and provide you with some skills about how best to help the person you are worried about.
There are some great tips on this website to get you started.

Alcohol And Gambling Issues Addiction

Reaching Out for Support

You can call the Gambling Help counsellors today, it’s free, confidential and available 24/7 if you would like to have a chat or be referred to a gambling counsellor. Each state provides free and confidential support for people who are concerned about someone’s gambling. Call 1800 858 858.
Sometimes people act out of character when caught in the vicious cycle of gambling. If you need to talk to someone about domestic violence, family violence or sexual assault call the 1800 RESPECT LINE - 1800 737 732.
Thank you so much for your time and fantastic answer Dr Jane & the PsychMed team! We are all so grateful.
Share your thoughts below.
Take care!

About PsychMed

Alcohol And Gambling Issues Since

PsychMed provides a free and confidential program in South Australia for people experiencing gambling-related issues. This program has shown success in helping individuals struggling with gambling to regain control of their lives. If you or someone close to you is in need of some help we encourage you to call and speak to one of our friendly team members who will assist. Please call PsychMed on08 8232 2424.

If you'd like to talk to someone about your alcohol use, contact the Australian Drug Information Service in your state.

The Gambling Help Online forums are a place for anyone affected by problems relating to gambling, including those with lived experience, friends and family. Share your experience and strategies, connect, be inspired, and motivate others. The forums are safe, confidental, professionally moderated and free of judgment. Join the discussion today.