There are 50 thousand pathological gamblers in Croatia and another hundred thousand that have various problems related to gambling.

According to the Head of the Addictions Department of Psychiatric Hospital in Vrapce, Ante Bagaric, addiction to gambling has been referred to as pathological gambling disorder since the 1980.

Addiction to dice does not usually come alone, so most gamblers have some additional disorders. Half of the gamblers are addicted to alcohol, 70 percent have depressive disorders, a third of them suffer from various anxiety disorders, like fear, nervousness, tension, and the like.

20 to 30 percent of pathological gamblers tried to commit suicide and international research suggests that 80 percent of them resort to criminal offenses in an attempt to earn money for gambling, said Dr. Bagaric.

Although not restricted to any social class, it seems that casino employees are most likely to develop this disorder.

However, Dr. Bagaric adds, that his help was sought by university professors, managers and CEO’s, as well as individuals with the lowest incomes.

One of the most cases bizarre case that he worked on was a case of a man who gambled away family savings, a house and two cars. Then he borrowed 50 thousand euros that he immediately gambled away.

Young people are at increased risk

Unfortunately, the world of psychiatric practice is full of cases like this and psychiatrists, as well as social services, are constantly trying to find a solution for them, said Dr. Bagaric.

He adds that ‘dice’ is particularly appealing to young people. They gamble in high school, elementary school, and according to Dr Bagartic, online gambling is a particularly problematic.

Pathological gambling disorder does not have a cure in psychopharmacology, said Dr. Bagaric.

Addictions Department of Psychiatric Hospitals in Vrapce admits around hundred pathological gamblers every year and their treatment consists of non-departmental treatment, such as psychotherapy and programs of social therapy. Although the program lasts for about a year, many patients cannot endure this and return to gambling one third into the program.

Society will feel the real consequences of gambling in the coming years and we must be ready to respond to new challenges, said Dr. Ante Bagaric.