2. Family Dynamics Around Gambling and Sexual Addictions
Dr. Linda Itson
DMIN, MALLPC, CAADC
Catholic Charities
Flint, MI

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Definition of a Family Today’s definition of family.
What is a nuclear/extended family?
What is a Family systems?

6. Addiction
What is an addiction?
How does it affect the family system?

7. Sexual Addiction
What is sexual addiction?
How is the family affected?

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. Consequences of Sex Addiction
Financial problems
Health problems
Social problems
Emotional/depression problems
Shame and Guilt
Anxiety
Family problems

12. What Causes Sex Addiction?
Rejection
Social isolation
Social learning
Dysfunctional family structure
Biological
Psychological

13. Treatment of Sex Addiction
Individual therapy
Group therapy
12 step recovery
Inpatient therapy

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Co-Dependency What is co-dependency?
Characteristics found in unhealthy family systems defines co-dependency.
What is the difference between co- dependency and enabling?

17. Intervention Strategies
Assessment approach
Intervention
Follow up

18. Treatment/Recovery
Change process
Health and wellness
Lifestyle change

19. Family Support Education Family needs and structure
Recovery for self and family

20. 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
Gambling Addiction Symptoms, Causes and Treatment (2016). Retrieved from http//
National Council on Problem Gambling (2013).

21. Questions/Comments