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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 2/2006

01-04-2006

An Insider's Look into the Process of Recovering from Pathological Gambling Disorder: An Existential Phenomenological Inquiry

Authors: Gary Nixon, Jason Solowoniuk

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 2/2006

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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.
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Metadata
Title
An Insider's Look into the Process of Recovering from Pathological Gambling Disorder: An Existential Phenomenological Inquiry
Authors
Gary Nixon
Jason Solowoniuk
Publication date
01-04-2006
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 2/2006
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-006-9012-1

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