THE REIFICATION OF THE PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLER - AN ANALYSIS OF GAMBLINGTREATMENT AND THE APPLICATION OF THE MEDICAL MODEL TO PROBLEM GAMBLING

PROBLEM. Is the medical model used to verify ''patho-logical'' gamblin g? METHODS. A quantitive field study of 12 subjects with the diagnosis ''pathological'' gambler. FINDINGS. None of the 12 subjects being tre ated for ''pathological'' gambling fit neatly in the category of ''pat hological'' gambler. An examination of the treatment center revealed i nstitutional grounds for the use of this diagnosis.CONCLUSIONS. Rather than a medical diagnosis, ''pathological'' gambling is a socially con structed phenomenon. Using the medical model serves clients interperso nally and clinicians occupationally.