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Compulsive gambling and the medical model

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Abstract

The medical model as a conceptual and operative approach to compulsive gambling is discussed. The terms “medical model” and “disease” are defined and the practical implications of their application to compulsive gambling are explored. Special attention is given to the “addictive disease” concept. Finally, a variety of objections to the medical model are described, but it is concluded that the many individual and social advantages of the medical model make it the preferred conceptualization at our present state of knowledge.

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Blume, S.B. Compulsive gambling and the medical model. J Gambling Stud 3, 237–247 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01019883

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