The reification of the "pathological" gambler: an analysis of gambling treatment and the application of the medical model to problem gambling.

Problem: Is the medical model used to reify "pathological" gambling?

Methods: A qualitative field study of 12 subjects with the diagnosis "pathological" gambler.

Findings: None of the 12 subjects being treated for "pathological" gambling fit neatly in the category of "pathological" gambler. An examination of the treatment center revealed institutional grounds for the use of this diagnosis.

Conclusions: Rather than a medical diagnosis, "pathological" gambling is a socially constructed phenomenon. Using the medical model serves clients interpersonally and clinicians occupationally.