Gambling Addiction
Gambling Addiction
A High Incidence of Suicide “Any betting or wagering, for self or others, whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where the outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or 'skill' constitutes gambling.”...Gamblers Anonymous
Slot machines, black jack, lotto, the pool table, horse racing, and going to casinos are for the majority of individuals a harmless, stress relieving activity. For some, though, this fun casual activity can become an illness which can destroy both the individual and all those around him. As time goes by, the fun player becomes an addict, waging bigger and risking more money for the thrill of it.
Gambling addiction is a progressive illness, which initially starts out as a frivolous action and ends up being destructive to both the gambler, their family, friends and employer.
The main characteristics of gambling addiction are loss of control and denial. Compulsive gamblers also tend to take larger and bigger risks as their disease progresses.
Slot machines, black jack, lotto, the pool table, horse racing, and going to casinos are for the majority of individuals a harmless, stress relieving activity. For some, though, this fun casual activity can become an illness which can destroy both the individual and all those around him. As time goes by, the fun player becomes an addict, waging bigger and risking more money for the thrill of it.
Gambling addiction is a progressive illness, which initially starts out as a frivolous action and ends up being destructive to both the gambler, their family, friends and employer.
The main characteristics of gambling addiction are loss of control and denial. Compulsive gamblers also tend to take larger and bigger risks as their disease progresses.
Compulsive Gambling
Three moods typify the compulsive gambler when gambling: severe stress when losing, euphoria when winning and anxiety in between.
As the addiction progresses, the individual may not be able to work and it is at this time that the gambler may resort to crime to obtain money. It is not uncommon for the gambler to borrow large sums of money from friends and family and never repay them.
As the addiction progresses, the individual may not be able to work and it is at this time that the gambler may resort to crime to obtain money. It is not uncommon for the gambler to borrow large sums of money from friends and family and never repay them.
PROGRESS OF GAMBLING ADDICTION
It usually starts at an early age, generally in the early 20s for males and late 30-40s for females. The initial thrill and glamour seems to captivate some individuals.
The early or winning phase is similar to the learning phase of a drug addict where the high is fun and the consequences minimal or nonexistent. As the disease progresses, there is a marked narrowing of interests as gambling and obtaining the money to gamble become fulltime jobs.
However, most people become gamblers after a big win. This is followed by an unrealistic certainty of more big wins. Gambling addicts then begin gambling by themselves and until they have nothing left. With time, larger and higher risk bets are made and the desire to win back the losses intensifies. This is accompanied by periods of emotional highs and lows.
The early or winning phase is similar to the learning phase of a drug addict where the high is fun and the consequences minimal or nonexistent. As the disease progresses, there is a marked narrowing of interests as gambling and obtaining the money to gamble become fulltime jobs.
However, most people become gamblers after a big win. This is followed by an unrealistic certainty of more big wins. Gambling addicts then begin gambling by themselves and until they have nothing left. With time, larger and higher risk bets are made and the desire to win back the losses intensifies. This is accompanied by periods of emotional highs and lows.
PSYCHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE GAMBLING ADDICT
Depression and anxiety are the two main psychological features of gaming addiction. With this comes a worsening and general disregard for personal health. Mood swings are common and the individual becomes isolated, irritable, restless, discontent and pre-occupied.
Addicted gamblers have the highest incidence of suicide of all the addictions.
If you or someone you care about possibly have a problem take the Gambling Addiction TEST on this web site to find out more.
Addicted gamblers have the highest incidence of suicide of all the addictions.
If you or someone you care about possibly have a problem take the Gambling Addiction TEST on this web site to find out more.