Problem Gambling Addiction

When people are asked what they enjoy most about being a gambler, several answers may come up, but there is one that is most likely to be selected: the thrill of the gamble. In a way gambling is like gambling: you try something risky, you may perhaps not win, but when you do win, there is a great sense of satisfaction. The main difference between the two is that in the latter, there is the obvious danger of losing all that you put into the bet, but it’s not because you lost, it’s because you took a risk. With gambling, the risk factor is removed because the outcome is not unpredictable, so when you gamble, you need not be afraid of losing anything. There is no prize without risk, the same goes for any other form of gambling.

One of the possible side-effects of gambling addiction is compulsive and repeated gambling behavior. Many people who gamble tend to have a greater tendency to take risks when their bankroll is low, and thus start to form the habit of placing bets which may not be successful. When people with gambling addictions are forced to walk away from the table, they will often do it in a worse way than before, since they now see that their money is now at stake. These people are prone to acquiring several addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, among others.

Another symptom of gambling addiction is the inability to stop gambling even when certain expenses require attention such as paying credit card bills. Many gamblers are also prone to acquiring addictions to lottery tickets, and other forms of lotteries. Because gambling is considered to be “free”, there is no monetary limit as to how much you can bet. This means that people who have a lot of money at stake, for instance, will often play a number higher than their financial means, which may cause them to lose their lives to a gambling debt. The problem with lotteries is that once you win the jackpot, which can be hundreds of thousands of dollars, you have to immediately pay for the drawn ticket, leaving you with just a fraction of what was won.

People who have gambling problems may also have problems with compulsive behaviors related to gambling. For example, gamblers who bet large amounts of money on horse races and/or dog races may find themselves developing psychological addictions to racing because of their intense feelings of euphoria after winning. Other gambling addicts may develop compulsive behaviors that include counting cards, keeping tabulations of every single bet they make, or repeatedly checking to make sure that no one has bet more than they have. In gambling addicts, losing a huge amount of money can leave the person feeling out of control with their emotions. Since gambling addicts feel they cannot control their negative thoughts, gambling activities must be avoided at all costs.

The symptoms of gambling addiction can often go unnoticed by the person suffering from it, making the problem of gambling even bigger. It is very common for many people to gamble to excess and then come to realize that their behavior is becoming out of control. Once an individual is identified with a gambling addiction, treatment should be sought as soon as possible to ensure the person gets the help he or she needs. Gamblers who are unable to seek treatment for their problem are in danger of ruining their financial future and losing their families as well.

Fortunately, there are many resources available to help those who suffer from problem gambling addictions. Gambling addictions are treatable and there are various rehabilitation and recovery programs available. Gamblers who suffer from addiction can find help at their local hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, and addiction treatment centers. Gamblers should seek treatment for their gambling addiction today.