Compulsive gambling is a progressive behavior disorder in which an individual has an uncontrollable preoccupation and urge to gamble, emotional dependence on gambling, and loss of control. Compulsive gambling is considered a form of addiction. Compulsive gambling is a chronic condition: relapse after treatment is a real risk.

Gambling

Gambling is any time you bet money or place something of value at risk in hopes of winning something of greater value. Gambling becomes a problem anytime it negatively affects any aspect of your life. Gambling debts may compromise one’s financial stability, cause problems with family and work, and prompt some individuals to engage in illegal activities, including espionage, as a means of covering their losses. Gambling can indeed become a life-threatening disease.

Money

Do I need to bet with money in order for it to be considered gambling. While most people gamble with money, others bet with things they own, such as CDs, jewelry, clothing or something else. It’s not the amount of money or value of the item that you risk losing that determines whether you’re gambling. People who gamble risk losing more than money or the things they own or value. They may betray the trust of loved ones by concocting outrageous lies as to where lost money has gone.

Anonymous

Treatment options include individual and group psychotherapy, and self-help support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. Gamblers Anonymous follows the same pattern as Alcoholics Anonymous, including the same 12-step treatment program. The Gamblers Anonymous concept is that compulsive gamblers are really very sick people who can recover if they will follow to the best of their ability a simple program that has proved successful for thousands of other men and women with a gambling or compulsive gambling problem. Our experience has shown that the Gamblers Anonymous program will always work for any person who has a desire to stop gambling.

Information

24-hour Confidential HelpLine1- 888-ADMIT-IT(1-888-236-4848) If you are seeking information about problem gambling, you can call the HelpLine or post a message. Doesn’t matter if you’re looking for information for yourself or someone else, they’ve got just what you need. The Helpline provides 24-hour telephone coverage, supportive intervention and resource and referral information to persons seeking assistance regarding problem gambling. GAM-ANON provides information and help for the family members or friends of compulsive gamblers.

Conclusion

Compulsive gambling is a problem that exists in other countries and in the United States. However, just like other addictions, compulsive gambling is diagnosable and treatable. If nothing else, “What’s needed,” experts say, “is a greater public awareness that compulsive gambling is a serious problem.”

 

People begin having gambling problems when they start gambling more than they should, getting debts and having problems in the relationships with those they love.

The addictivity of gambling is a known fact. The fact that you can win, and the risks that you need to take influences people, making them irrational and unreasonable.

Recognizing that you have a problem is the first thing you should do if you want to get rid of your gambling problem. The questions below have been made by Gamblers Anonymous and will tell you if you have a problem with gambling.

1. Did you skip going to school or work so you could gamble?

2. Did you have any problems at home because of your gambling?

3. Did your reputation ever took a hit because your gambling?

4. Did you feel remorse at any time because you were gambling?

5. Have you ever tried gambling when you needed money to solve financial problems?

6. Was your efficiency or ambition affected by gambling?

7. Have you ever felt like you should go back to gambling to recover money you lost previously?

8. When you won, did you want to go back to win even more money?

9. How many times did you gamble until you lost all your money?

10. Have you gambled using borrowed money?

11. Did you sell anything so you could use the money to gamble?

12. Do you have a problem using money set aside for gambling to pay normal expenses?

13. Has your family welfare sufferred because you are gambling?

14. Do you go gambling for longer periods of time than previously planned?

15. Do you gamble when you have troubles or worries?

16. Did you ever think or did something illegal to get money to gamble?

17. DO you have problems sleeping because you gamble?

18. When you\’re frustrated, disappointed or have fights, do you feel the need to gamble?

19. Did you celebrate good news by going to gamble for a few hours?

20. Did you consider suicide or self destruction because of gambling?

You are a gambler with problems if you answered Yes to seven or more questions.

Below you can find some tips for those that are problem gamblers:

* When you go gambling, don\’t carry ATM cards or credit cards with you, just the money you want to spend.

* Gamble for small periods of time.

* Don\’t forget that there is a higher chance of losing than winning.

* When you get some victories and have money, make a pledge not to use them.

* Don\’t get into debt when you don\’t have money to gamble.

* Don\’t hesitate to ask for help from friends.