Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or problem gambling, affects people of all walks of life, showing no prejudice. You can bet on spots, buy lottery ticks and scratch offs, casino games, or even online gambling and have a gambling addiction. This puts strain on your personal relationships, cause difficulties at work and home, and destroy your finances. Gambling addiction can bring the addict to a point in life they never dreamed of getting to; stealing money to support your addiction, ignore other financial responsibilities to gamble. You may even owe out large amounts of money to banks, or even bookies. Those addicted to gambling are at a high risk of suicide, for many it seem like the only way out; its not there are self help groups, inpatient and outpatient addiction programs you can go to for help.

What is a gambling addiction?

Compulsive gambling

Gambling addiction, in its severe state it is known as compulsive gambling, is a type of impulse-control disorder. Those with a gambling addiction such as compulsive gambling can’t control the impulse to gamble regardless to the effect it has on their life and the lives of those who are close to them. Gambling begins to consume the individual and is all they can think about or want to do regardless to its negative effects. Those addicted to gambling will keep gambling despite their financial situation and mental state. Even while on a loosing streak an compulsive gambling addict can’t stop.

Problem Gambling

Those gamblers who have a problem yet remain in control are called problem gamblers, it is still an addiction just not nearly as severe as compulsive gambling. Problem gambling can cause negative effects on ones life. The problem gambler is consumed by spending more and more time and money on gambling regardless to the serious consequences it may have.

Treatment for Gambling addiction

There are many treatment option available to those with gambling addictions. Those who are problem gamblers are often able to stop on their own, using self help groups such as Gamblers anonymous for support. Compulsive gamblers often need more support with stopping their addiction, using inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities for help.