A Gambling addiction can destroy a man's life and the lives of his loved ones.
While many people enjoy the fun, challenge, and excitement of gambling, those whose lives are centered around poker, who spend every spare cent and then some, whose very purpose for living is to win the next jackpot, need help.
"Pathological gambling is a progressive disease that devastates not only the gambler but everyone with whom he or she has a significant relationship. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association accepted pathological gambling as a "disorder of impulse control." It is an illness that is chronic and progressive, but it can be diagnosed and treated." (From addictionrecov.com)
Those who have a gambling addiction, often destroy relationships as their addiction is satisfied. After their savings are depleted they go into debt utilizing all possible credit. When that source of money dries up, they often begin finding illegal ways to get money to satisfy their "needs".
About three percent of Americans are affected by a gambling addiction. With this addiction often comes divorce, arrests, alcohol and drug abuse, emotional breakdowns and even suicidal ideation.
The good news is there are resources for help with addictions. If you are interested in a man who has a serious and pathological need for gambling, best not to get too involved until after he has recovered!
4 thoughts and insights:
I agree with your statements about gambling... but I wish you would have used another example besides poker.
Of all of the games that people gamble at... poker is less of a gamble. Yes the person looking to win the next big pot, thowing his money away endlessly has a gambling problem... but poker is a skill game and when approached as such, can over time be won by a person who understands the game.
Whereas slot machines and blackjack tables always have an edge and it's nearly impossible to win over time.
I say this because I have a client who is a professional poker player and I can assure you he is not a gambling man.. He takes some risks, but they are calculated. He also happens to not be a jerk.
Just because a guy likes playing poker a lot... does not make him a jerk anymore then a guy who likes riding his bike a lot... or a guy who spends all of his time building hotrods.
If he is winning and approaches the game with skill and not looking to get rich quick, he is probably not a gambler in the addictive sense.
My overall point is that poker get a bad rap, and just because someone takes on poker as a hobbie or pasttime does not automatically make a guy a jerk.. or mean he has a gambling addiction.
Hi K... Thanks for your comments.
I tried to be really clear that I was not in any way discussing gambling in general but PATHOLOGICAL gambling... addictive gambling. There is a big difference to be sure! :-)
I mentioned poker and hitting the jackpot as two examples but the method of gambling is not what is important... what is hurtful is the addictive gambler whose life centers around gambling, and who, in the process of getting their "needs" filled destroy their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
I do think there is a difference between an addictive gambler and a guy who likes to ride his bike a lot... gambling addiction often requires one to deplete all sources of money, utilize any and every form of credit, and often resort to illegal activity to get more money to satisfy their addiction. Gambling addicts often become suicidal and destroy their families. Their lives become so centered on the addiction that they no longer are concerned with their loved ones, their jobs, their responsibilities, or even their health.
Again, I'm not discussing those who enjoy a game now and then... I'm discussing gambling addicts.
Hope that clarifies... thanks again for your response!
Jennifer
My darling Jennifer, I love your new look especially your profile pic!
A friend of mine gave me a terrible scare when I saw her at the slot machines, eyes lit up, so much excitement and inability to stop playing.
At first I observed from afar not wanting to judge her but later realized I had to say something even jokingly like "wow the casino is your fave hangout".
She wanted to give me money to play so that I wouldn't get bored, go home and leave her there alone, I refused each time and she started to feel bad.
She recently asked me if I had noticed she was addicted...she realized how much money she was pouring into it and mainly cause she was lonely and bored.
I said I did, we talked it over and it looks like she's stopped going.
Would she be considered a pathological gambler or "circumstancial" gambler (if that's a term)?
How can I help her if she starts up again?
All my love!
Tisha
Hi Tisha... sorry I missed this until now!
Thanks for the kind compliment. My Dad didn't like my other pic so I thought I best change it up! LOL!
Gambling addictions usually progress... they start off innocent, get to be a problem, and sometimes become an addiction. Your friend sounds like she certainly has/had a problem with gambling but if she could stop easily, most likely it was not a full blown addiction.
You are a great friend to be up front with her... lots of folks deny it and don't want to face it... or cause waves by discussing it!
If she starts up again, she may need some sort of intervention.. counseling, support groups etc. There are some great resource available these days!
As with most addictions, support is a key to getting well!
Blessings and love to you Tisha!
Jen
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