Compulsive Gambling

Gambling is a normal pastime that over 85 percent of adults in the USA are said to have taken part in at one point or another. Most states have lotteries, while others have casinos. Gambling nets billions of dollars over the course of a year, and is a favorite pastime for many men and women. Many people, though, cannot control the urge to gamble and they become addicted to it. This is known as compulsive gambling, and has ruined many people’s lives, as well as those of their loved ones and families who are directly affected by it.

A person who has a gambling problem cannot control their spending and betting habits. This can result in serious financial problems. People who have a gambling addiction will continue to bet even when they are losing all of their money. They may lie about the frequency of their gambling, or turn to fraud or stealing when they need money because of the financial burden they create. Compulsive gambling is known as an impulse control disorder, meaning a person cannot resist gambling even though it is harming themselves or others. A gambling problem is a real addiction and one that is very hard to beat unless professional help is received and strictly followed.

Contrary to popular belief, a person who compulsively gambles is not in it just for the chance of winning money. It is the thrill of the game that keeps them coming back for more. Symptoms of compulsive gambling can be relatively easy to spot. They include excessive gambling habits, taking time off from work or time away from family to gamble, hiding their actions, lying, and borrowing money to fuel their gambling problem. Some spend days and nights gambling, barely eating or sleeping. A person who has a compulsive gambling problem will many times bet money that is earmarked for paying bills. Many people have been known to gamble their possessions away, losing thousands upon thousands of dollars in the process. Many lose their homes, their cars, and their jobs because of the need to gamble.

It is not known exactly why a person develops a gambling addiction, but there are risk factors that can increase the chances of it happening. A compulsive gambler often has a personality disorder or drug abuse problem. Men are typically more prone to become addicts, and those who have family members with gambling issues may also develop an addiction. A person who lives near a casino is at a higher risk of developing a gambling problem than those who have to travel. For those who think they may have a problem, it is imperative to get help before it gets out of control.

Gambling for many people is a fun and relaxing pastime, and one that does not develop into a problem. But for millions, the need to gamble is an obsessive one that can destroy their lives. Talking to a psychiatrist before it is too late is important for those who believe their gambling habits are out of control. There are many groups available that offer support for this disorder, such as Gambler’s Anonymous. It is important to get help before the losses sustained are too great to fix.

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