In recent times, there has been much publicity regarding the issue gambling addiction. Surprisingly and fortunately, the incidence of genuine addiction to betting is far lower than is commonly believed. The problems that arise among gamblers may be categorized as one of two main types. The first is known simply as problem gambling and is the less serious of the two disorders. Around two to three percent of all gamblers within the United States may find themselves in this category. The second type is much rarer but it results in a far more serious prognosis if left untreated and it should be classified as a genuine pathological addiction.
The problem gambler feels compelled to gamble regardless of any adverse effects that result in his or her life and despite an ongoing desire to quit. These players do not suffer a true addiction in the medical sense although their behaviour may appear distinctly self-destructive. In such cases, it normally requires a severe emotional or financial trauma before they abandon the habit. By contrast, pathological gamblers remain totally incapable of controlling their urge to gamble, regardless of any consequences, without some professional intervention.
Gamblers, however, can easily avoid developing either of these conditions. A few simple precautions on the part of players will ensure they develop responsible playing behaviour. Responsible gamblers...
- will be sure to become familiar with all of the facts about problem and pathological gambling.
- play solely for entertainment purposes and not to make profits, to solve financial problems or to alleviate stress.
- understand that the casinos and not the players will always be the winners over time.
- only risk money budgeted specifically for gambling and not needed for more important items such as rent, food and credit card payments etc.
- never borrows money to gamble.
- will never place gambling before family relationships or work commitments.
- know that the time to quit is while they are ahead.
To ensure that you follow these basic rules, it is advisable to perform regular self assessments in order to detect any early warning signs of a developing problem. These may typically include...
- Absence from work to gamble.
- Excess time or money spent on gambling resulting in domestic disruptions.
- Considering gambling to solve a financial problem.
- Thinking that losses may be recovered if one plays long enough.
- Reacting to winning by playing even more.
- Only quitting play when the money runs out.
- Borrowing, lying or stealing to finance betting.
- Gambling in preference to interacting with friends and family.
- Gambling in order to overcome boredom.
- Allowing gambling to interfere with sleep requirements.
- Regarding gambling as a means of celebrating.
- Gambling to relieve frustrations, tension or to divert your thoughts from other concerns.
- Becoming depressed by losses.
If you display one or more of the above behaviours, this could indicate a possible gambling problem that may require closer attention.
Several organisations qualified to assist people with gambling related problems are in operation today. Among these are...