Gambling Addiction Unraveled

Being in casinos is truly a fantastic experience. The casino is a cacophony of sights and sounds that contributes to the feeling that anything is possible at that fantastic setting. It urges guests to try out everything that they are offering from the food and beverages, shows and, of course, different gambling activities.

Gambling can cause euphoria when one is on a winning streak. It is a pleasurable experience to see that your stack of chips is growing and other guests are cheering you one. Some studies even show that the body's reaction at this time is similar to a cocaine addict getting a fresh infusion of cocaine. It is what is known as a natural high. On the other hand, gambling may also cause dysphoria, depression and frustration when on is repeatedly losing. At this time, the gambler has nothing else in mind but to get back what he has lost.

How then do you know when you someone is a gambling addict?

Addiction is defined as a compulsive need to do something. When the compulsion is for gambling, then the person may have gambling addiction. The feeling of the adrenaline rush that accompanies risking what you have and winning in a gabling activity can be addicting. It can be alluring to continue to have such experiences so people tend to gamble more. However, crossing the line from simply enjoying the thrill of gambling into being addicted to gambling is when a player has an uncontrollable craving for gambling. He is now unable to control the time and the money that he is spending on gambling. Gambling addition may lead to pathological gambling problems when not addressed immediately.

Here are some criteria that may define a gambling addict. Most people with gambling addiction will exhibit at least 7 of these: 1. Gambler has lost time from work or school due to gambling 2. Gambler's home life has become unhappy because of gambling 3. Gambler's reputation has already been affected 4. Gambler feels remorse after gambling 5. Gambler had gambled to get money to pay off debts or solve financial difficulties 6. Gambling has caused a decrease in a gambler's efficiency 7. Gambler feels that he has to return to gambling immediately to win what he has lost in gambling 8. Even after winning, a gambler has a strong urge to return and win more 9. Gambler often gambles until his last money is gone 10. Gambler has borrowed to finance his gambling 11. Gambler has often sold something in order to finance gambling 12. Gambler is often reluctant to use his money for his needs other than gambling 13. Gambler has become careless of his personal and his family's welfare 14. Gambler usually spends more time than he thinks gambling 15. Gambler often gambles to escape his worries and troubles 16. Gambler may commit, or at least think of committing, illegal acts to finance his gambling habits 17. Gambler often has difficulty sleeping due to continually thinking about gambling 18. Gambler often uses arguments, experiences of frustrations and disappointments as reasons for gambling 19. Gambler may find themselves celebrating by gambling 20. Gambler may have self-destructive or suicidal thoughts because of gambling experiences

There are many ways to help gambling addicts. However, as with any type of addiction, a gambling addict must first admit that he has a problem before he can overcome his situation.