Positive Steps for Gambling Addiction

Gambling Addiction - A Problem with a Solution

Gambling addiction is a problem. There wouldn’t be too much disagreement with that statement from any point of view in the gambling world. Proponents of safe and enjoyable gambling will continue to argue that gambling, in and of itself, is not a problem.

To understand gambling addiction and to know how to work with it, it’s best to get a solid grasp of just what a gambling problem is. For GamCare in the U.K. and Gamblers Anonymous in the United States, a workable definition is quite possible.

For example, GamCare, the leader in this area in the U.K., defines problem gambling as “gambling behaviour which causes disruptions in any major area of life.” In the U.S., Gamblers Anonymous works with those who admit to having problems with gambling and tries to keep that problem from becoming a disruption in their life.

Problems arise with gambling when the activity becomes compulsive, according to definitions used by counselors and organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous. If a gambler feels that he or she must bet more often or if an individual gets irritable when not making a wager, then the activity may have become compulsive. The urge to gamble can take over to the point that the individual has truly lost control and cannot stop. At this point, the gambler may well be in the throes of a progressive illness that can be stopped but never truly cured.

Halting the addiction is a step that starts with a personal decision, one that only the gambler can make. After admitting that the compulsion to gamble has become a life-changing problem, the assistance of professional counselors and the support of fellow gamblers is necessary. The individual also needs to address the ego support that gambling gives, especially if the individual has acquired a reputation as a “big-time” gambler.

There are good things about gambling, in spite of the negative publicity given to gambling addiction. Gambling can be an enjoyable and challenging pastime, a respite from the working world and the stress of everyday life. Not only that, a huge industry has grown up around gambling, providing jobs and money to thousands, along with entertainment for millions. Proponents of safe and enjoyable gambling admit that there are pros and cons of gambling, though they put the emphasis on the positive rather than the negative effects of gambling. The key is to prevent addiction from causing financial and social problems.

This is where the non-judgmental nature of GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous comes in. The organizations and the people behind them have no interest in making the person with gambling addiction feel worse. The goal is simply to arrest the compulsive-gambling activity and start putting the person’s life back on track.

While different organizations and programs attempt to define gambling addiction with various methods, there are some basic indicators to watch for. These include: chasing the “big win” to change your life, missing work to gamble, real feelings of remorse after gambling, selling personal items to get gambling money, gambling until the last dollar is gone and breaking the law to continue gambling. More information about this issue is available from such groups as:

National Council on Problem Gambling
GamCare
Gamblers Anonymous