Money is put into a slot. More money comes out at the bottom. Gambling can become an addiction called compulsive gambling

Compulsive gambling is a illness and addiction that affects the gambler, the family, the employer and the community. It is called the "hidden illness" since there is no smell on the breath nor stumbling of steps or speech. Nonetheless, it is as debilitating as alcohol or drug addiction. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association accepted pathological (compulsive) gambling as a "disorder of impulse control." It is a diagnosable, treatable illness.

Gambling, if taken in small amounts, will not cause harm. But is it worth it? Like all decisions, the only person that can determine weather or not to do something is you. Sure you could win millions. But you can also lose everything including your friends, family, and everything you own. A study conducted in New Brunswick indicated that less than 5% of the population experience current problems with gambling. Some people say I'll never get addicted. Sure most of them won't but maybe you are that small percentage that will.

There some traits that a person has when she or he has a gambling problem. They will go through three phases: the winning phase, the losing phase and the desperation phase.

In the winning phase, the gambling enhances self-image and family members are supportive until they observe the amount of time and energy the gambler is devoting to gambling. Suggestions that the gambler stop the gambling are met with resistance and resentment. This attitude often increases concern. The gambler will reassure us that all is under control and there is no cause for alarm.

During the losing phase, the gambler experiences prolonged losing episodes, thinks continually about gambling, and becomes careless about the welfare of loved ones. They get into heavy legal and illegal borrowing, and turn to friends and family members for bailouts in order to have the money to continue gambling. The gambler withdraws from friends and relatives not involved in gambling or not giving them bailouts. The frequency of lying, which goes hand in hand with this illness, will add to the feelings of distress for family members and will eventually destroy whatever trust they had in the gambler.

The desperation phase occurs as the compulsive gambler becomes obsessed with getting even to cover stolen money, hidden withdrawals from family bank accounts, and secret loans. The gambler panics at the thought that the gambling action will cease if the credit or bailouts stop. Mood swings often become more severe, and suicide may be attempted as a way out. The family fears destitution, the law and loss of the gambler's health.

Gambling is a treatable disease. Most of the time with very good results. Unfortunately, like all addictions, the temptation will still be there, which must be felt with for the rest of their life.

I am not trying to persuade you in one way or the other. I just want to give you the facts. Gambling can, but not always become a problem. If done right, it can be a fun and interesting but most likely losing experience.

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