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"I couldn't even think of one day of life without gambling. Even when I didn't gamble that day, my world revolved around it. And, I got so tired and so depressed and so emotionally drained... I thought several times in the last year about running my car off the road... I didn't know how to stop. I kept going back. I didn't know how I was going to live without gambling." Alice, Compulsive Gambler
"If anyone would have told me six months ago I would steal from my employer, I would have said, you're plumb crazy!" Anonymous
The Addiction
These are just two examples of people suffering from the effects of the disease called compulsive gambling. Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness which is diagnosable and treatable. It 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, a gambling addiction is as debilitating as alcohol or drug addiction.
The Problem Gambling Progression
The Winning Phase: Gambling wins enhance self-image and ego. Losses are rationalized as poor advice or bad luck. The gambler shows excitement when going to new gambling place or arranging his or her schedule to permit more time for gambling activities.
The Losing Phase: As losses increase and self-esteem is jeopardized, the gambler borrows money to get even, then hides those losses and borrows more. At this point, lies, cash advances on credit cards, absenteeism, family disputes and job changes are common danger signals.
The Desperation Phase: The gambler becomes obsessed with getting even to cover stolen money, bad checks, 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. Severe mood swings can be experienced by the gambler and suicide may be attempted as a way out.
You Lose More Than Money: Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness. There is more to lose than money. This illness creates marital, employment, and legal problems (89% of compulsive gamblers commit felonies). The problem gambler is the last person to sense the problem. Hopefully, family and friends become the originators of help and recovery.
Gambling Addiction & Video Lottery
Known as the "crack cocaine" of gambling, video lottery is one of the most addictive forms of gambling today. What makes it so addictive?
- Instant gratification: You do not have to wait for lottery results. It is faster than the roulette wheel spins or the cards in blackjack turn.
- Provides the illusion of a skill factor: The game allows players to increase speed with which they bet, unlike casino games. You literally do not have to move your hand to play or bet.
Video game makers have studied how to make the game appealing to players and the machines have:
- High resolution screens to keep players from feeling fatigued and which create a hypnotic trance.
- Sound stimulation to reinforce wins, such as coins clinking in a tray or a certain song playing when you win.
If you think you or your loved one has a gambling addiction, please give us a call at (877) 762-3740 or fill out our free confidential online assessment form.
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