| There have been a lot of incidences of people
stealing, getting too indebted, sometimes even committing suicide just because of gambling
problems. In addition Gambling happens legally in 27 states in the US.
Some people say it’s hard not to get addicted to gambling. Actually, it is only a
matter of self control and knowing when to stop. Gambling need not be addictive if you
don’t view it as that.
Of course, gambling is all around us, simple bingo nights for charity, bets with friends,
these are all a gamble, but why doesn’t everybody get addicted if it’s this
widespread? The answer is everyone that’s not addicted knew when to quit.
Most compulsive gamblers lose their rationality and actually believe that they are
“lucky”, that there’s no way that they can lose.
First of all you must know that eventually, everybody loses in gambling. The only party
that wins is the company or casino. Gambling was designed to produce net profits for the
owners.
If you are gambling for cash winnings and not for recreation, it may only be a matter of
time before you become a professional gambler. These are the people who live off betting
and risking. A large win might be the single trigger to make you believe that you’ll
always win. And this isn’t the correct mindset.
If you catch yourself finding the urge to gamble, why not ask your family or friends to
play with you in a low-risk game, like bet tonight’s dessert or who gets to take out
the garbage. As much as possible, never bet with money.
If you’re starting to have gambling impulses, better stay out of casinos or any place
that focuses on gambling. Ask the help of family or friends so that you won’t be
tempted.
Before the addiction really starts to take hold, it’s probably best to find an
organization or a share group in your community that deals with these types of addiction.
Like Alcoholism, Gambling addiction is curable, and what better cure than prevention.
Remember, gambling is your choice, you’re not being forced into it; you don’t
have to do it to have a good time. If you’re starting to think of borrowing money
just to finance your gambling, tell someone close to you about it and with their help,
discuss the disadvantages and probable problems that could come out of gambling.
Compulsive Gambler: How to detect one?
A compulsive gambler is a person who is not able to resist the urge to gamble. The
compulsiveness leads to severe personal, financial and social consequences. The desire to
gamble becomes so difficult to control that stress can only be calmed by gambling more.
1. Walks, Talks and Breathes Gambling.
The compulsive gambler preoccupies himself with gambling. He tells stories of previous
experiences. The compulsive gambler often discusses his stories with anybody willing to
listen to his new schemes or next winning strategy.
2. More, more and more.
The compulsive gambler finds himself gambling more and more money. In most cases he is not
gambling for a bigger prize but for an increased thrill or excitement. The time he spends
gambling usually lasts longer than planned.
3. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.
The compulsive gambler has repeatedly been unable to curb or stop his gambling. Worse, he
becomes irritable and restless when attempting to cut back or stop altogether.
Unfortunately, gambling is a way of escaping or relieving his problems.
4. Lies, lies and more lies.
The compulsive gambler starts lying to family and friends in order to hide his habit. He
lies and brags about winnings. He denies having a problem when confronted. Often becomes
angry if the issue is pursued. The lies start to become a way of life for the compulsive
gambler.
5. Show me the money.
He starts depending on others to help in dire financial situations. He often borrows from
family and friends to support his increasingly worsening problem. Mortgages and loans are
refinanced. Life insurance is cashed in, as well as his 401k. The gambler may then start
committing fraud and theft to finance gambling.
6. Self Destructing
His career is jeopardized, he may find that his relationships with loved ones and friends
are eroding. There is a tremendous amount of shame and remorse felt after gambling. He may
even consider or attempt suicide due to extreme helplessness of situation.
7. Losing control.
A shift in personality often happens to the compulsive gambler. He starts being
manipulative, irritable, argumentative, critical, and controlling. The compulsive gambler
starts losing interest in his regular activities and hobbies. Then makes poor excuses or
evades questions of his whereabouts. Often withdraws from loved ones and friends. Sees
gambling as a way to cope and deal with his problems.
8. No Sense of time.
The compulsive gambler begins gambling to celebrate and in crisis. He starts spending his
time gambling on holidays and special events.
Prevention is difficult and will not always be likely. Counseling may help people who are
more susceptible to compulsive gambling. People who know of relatives that are compulsive
gambler might be at risk and must be especially wary.
How to Deal with a Gambling Problem
A gambling problem usually occurs when a person over indulges in gambling, ending up being
indebted and having dysfunctional relationships with loved ones.
First of all, Gambling is addictive. The risk and the winning can have a psychological
effect on a person, making him unreasonable and irrational.
The first step to solving a gambling problem is acknowledging it. Gamblers Anonymous have
the following set of questions to test if you indeed have gambling problems.
1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial
difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
A problem Gambler would answer Yes to at least seven of these questions.
If you are indeed a problem gambler, the following tips may help you:
* Never take credit cards or an ATM card with you when you gamble, just take the amount
that you intend to spend that day.
* Limit the time you gamble.
* Remember, there are more chances of you losing than winning.
* When you win, keep the money and have an agreement with yourself not to use it.
* When you run out of money, give up, never borrow cash for gambling.
* Never hesitate to ask help from a buddy. Bring a gambling buddy who’s not addicted
and ask him to keep you in check.
*** Before and while becoming a Board Certified
Hypnotherapist I worked in a casino. I have over 15 years in the gaming industry. During
that 15 years I've worked as a Casino Security Officer, Casino Games Dealer (Dealing all
the games), Floor Supervisor-Pit Boss, Surveillance Operator (Eye in the Sky), Manager of
Surveillance, and as a Director of Surveillance/Security. I understand the pitfalls of
gambling, and can help you without judging you! So please call for a FREE consultation
today
"Change
your mind,
Change
your life!"
|
