Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Post 3: Causes of Gambling Addiction

Being a local from Atlantic City I seen so many people lose their money and some win money but many of these people do not know how to control themselves this is when gambling becomes an addiction and not an entertainment. The reason why people get addicted to gambling is the adrenaline they feel when they play they feel good and comfortable. Gambling in many cases fills a void in these people life, the void could be in many areas of their life for example poor social life, loneliness, job dissatisfaction, empty-nest syndrome, boredom, and lack of purpose can contribute to a gambling addiction.

There are two types of gamblers “escape gamblers” who mostly play slot machines, lottery, or partake in online internet gambling. Action gamblers are mostly male who enjoy sport betting, poker, and racetrack gambling. The idea of easy money is what keeps them stuck to the addiction also anxiety and depression can lead to this addiction. Relatives who were gambling addicts could influence the person into a future addiction. These are some general causes of addiction to gambling, the most important thing is to be able to admit that there is a gambling problem and seek help immediately.

This video shows that gambling is a serious addiction and could destroy a persons life.


1 comment:

  1. I found the addictions section interesting too, especially when it came to gambling. I have an aunt who is (believe it or not) a recovering gambling addict. She spent her entire life savings and cumulatively $240,000 on her addiction and was even forced to file bankruptcy as a result. It's strange and often baffling to see the manifestation of addiction take over and consume someone you know. She neglected her children, her responbilities at work, and even her health. At one point she had stopped eating and remained fixated at one single slot machine for 17 hours before casino security had to remove her. obviously her health suffered as well. and the most interesting part to me (i was very young at the time, even though it still intrigues me) is that she never ONCE won big. No more than a few hundred dollars here and there. That may seem like enough to keep up with gambling as a leisurely vacation hobby (which it is to most), but certainly not enough to spur a life-threatening addiction to the severity of 240,000 dollars. I am on the fence on if I think she was an escape or action gambler, but her addiction fascinates me, as a psychology major (not as her neice!).

    ReplyDelete