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GAMBLING ADDICTION
All addictions destroy lives, relationships, families and good individuals. Compulsive gambling is no exception to the rule. It is like any other addiction, in that progression to continue obsessive behaviour will escalate if the patterns are not intervened by recovery. Gamblers must understand the reasons that drive them to seek the gratification that is obtained from gambling, gaming and betting.
Gambling has a long history of existence in almost all societies. Our generation has learned to capitalize on this method of entertainment to generate revenue for governments and well lined pockets of others. Often the facilities that lend themselves to house these games of chance are set up to make the gamer spend more time and money. Years of study have gone into these palaces of play to entice those who enter.
Everywhere is the opportunity to try our hand at "Lady Luck". In
malls they sell scratch tickets, lotteries invade our homes through mailings,
bingo games are now out of church basements and in buildings just for the
purpose of bingo. Now the computer takes you on a world tour of casinos, all
from the comfort of your own home and your friendly credit card. How could
anything be easier!
Governments and municipalities invite casinos to their areas, charities get
in on the act and even the friendly game of poker can be a deadly place for
those who are affected by this addiction.
A gambler will tell you there is nothing better than a big win, In most cases
the big win is only an elusive dream to be found just around the next corner,
or with the next bet, or forever. Suicide is high among gamblers with addictions.
Failure is a big part of their self-worth. They fail at the gaming tables
and at the table of life and the people counting on them the most. Large debts
and lies become the normal everyday reality for many who cross the line from
fun to addiction.
Addicts don't want to be addicts and they can not tell you when it happened. They just know it happened. Gambling is a vicious circle in ones life when it turns to addiction.
The following questions are those used in aiding gamblers determine for themselves
if they might have a gambling problem. Please answer them as honesty as you
can.
- Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
- Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
- Did gambling ever affect your reputation?
- Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
- Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise
solve financial difficulties?
- Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
- After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win
back your losses?
- After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
- Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
- Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
- Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
- Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
- Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of your family?
- Did you ever gamble longer than you planned?
- Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
- Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to
finance gambling?
- Did gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
- Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge
to gamble?
- Did you ever have the urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours
of gambling?
- Have you ever considered self destruction as a result of your gambling?
Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions. If you need assistance, seek further information on EFT and ERT.
Emotional Freedom Techniques and Emotional Release Therapy can be beneficial in helping to overcome addictions. Nutrition also plays a part in your recovery.
For a free 15 minute consultation contact:
Kallie P. Miller, R.N., EFT-CC, 1-519-471-6234. London, Canada.
Both of these techniques may be facilitated over the telephone.
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