There are few among us that have not gambled at one time or another, whether by playing bingo at church or playing blackjack in Las Vegas. There is quite a thrill at winning on a bet of any kind, and a little gambling is certainly not going to undermine anyone’s life. However, for some, gambling becomes a serious addiction that can be every bit as difficult to overcome as a drug or alcohol addiction.
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Everyone is at risk for a gambling addiction; it is not more prevalent in any one sector of the populace than another. Any age, gender, education, income, ethnicity or social class can become a compulsive gambler.
It can be difficult to spot if one of your loved ones has an addiction. Some of the clues to watch for are those that have unaccounted blocks of time, borrow money often, miss work or school often, boast often about winning, or neglect certain responsibilities. If you need help dealing with a family member that has a gambling problem, it might be helpful to go to a Gam-Anon meeting. Information is available on their website.
If you are afraid you may have a gambling addiction, you can go to the Gamblers Anonymous website and read through their twenty questions. If you answer yes to at least seven of the twenty, then you should seek help. They list the various meeting locations throughout the country and they have a national hot-line number you can call for help.
There are about 15 million people that have a gambling addiction, so know that you are not alone. There is help.
