Help for People With Degenerate Gambling Problems

Some types of addiction hinge on a physical dependency to a chemical, while others are an internal compulsion for a type of behavior. Those suffering from gambling addiction, or individuals around a problem gambler, may see the destructive behavior as a lack of character or maturity instead of an illness in need of treatment. Although it does not depend on foreign chemicals, addiction to gambling is indeed a sickness. The steps below can assist in determining if a problem exists and provide steps to help treat gambling addiction.

How to Recognize Gambling Addiction

• As with most addictive or compulsive behavior, the general indication that there is a problem is that one or more areas of the individual's life suffer because time, attention and money, or a combination of these things, are devoted to the culprit behavior. When the neglect, stress and destructive behavior stemming from the need to gamble causes recurring problems in an individual's relationships and finances, it is safe to say that person is a problem gambler.

  Those suffering from gambling addiction often say that they feel truly alive or feel in control only when they are gambling. What may look on the outside like a simple lack of self control or forethought is in actuality something much more clinical in nature that often cannot be overcome with the simple decision to stop.

Steps to Help

• As the circumstances and behavior exhibited by gambling addicts closely mirror those in chemical dependencies, so do the steps to recovery. The famous "12 steps" are cited by the Gamblers Anonymous organization just as they are for alcoholics. The first and most key step is that the individual with the problem must recognize and acknowledge that he suffers from addiction. Without this admission, attempts at recovery imposed from the outside are very likely to fail.

  Once an individual has come to terms with the fact that he is addicted to gambling, then recovery can begin. As he works through the steps to recovery, support and sponsorship of those individuals around them is very important to his success. It is commonly accepted by addiction groups that once a person is an addict, he always is an addict. However, with strength, support and guidelines, it is possible for the addict to never relapse back into the problem behavior.

Resources for Gambling Addicts

• Awareness regarding gambling addiction has increased greatly in recent years, and there are many places to go for help. Some organizations, such as Gamblers Anonymous, are nonprofit and follow a traditional support service model. Other places offering help can be found from the very organizations that supply gamblers their drug of choice. Harrah's Entertainment provides resources for responsible gambling on the websites of the casinos it owns, going as far as allowing people to voluntarily register themselves as individuals who should be denied access to the casino.

  If you or someone you know is suffering from gambling addiction, contact one of the many organizations designed to meet the needs of problem gamblers. The advice and support they provide can be the turning point in the life of an addict.