Addictions

The effects of gambling and how critical an addictive situation can be. Statistical data on addiction. Socially acceptable gambing opportunities.

Gambling has existed throughout most of the history of mankind. Matthew, a disciple of Christ Jesus, recorded in his book of the Bible, “and when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots.” Today, gambling is still an extremely popular activity. Unfortunately, it can have a very negative affect on people. To some people, gambling is just a “game.” They are controlled individuals that use gambling as a recreational outlet. To other, gambling is a short-term addiction. They experience a temporary loss of control. They, most often, return to normal when the event or vacation is over. To many others, however, gambling is an addiction; a disease. These are the compulsive gamblers. The three main problems that compulsive gamblers face concern their health, financial crisis, and neglect toward their responsibilities and loved ones. There are a very small number of people that are capable of enjoying gambling purely for the delight in playing. The majority of the people fall prey to gambling’s addictively harmful ways.
Compulsive gambling is a progressive disease, much like a drug. Ultimately, it has many of the same effects. They are both dangerous, addictive, and can cause many problems. Engaging in this activity has caused numerous health problems. The biggest side effect that compulsive gamblers are faced with is withdrawal symptoms. The definition of withdrawal symptoms is “the unpleasant physical and mental effects which result when you stop doing or taking something.” Several victims are unable to recover from there addiction. “Once addicted it is extremely hard to break free” says Grace Schneider, a researcher from Louisville, Kentucky. She believes that compulsive gambling is a “serious medical problem.” Howard Shaffer, a medical professor, makes reference to the fact that “out of the people who gamble 64% could not stop if they wanted to, and 77% of them also go through withdrawal symptoms.” Depression and stress are also common side effects. They often lead to multiple problems, like: migraines, high blood pressure, heart disease, and nausea, just to name a few.

Originally, many gambling activities were developed as a form of raising money for churches and other charitable organizations. Like many situations, what once began with good intentions soon became abused. The most common consequence that victims usually face is financial crisis. It has even cost some people their hard earned money, valuable possessions, and comfortable homes. David, a former compulsive gambler, states that he “lost all of his money over a silly game.” He says, “Recovering from my addiction was the most challenging and greatest thing that ever happened to me. If I could go back and rewrite history, I would never have started gambling in the first place.” The most common reason that people engage in this activity is greed. Unfortunately, it is not for the pleasure in the game itself. Many people go to the casinos, where these games are held, and convince themselves that they will only play “one” game.. Unfortunately, they are only kidding themselves. One game turns into twenty, and before long they have already spent thousands of dollars. Usually, it is money that they cannot afford to spend. The very nature of the game allows some people to actually win a few games. These “victories” compel them to play again and again in hopes that they will be able to win more. They feel “lucky.” Many people are insecure and do not have much in life. These people enjoy the feeling of “success” when winning these games. In both of these instances, greed is the major factor that controls their actions. Greed makes it almost impossible for them to stop. When this happens to an individual they are called a compulsive gambler. Conditions may seem almost helpless.

In many instances, the compulsive gambler is so preoccupied with their obsession that it results in lack of focus for everything else. This is the reason for many broken relationships and unemployed citizens around the world. Some people have gotten to the point where their entire life is based on gambling. They become so indulged in the activity, that they neglect most of their responsibilities. Howard Shaffer has also recorded that as result of this addiction about 80%, of the compulsive gamblers, end up engage in illegal activities and 70% lose their jobs. These people will find any way possible to gamble, whether it is in a casino or a sporting event, nothing can stop a compulsive gambler but the gambler himself.

Compulsive gambling is extremely dangerous. It can affect your life in many ways. The effects of these overpowering games can be critical. In my opinion, gambling should not be legal. There have been too many victims who have fallen prey to this “game.” These games have caused physical and psychological illnesses, financial disasters, and neglect toward everything else around them. This situation needs to be taken very seriously. The only way to avoid becoming addicted is to never start. It has ruined millions of lives and is rapidly growing within our nation.