COMPULSIVE GAMBLING
Gambling addictions, also known as “compulsive gambling” or “pathological gambling” and increasingly referred to as “problem gambling,” are maladaptive patterns of gambling behavior that the individual persists with, despite negative consequences.
Gambling is an ineffective and unreliable way of acquiring money. It has arisen some more problems in controlling compulsive gambling;
Attribution – Problem gamblers may believe their winnings occur as a result of their efforts and not randomly.
Magical thinking – Problem gamblers may believe that thinking or hoping in a certain way will bring about a win or that random outcomes can be predicted. They may also believe they are special in some way and that their specialty will be rewarded with a win.
Superstitions – Problem gamblers may believe that lucky charms, certain articles of clothing, ways of sitting, etc., may cause a win or a loss.
Systems – Problem gamblers may believe that by learning or figuring out a certain system (a pattern of betting in a particular way), the house advantage can be overcome.
Selective recall – Problem gamblers tend to remember their wins and forget or gloss over their losses.
Chasing losses – Problem gamblers believe that they have not really lost money to gambling, but that it can be “won back” by further gambling.
There is no magical bullet cure for gambling addiction. Psychological, cognitive, behavioral and relaxation therapy either singly or in combination are required to deal with this disorder. It is essential that the person concerned acknowledges the progressive illness and shows a strong desire to stop his activity. Denial always results in failure of therapy. Like smoking, the gambling addict should never gamble again. A major change in lifestyle is required and constant therapy is required to prevent the destructive behavior to re occur. Therapy is long and may take years and professional counseling with Gambling Anonymous is a prerequisite. Gambling addiction, like alcoholism, is an illness, and should be treated as such.
Recent Entries
- Get Online Casino Gambling Guides
- TYPES OF CARD GAMES
- HUNT THE BONUSES DOWN!
- Hosting your own Casino Night
- THINK GAMBLING OUTSIDE VEGAS
- COMPULSIVE GAMBLING
- ALL ABOUT DEBT COUNSELLING
- Enjoy casino game playing while visiting the beauty of nature
- Slots are various in kind and mechanism as well
- Beware of casino traps