by Marcus Brooks

Created on: August 06, 2008

In nearby Altoona, we have a casino called Prairie Meadows. Since 1990, customers lost their payrolls and monthly checks to the slots, backgammon and crap tables. I don't feel sorry for the suckers. Casinos are built to take advantage of gullible people.

Walking through, there are waitresses bringing gamblers drinks. Few times, money is exchanged. Beer and cocktails are given freely. The customers continued gambling. They're banking on their upcoming fortune. Most fortunes are never seen.

Any next-door neighbor has a weekly poker game. There are a couple of guys and gals sitting a smoky den. The poker table is "decorated" with beer bottles and stuffed ashtrays. Players get concealed behind their fence of cards. They are using them as mini blinds; looking for an opponents' weakness. One night is spent here. Then, two nights, and then three nights are spent here. Every evening, the same old crowd is gathering around. They're gathering around losing the same old money.

Some alcoholics are gamblers at something. Is it being on the edge of success? Or, is it being on the cusp of failure? The rush is addictive. Drinking alcohol is addictive. Two behaviors done in moderation are harmless. When done in excess, they're dangerous.

Gambling, alcohol, drugs and sex are addictive behaviors. Addictive behaviors have potentially lethal results. A gambling addiction can lead to foreclosure on one's home. An alcoholic can disrupt a home. The combination of both can be an unstoppable force. Addicts are unaware to realize the damage around them. They are beggers and pleaders. They are liars and cheaters. They are conniving manipulators. Their addictions are because of a lack of control.

Any addict has a much greater chance falling susceptible to another addictions. About 30% of alcoholics suffered through gambling addictions. Most of the victims are from middle to lower-middle classes. Those living paycheck to paycheck get entangled with trying to obtain the fast buck. They're looking for that one, big score. At the expense of their livelihood, they put loved ones at great risk.

When facing a "combo addict", there is only one solution. A family's intervention can save their life. Have a plan to confront that person. Have an intervention expert there for support. Have the guts to stand up to that person. Tell that person that they must enter in an intensive rehab that night. Tough love can save a life. Tender love can kill.

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