by Brittany Welch

Created on: April 02, 2009   Last Updated: April 03, 2009

Gambling has become a nationwide addiction. Most Americans don't realize the effect it has on ones family, friends, and social life. Problem gambling, otherwise known as Ludomania, is one's urge to gamble not caring about any consequences or having any desire to stop. Problem gambling is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others. In most compulsive gamblers, harm in one way or another is always experienced on both the gambler and others. Problem gambling is the first stage of a gambling addiction, very easily and most often suddenly progressing to pathological gambling. Pathological gambling can cause one to go into many manic episodes causing harm on his/herself and upon others as well.

1: Preoccupation- Having frequent, past, future, and fantasy thoughts about gambling experiences.

2: Tolerance- More frequent wagers to experience a "rush".

3: Withdrawal- Irritability due to attempting to stop or reduce gambling habits.

4: Escape- Gambling to improve ones mood.

5: Chasing- One trying to win back what was lost, using gambling as his/her main source.

6: Lying- Hiding the extent of ones addiction from family, friends, loved ones, etc.

7: Loss of control- Unsuccessfully trying to stop or reduce gambling habits.

8: Illegal acts- One acting illegally to gamble more or win back funds that were lost as a result of gambling.

9: Risk of significant relationship- Gambling anyhow knowing the risk of losing someone special.

10: Bailout: One turning to someone else for money as a result of gambling only to continue.

When one becomes in debt as a result of gambling he/she may start to seek out money using any resources possible. Getting ideas about stealing or sometimes selling drugs for money. One usually engages in these acts for a way out. A gambler who does not receive the proper treatment may turn to suicide for an escape from their addiction. This kind of behavior would be considered self abuse. Abuse is also common in the gamblers household almost frequently. This kind of addiction could lead to bigger problems for youth or young minds in such a situation. Growing up in this kind of environment can lead to improper emotional developments and even the possibility of a young one picking up on the addiction as he/she gets older.

I'm sure one would not want to inflect harm on his/herself, friends, or any loved one. Many pathological gamblers do not realize the abuse they are inflicting upon themselves and others. This is why I took the time to put this information article together. If one is suffering from pathological gambling there are ways out and treatments to be received. if you or a loved one are interested in such treatments, they include but are not limited to counseling, self-help groups, and psychiatric medications. For more information on symptoms of pathological gambling, treatments, and general information please visit(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/articl e/001520.htm)

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