Many people take the odd bet on an event, on a horse in a race or to try their luck at a casino. They are lured by the dream of riches, of winning much more than the stake. Placing a few bets here and there does not stop most people from living a normal life. For some, gambling becomes a major problem. One large win sparks off a chain of events against which the gambler has little or no control. The gambler has joined the rocky road to abuse and addiction.

Most pathological or compulsive gamblers begin gambling on a casual basis. Each bet results in a rush of adrenaline to the brain. The heart beats faster. A few wins and the gambler comes to believe that his skill is leading to the wins.

The gambler continues to play, perhaps winning more often than losing. At this stage the gambler is able to leave the casino with the winnings, but will return soon to try his luck again. As time goes on, the stakes increase. Each bet becomes bigger than the last, but as the table turns the winnings are returned. Gambling becomes more and more frequent. Gambling takes precedence over everything else, dominating the gambler's thoughts and actions.

The gambler has reached the second stage of the compulsion. Most gambling sessions result in losses. Winnings are never enough to walk away and the gambler leaves dejected, his pockets empty.

Borrowing money to finance gambling becomes a way of life. The credit card is spent beyond the limit. Family and friends become the target for loans. The gambler helps himself to "loans" from his employer. He promises himself that he will replace the "borrowed" funds on his return with the winnings. But winnings are rare. Usually there are simply more losses.

The gambler may begin to pawn or sell both his own and his family's possessions. The rent, school fees and electricity accounts remain unpaid.

The family are left in the dark about the gambling. They wonder why his job requires so much of his time with no visible rewards. Unpaid bills mount but are unknown until the sheriff of the court arrives on the doorstep with a warrant of execution.

The family of the gambler may be reduced to destitution. They have to face the gambler's frequent mood swings. The marriage may break up and the gambler left homeless and desperate. One more loan will be enough to win back all the losses!

During all this time, the gambler does not believe that he has a problem, just a run of bad luck. Next time will be different ...

The gambler is addicted to gambling. Friends and family are abandoned in favour of gambling. Frequent absences from work, fraud and embezzlement against the employer may result in the loss of employment.

As the losses mount and the desperation continues, the gambler often has the choice between seeking help or committing suicide. Suicides amongst long term pathological gamblers are frequent.

Gambling has the potential to become a major problem in the lives of those that become addicted. Gambling addiction does not discriminate. It affects men and women from all walks of life and from all classes. Once gambling becomes compulsive, a gambler will do almost anything to be able to continue gambling. Theft, fraud and embezzlement are not uncommon. Help is available through rehabilitation centres and the Gamblers Anonymous twelve step groups.

If you suspect that someone in your life has a gambling problem, seek help immediately.

Learn more about this author, Barry Marcus.
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