Gambling is one of those human activities that can become addictive. Many begin with casual gambling, placing the odd bet on a race or a sporting event or an occasional visit to a casino. Many people are able to gamble on an occasional basis without it becoming a problem. For others it is the first big win that sets them on the path to compulsive gambling.
Some grew up in a family where gambling is a way of life. There was always a card game going on in the house and horse-racing is a family event that preoccupies everyone in the house.
Compulsive gambling can become a serious addiction. A compulsive gambler sitting at the casino is unable to leave. Winnings come and go and only after exhausting all other resources does the compulsive gambler walk away. Like the man that has just lost his life savings calling his friend. “Please lend me another 1000. I’m feeling lucky.”
The three stages of addiction have been defined as the winning stage, the losing stage and the desperation stage. In the early stages of addiction, the gambler wins frequently and believes that this is due to skill. As time goes on, wins become less frequent and losses mount up. The losses lead to unpaid bills and mounting debt. The gambler becomes more and more desperate to win back the losses. The only way out is to admit to and face the problem. The alternative is destitution, the break-up of family life. Suicides are common amongst compulsive gamblers.
Quitting gambling is not easy. Gambling has become central to the compulsive gambler’s life. Many of the gambler’s thoughts and actions centre on gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous has been modelled on Alcoholics Anonymous. It uses the same principles and follows the same twelve-step program as a means to control the addiction. Gamblers Anonymous is a self-help support group that believes that the only way to quit gambling is through total abstinence supported by regular attendance at meetings and participat9ion in the twelve-step program.
The first principle required to quit is to do it one day at a time. It is futile to worry about the past. The only day over which you have some control is today. When necessary, reduce it to one hour at a time, especially in the early phases.
Handing over control of your finances to someone you can trust. Without access to money, the gambler will find it difficult to gamble. Ban yourself from casinos and other gambling facilities wherever possible. These make quitting much simpler.
Attend meetings regularly. Support groups are very useful to help the gambler get through the week without gambling. The other group members share your experience and know what is involved. They are able to offer support.
In some cases, compulsive addictive gamblers find that a rehabilitation centre is the only way to break the addiction. Others seek counselling to assist in giving up.
Gambling often leads to financial ruin and the breakdown of relationships. Once you have quit, it will become possible to begin to rebuild your life. Meet with your creditors and make realistic plans for repayment. Remember that it was gambling that has led to your predicament. Gambling further will not provide a solution.

















































