Beware of The Danger Of Gambling Addiction

Take a gamble, you might get lucky. Anything can happen, right? Maybe you can buy a single lotto ticket and hit for millions. More likley you will win just enough to spend more, that is how a gambling addiction can grow.

You can win five or ten dollars and then decide to but more tickets. As soon as the gambling urge takes hold. it is not a far cry from buying a lotto ticket to heading toward a casino for some real action.

There are so many internet gambling sites, it is simple for anyone, even children to gamble. Teenage gambling is growing. The web sites clearly state age requirements, but it is not enforced?

Teens are three times more likely to get addicted to gambling than adults. Some rack up thousands of dollars in gambling debt before they're even old enough to get a driver's license!

A gambling addiction can easily be hidden because there are no obvious physical effects. When the addiction gets larger, gambling can take over many aspects of your life.

Up to 4% of Americans have a gambling addiction. If the thrill of the hunt is the hook for you, and risking cash to win big is the lure, you're an action gambler. But if you're more likely to gamble when you're upset or in some type of life crisis, then you're an escapist gambler. Men usually gamble for the 'action' and women usually gamble as an escape.

If you realize that you're driven to gamble and it's taking over your life, then you need to get help. You cannot beat this by yourself. An addiction to gambling really is as powerful as drugs or alcohol. The following are a few pointers to help stop the gambling addiction:

1. Tell you significant other, or someoneclose to you. Ask for their support as you confront your problem.

2. Reduce your access to money. Get rid of access to easy credit, throw out your credit and debit cards. Carry only small amounts of cash in your wallet.

3. Change your path. Stay away from places that are triggers to gamble.

4. Stay away from people who encourage you to gamble. If necessary, change your cell phone number or email address so that they can't contact you.

Contact the nearest Gambler's Anonymous group. Your family can attend this group with you so they know what is coming. And find an experienced counselor who can work one-on-one with you.

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Tell your story! Pick up recovery tips and tricks to enhance your life in addiction recovery. Bill Urell MA.CAAP-II, is an addictions therapist at a leading residential treatment center. He teaches healthy life styles and life skills. Visit our growing community at: www.AddictionRecoveryBasics.com

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