Problem gambling includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as “pathological” or “compulsive” gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, “chasing” losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. But, conversely, much like alcohol becomes poison to the alcoholic who develops a chronic yet treatable illness, gambling may become compulsive and toxic to the problem gambler who develops a pathology that requires similar treatment.Īccording to the National Council on Problem Gambling, problem gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. The key is to get you, your spouse, and your children to put love of self ahead of love for God. He can employ social pressures, media messages, or rivalries between friends, neighbors, and relatives to bring out the worst in everybody. Addictions to behaviors (as opposed to addictive substances) are. He can incite mom and dad to blame one another for their children’s social problems or academic failures.
In the same way that a majority of people can consume alcohol recreationally and not experience problems, many people also place a wager in the gaming industry now and then without experiencing problems. Problem gambling can become a compulsive behavior and gambling can be emotionally addictive.
