Gambling Addiction

Writen by Tom Shannahan

For most people, gambling is simply a way to make sporting events more interesting, or a part of an annual trip to Las Vegas. However, for some, gambling can be a dangerous addiction that ruins marriages, ends careers, and can result in bankruptcy and even suicide. Gambling addictions have become so prevalent that the American Psychiatric Association now identifies “gambling addiction” as a psychiatric disorder afflicting one to three percent of American adults. With the growing popularity of online gambling sites, these estimates may continue to rise.

So what is the allure of online gambling? Well, the most obvious answer is convenience. Gamblers no longer need to travel to Vegas or Atlantic City, as the Internet provides access to gambling 24 hours a day, seven days a week with complete anonymity. Further, online gambling occurs without the actual or immediate exchange of money. It’s easy for participants to loose site of the fact that they are actually playing for real cash! Other attractions include the ease with which people can set up accounts and the escape associated with spending hours playing games online.

So when does an interest in gambling reach the point of addiction? There are generally three criteria used to diagnose an addiction of any kind. First and foremost is that the word “addiction” implies a loss of behavioral control. Those who are addicted simply cannot control their gambling. What may have started as a quick game of poker may turn into an all day - all night gambling bender. Second, addicted gamblers often develop a “tolerance” to gambling in the same way an alcoholic becomes increasingly tolerant to alcohol. Addicted gamblers will require higher and higher stakes in order to get the high that they desire. Finally, the extent to which a behavior interferes with one’s functioning is often used as criteria for diagnosing addiction. In the case of an addicted gambler, he or she may empty bank accounts, sell valued heirlooms, or build up massive amounts of dept. In extreme cases, an addicted gambler may steal from friends and family members to finance their addiction or even become clinically depressed following a devastating loss.

So how do you know if you have a gambling problem? Gambling anonymous suggests asking yourself questions such as these:

1. Have you repeatedly missed work or school because of gambling?

2. Have you ever felt guilty as result of your gambling?

3. Have you ever gambled in order to acquire money for bills or debts?

4. Have you ever gambled until you were completely out of money?

5. Have you ever gambled for longer periods than you had planned?

6. Have you ever gambled with more money than you had originally planned?

7. Have you ever considered suicide because of gambling?

This list is not exhaustive, but if you answer “yes” to any of the above questions, you may wish to speak with a professional counselor about your gambling.

Thankfully, a variety of resources exist to help those suffering from a gambling addiction. Twelve step programs such as those used in alcoholics anonymous and narcotics anonymous exist for those whose gambling has gotten out of control. Further, support groups such as Gam-Anon are easily accessible and are designed to assist those with a family member suffering from a gambling addiction.

Tom Shannahan has been playing poker since he was 16. He grew up watching his father play with friends once a week. He currently writes part time for Pokerlistings.com where you can find more great information about Poker Tournaments and Online Poker Rooms.

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When Do You Need Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

Writen by David Richards

Most of us like to drink and have a good time. ‘Partying’ is just a harmless recreational use of drinking. But, when is it too much? How can you tell if you are addicted? And when should you consider alcohol addiction treatment?

First, what does it mean to be addicted to something? This means that we crave it all the time. Strangely enough, the addicted person often does not recognize it. Yet, they can not go without. Dependence on drugs and booze is a big problem in the United States. It affects nearly everyone. And, dependence destroys lives. It often works subtly, so the afflicted person thinks the problem is with everyone else. Dependence doesn’t just destroy the addicted person’s life, but the lives of those who love him and must deal with the problems, too. It is everyone’s problem.

Dependence is different from abuse. It is possible for someone to abuse drugs without becoming addicted, but most often the two go hand in hand. When things get out of hand, it is time to get treated.

Throughout our teenage years, we are bombarded with images in popular culture of drugs. Partying is seen as a normal course in a person’s life. Indeed, most of us have some pretty wild times when we are young. We also see images of the darker side of drug abuse. There is never a shortage of ‘Behind the Music’ stories of celebrities who have gone over the edge and never come back. The collective shame we feel when we see a public figure destroy themselves that works as a deterrent. But, even the dark side of this story has a certain glamour and romance to it.

When we are young, we start habits that can continue for a lifetime. It is not unusual for young people to experiment with drugs and party. But, for every group who come out unscathed, there are always casualties who develop destructive lifetime habits in their younger years. Studies have shown that the younger someone gets into drugs and drinking, the more likely they are to become addicted. This is why it’s dangerous.

Here are a few things that indicate an addiction or problem with drinking:

-You try to hide it, and deny to everyone that you might have a drinking problem.

-You feel guilty about how much you drink, and you make schemes to moderate it, but you just can’t follow through.

-Friends and relatives are concerned with your drinking, and it irritates you whenever anyone says anything.

-You drink in the morning to relieve the hangover from last night (’hair of the dog’)

Often people who have a problem with one drug can easily develop a problem with another. This is something you have to watch your whole life. If you become addicted to drink, you can easily become addicted to something else. It has been found that many people who become drug addicts start with legal drugs, like prescription drugs or inhalants. Dependence is a sneaky thing, and it usually comes from socially-accepted drug behavior first. This is how a guy who likes to party with his friends may end up an alcoholic a couple of years down the road.

It is difficult to quit drinking. It may take more control than you can muster, and this is why we seek help from outside. If you have the support of your friends and loved ones, you can start to recover, but you have to want to do it. There is nothing wrong with seeking professional help. Many people overcome their problems through rehab. It helps to have a clutch to hang onto. For those who have severe drinking problems, it may actually be unhealthy to quit cold turkey. This is why being treated by trained professionals may be the best way.

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Caffeine Withdrawal

Writen by Moss Greene

Four out of five Americans drink coffee. 50% of those who drink it have more than five cups a day and 25% drink more than ten cups - many of them supercharged “caf

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