https://finance.yahoo.com/news/weve-seen-people-six-figure-214500843.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/symptoms-causes/syc-20355178
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Gambling Addiciton- A Major Societal Problem
Gambling addiction is a pervasive part of society, and is particularly destructive. Gambling provides a dopamine rush for the addict and can lead to depression as losses mount. Gambling addiction is not a personal failing, it is a psychological ailment that needs to be treated, and is a huge and growing problem worldwide.
I recently read an account of a bus driver who lost $1 million to a gambling additicion, and can provide anecdotal evidence to the size of the problem myself. According to the Mayo Clinic, compulsive gambling is a pattern of behavior that leads to progressive loss of control while gambling. Shame keeps addicts from help, and the hope that the big payday that rights all the losses will occur keeps hope afloat.
Some signs of problem or compulsive gambling include lying about gambling behaviors, spending more and more time gambling, overspending on gambling and growing restless when reducing gambling behaviors. Gambling itself is damaging, and continued gambling can damage relationships and personal financial wellness. It is a psychological addiciton that requires more and more risk to gain a dopamine high and rush. The games of chance promise high rewards, but often take more than they pay. Chasing losses is a negative feedback loop gambling addicts often face, and it's often not been about the money. The rush is the game itself.
Online casinos are bad news for gambling addicts. A gambler can ban himself from physical casinos and avoid the temptation, but online casinos do not offer these protections. Being able to access gambling facilities online, and the rise of the legalization of online gambling services can lead to further loss and the incremental losses in relationships. Games are setup to stimulate dopamine and the faster they are played, the faster losses mount for the addict.
If anyone you know has a gambling addiciton, there is hope. There are help-lines and psychological councilors who can help. Gamblers Anonymous is a good resource for help, and the first step to wholeness is to acknowledge a problem exists and there is need for change. Gambling addiction harms individuals, communites and families and is a big problem in a digital world.
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