Compulsive Gambling Addiction

There are many types of addictions and problem or compulsive gambling is defined as having the urge and craving to gamble despite the consequences. With the onset and popularity of poker played in casinos and online, there has been an upsurge in families torn apart by this issue.

Pathological gambling is the clinical term used when treating a compulsive gambling addiction. Problem behaviors around gambling include:

• Sports betting
• Casino gambling
• Racetrack betting
• Manipulation of stocks, bonds and futures commodities

All these can occur on the Internet and in regular business. Online gambling addiction is especially a problem among the young gambling addicts.

Most compulsive gamblers can admit that there are some problems but will not seek treatment because of the commitment required to changing. Like most addictions the gambler thinks they can stop at any time and truly cannot understand why they need to stop immediately.

Many studies have determined that the change in brain chemistry in gambling addiction is similar in nature to chemical addiction. When faced with a situation that can cause a thrill of excitement or stress of possibly losing, the gambler will actually have a chemical reaction that can be similar to a cocaine addict receiving an infusion of cocaine. As debts build up, the gambler at times can turn to other forms of self-destructive behaviors or process addictions such as alcohol, drug abuse and even theft.

Gambling Addiction Help

Please call our toll free number at (877) 259-5635 if you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about gambling addiction treatment.