What is a Gambling Addiction?

Gambling is basically the wagering on something of worth with the intention of winning some other thing of worth with the same intention. Gambling therefore requires three components to be existent: risk, consideration, and a reward. Risk is anything that increases the likelihood of a loss or something not returning to a state from the state in which it was placed. Example – If I had a bet on a football game and it was suggested that there would be one team playing all the time and the other at half time, there would be a risk that by the end of the game, one team would have more chances to win than the other. The risk is then considered to be the difference between the possible winnings and the possible losses.

In most gambling activities, people are engaging in it for reasons such as excitement, relaxation, or even to make some extra money. Whatever the reason is, they all tend to have one common denominator i.e. the need for a thrill, the desire to win, and the thrill itself. Once you have got hooked on gambling then it becomes habitual, and the need for it is stronger than the need for food or shelter.

This then becomes a gambling addiction because the need to win is so powerful that it prevents the person from living normally. This type of addiction has higher risk factors than any other addictions such as drugs, food, and alcohol. It can lead to withdrawal if treatment is not sought. It is also more likely to relapse than any other addictions since the addiction requires the person to experience a certain condition to get high.

One of the more common types of gambling addiction is sports betting. This is especially true in poker but can also come about in card games such as baccarat or domino. The problem with sports betting is that not only does the gambler have to keep losing money but also continuously hope that things will turn around for them and that they will win. This in a way becomes a downward spiral.

Another addiction that can lead to a gambling addiction is pornography. This too is an addiction that has many people suffering. The problem with pornography is that there are people who see their addiction as something positive that keeps them going. Unfortunately many people also see it as a form of relaxation and thus begin to look at gambling as a solution to the stress that they are experiencing in their everyday lives.

Gambling addiction is a problem that many people have to deal with and the best way to deal with it is to seek treatment. This way the problem can be managed and it can be prevented from coming back. Today many people are learning that gambling addiction is a treatable illness that can be treated with therapy and medication. Help is available for those who suffer from this disease and should seek it today.