When one watches movies like The Cincinnati Kid and Casino Royale, the first impulse is to go and hit the casinos. The way in which they flash their chips royally saying “blind and show” looks awesome. But did you know there are many around us who suffer from gambling addiction. Surprised?? Well this is not a new finding for those who have been studying this. Though a prevalent problem, but there always has been an argument about how to define it.

Medically termed as Ludomania, it is officially defined as “Problem gambling is characterized by many difficulties in limiting money and/or time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or for the community.”

In simple words it is an urge to gamble more and more despite harmful and negative consequences. Such is the addiction that the addict never takes any pain to stop this horrible act of theirs. Few medical practitioners and professionals also term it as compulsive gambling. Although the term gambling addiction is more commonly attached to the recovery movement, pathological gambling is considered more of an impulse control disorder and consequently is not considered by the American Psychological Association to be an addiction.

There is a slight difference between gambling addiction and problem gambling. The one suffering from gambling addiction is a compulsive gambler and it is more of an impulse control disorder. They are unable to control their impulse to gamble. It is what they can think about and they don’t realize that their actions are affecting their friends, family and loved ones. This desire of gambling doesn’t let them realize what position they are into.

Such is the addiction that even if they are aware that the probability of they winning the game is quite low and the odds are against them, still they will play. Not even the thoughts of loosing deter them. At time the habitual gamblers can control the impulse of gambling. They might have the problem but when it is not totally out of control, it is called problem gambling. It is more of a problem disrupting the normal life of an individual. It leads to pre occupation of mind with the thoughts of gambling resulting in chasing losses it is termed as gambling problem.

One can’t be very happy if he finds himself falling in the latter category claiming that he can put a stop to it whenever he feels like because it is the primary stage of compulsive gambling. It at times eventually leads to plenty of other mental disorders. Many people think that to be labeled as compulsive gambler one has to be gambling every day but the truth is a problem gambler might gamble frequently or infrequently.

What is a problem is indeed a problem. One can’t escape by saying that he does that quite infrequently. Many others feel that it is not a problem is one can afford gambling. What they don’t realize is that the problems caused by gambling are not always pertaining to finances. Other then eating ones finances it also leads to mental trauma and problems in their relationships.

The ones who are pathologic gamblers can’t normally control their impulses to gamble. They mostly always end up losing a lot of money resulting in financial troubles. This further causes a lot of problems for not only them but also for their family and friends. However, whatever be the problem a pathologic gambler would never quit gambling. This more than often leads to depression, drinking and taking drugs. At times it also leads to suicidal tendencies.

One can’t say gambling disorder is different from the other disorders. They are all quite similar. They all affect an individual and the ones around him. Like all other disorders it can also be cured. The path to recovery is not easy, but one can easily be there if he wants to. Self belief is one the most underrated power of an individual. Believe me, it can do wonders. An individual can remove the tag of addict from him if he really wants to. What he needs is a good rehabilitation program and lots of self belief.

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