Gambling Addiction Intervention Information
Rather than being an addiction, compulsive gambling is technically classified as an impulse-control disorder, a disorder in which you can't resist a temptation or drive to perform an act that's harmful to you or someone else. Whatever the label, it's difficult to overcome the powerful hook of compulsive gambling without professional treatment. Money and adrenaline are the drugs of choice for the gambling addict.
Abuse
The rush can be similar to what drug users experience, there is the initial burst of euphoria, then comes the fantasy of big wins and payoffs. Gambling abuse is a progressive and costly addiction.
Compulsive gambling not only effects the addicted person, but also will affect everybody around him or her in a negative manner. Signs of abuse are: cash advances on secret credit cards; unpaid mortgages or debts; lying about debt; and physical threats if debts are not paid.
Addiction and Dependency
If a loved one has lost control of his or her gambling despite increased debt and other consequences, it is time to seek help. Gambling addiction will continue to progress and the obsession will eventually affect job security, marriage, and basic needs of food and shelter. As this situation grows worse, the gambler may consider suicide. However, with proper treatment the destructive behavior can be reversed, and a normal life restored.
Intervention
Just by reading this, you are closer to finding help for a loved one. The next step is to call for assistance from a professional interventionist. Calls are confidential and anonymous. Please call Intervention Authority at 1 (877) 627-0384 (toll-free) or 1 (949) 636-1268 (outside the United States). You can also email us at info@interventionauthority.com.
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