Win, lose to gamble?
Betting can be a pathological disease
Bright lights, exotic shows, slot machines all housed within casinos at Las Vegas, a gamblers' paradise. But like an epidemic, gambling is sweeping over the United States, leaving a sickness in its wake.
Gambling is a game of chance for stakes. Games such as blackjack, roulette, and slots are mostly associated with gambling but there are other forms as well such as state lotteries, pari-mutuels which are horse and dog tracks, off-track-betting parlors and bookmaking.
Three Phase Model
Gambling addicts goes through three phases of progression in their addiction, winning, losing and desperation, according to Robert L. Custer, former Chief of Treatment Services of the Mental Health and Behavioral Service of the U.S. Veterans Administration, who is considered to be the father of professional help for compulsive gamblers.
The winning phase... characterized by the gambler experiencing a big win or a series of wins that leaves them with unreasonable optimism that their winning will continue. This eventually leads to higher bets.
The losing phase... when gamblers begin bragging about wins, gambling alone, borrowing money whether legally or illegally when the urge hits.
Gamblers also have a tendency to start lying to friends and family, become more irritable, restless and withdrawn. They would begin to "chase" their losses in an effort to pay off debts.
The final phase... brings desperation marked by increased time spent on gambling. After engaging in illegal acts to finance their addiction, they may experience hopelessness, which can lead to drug abuse or suicide.
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Win, lose to gamble |
Adults only! |
Recognizing a young gambler |
Six types of gamblers
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