Gambleting is the wagering anything of value associated with an unpredictable outcome with an intention of winning something else of equal or greater value. Gambling therefore requires three components to be present: risk, consideration, and a stake. For example, you might roll a die and get a number between one and nine. If you know (or suspect) that you will get this number after rolling the die, you would then take the risk of gambling and possibly winning the prize.
It must be kept in mind that any addiction, including gambling addiction, is treatable. One can seek professional help from a psychiatrist or even alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers. Addiction to gambling is treatable because it can be learned, controlled, and overcome. Many people have beaten their gambling addictions. Gamblers who have beaten their addiction can be proud of themselves and are lucky to have overcome the problem.
There are many causes for gambling addiction. One may be the result of psychological factors such as social isolation or feelings of inadequacy. This leads to increased risk taking, because the individual may believe that he is not good enough and is unlikely to succeed. Others may develop gambling addictions due to high levels of stress. In these cases, the individual feels so stressed out that success is unreachable.
Many psychologists think that there is a genetic factor involved in many forms of addictions. The problem begins when the person considers gambling as a way of dealing with or coping with everyday life difficulties. Once the problem gambler begins to see gambling as a solution to his problems rather than a problem itself, addiction to gambling occurs.
One of the most common reasons for developing addiction to gambling is that the individual has used gambling activities as a means of distraction from personal problems. They are more likely to start having gambling addictions if they are unable to resolve a problem within their personal lives. Another cause of gambling addiction is that they may gamble because they are dissatisfied with their current lifestyle and find it unsatisfactory.
It should be noted that problem gambling addiction is not the same as pathological gambling. Problem gamblers can be very creative and can find different ways of rationalizing their behavior. Problem gamblers need treatment in both the United States and abroad. Many individuals have learned to live without gambling as a source of income but must still attend therapy and use other methods to reduce their addiction. It is important that problem gamblers receive treatment before beginning to gamble again.
