To often compulsive gamblers utter the words I am
have a problem gambling and now I lost everything. At this point in
their life they are finally ready to admit they have a problem
gambling. These same people are increasing at an alarming rate. Only a
year ago things seem to be less dramatic then they are right now when it
comes to gambling addiction. The accelerated growth in this addiction is
paralleled to the growth in the gaming industry. Since a significant
number of our population have now been exposed to this gaming industry
the negative affects are more apparent. Each and every day we hear a
new story about someone who has lost everything due to their gambling
addiction and we may now know someone who also has been negatively
affected.
Now that we know people are addicted to gambling,
what should we do? This is a very difficult question to answer but I
believe education and awareness can help those inflicted with this self
destructive addiction. Unfortunately gambling addiction also affects
all those around the compulsive gambler.
I have received several emails from people who believe their solutions
would help decrease the accelerated growth of those addicted to
gambling. The following are examples of those emails:
We should outlaw all forms of gambling.
The gamming industry needed rules and regulations that they must adhere
to like the alcohol industry.
At the very least remove all ATM machines from gambling establishments
especially casinos that have slot machines.
No Check cashing allowed at any gaming establishments
No alcohol should be allowed in casinos
Gambling establishments should not be allowed to use the postal service
to send incentives for people to come to their place to gamble. Most
people are easy prey. The gambling establishments send a fifty dollar
gift certificate knowing the gambler is going to spend a at least ten
times that amount.
No large billboard advertising. This industry makes their money by
drawing on the innocent only to hook them and take everything they’ve
worked so hard for.
No commercial advertising, donating to charities or sponsoring of the
local news.
The above email comments are from those who have suffered directly to
the the gaming industry. Remember it’s not only the gambler but their
family and friends who also have been negatively affected. They are
biased and they have a right to be.
Remember these words I have a problem gambling and
I have lost everything. because this could be you or your family member.
If you even have the slightest notion you have a problem gambling, face
it straight on and take the appropriate action. You can recover before
you lose everything you have worked so hard for.
If you are have lost everything, you can rebuild your life and move
forward. There are so many people who have walked in your shoes. I know
this can be very painful, but with each day that passes as you begin
your road to recovery you life will get brighter and brighter.
The good news people can recover from this addiction.
