Gambling+Addiction

=Gambling Addiction = A gambling addiction is an impulse control disorder. Pathological gambling was recognized as a mental disorder for the first time in 1980. In America, over 15 million people suffer from gambling addictions. People who are addicted to gambling cannot control their urge to gamble, even if it is hurting them or their family and friends.

Many people believe that gambling leads to crime and social problems. Some people disagree with legal gambling completely.


 * //Signs & Symptoms of a gambling addiction:// **
 * Feel the need to be secretive about gambling
 * Have trouble controlling your gambling
 * Gambling even when you don't have the money
 * Family and friends are worried about your gambling problem, but you don't listen

//**If your gambling problems get serious, it could lead to...**// -Home, work, and financial disasters -Possible stealing from friends and family -Bankruptcy

//** You can get help! **//

 * Reach out for support
 * Talk to a family member or attend a Gambler's Anonymous meeting
 * Do something else
 * Distract yourself with a new hobby
 * Postpone gambling
 * Tell yourself gambling can wait!
 * Give yourself a reality check
 * Remember how disappointed your family and friend will be if you gamble

//Gambling addictions can lead to depression, another mental disorder. When gambler's start to feel hopeless, they should take one of the actions above to help themselves, and their loved ones.// For more information on depression, visit: http://sthealth2.wikispaces.com/Depression

//** By: Jilly and Tyler **//

<span style="background-color: #c0c0c0; color: #ff0000; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">__**Sources**__
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">"Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling: Signs, Help, and Treatment." //Helpguide.org: Expert, Ad-free Articles Help Empower You with Knowledge, Support & Hope.// Web. 15 Sept. 2011. <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/gambling_addiction.htm>.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Ruschmann, Paul. //Legalized Gambling//. New York: Chelsea House, 2009. Print.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Hamilton, Jill. //Gambling//. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven/Thomson Gale, 2006. Print.