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Gambling Addiction

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Gambling Addiction
According to Wikipedia, a behavioral addiction is “a form of addiction that involves a compulsion to engage in a rewarding non-drug-related behavior – sometimes called a natural reward – despite any negative consequences to the person's physical, mental, social or financial well-being.” There are many different forms of behavioral addictions, but one of the most common is the addiction of gambling. Gambling occurs when one plays games of chance for money, or take a bet. Gambling addictions can effect ones personal wellness in many different ways. One way this very common addiction can affect one’s wellness, is the negative impacts it has on their financial status. When one begins to become addicted to gambling, all of their life’s earnings …show more content…
Mood swings begin to become very common, due to the wins or losses the gambler experienced that day. Frustration and anger become very prevalent as an increase in gambling occurs. Studies have shown a direct correlation between a rise in domestic violence and gambling addiction in cities that have legalized gambling in some significant way. In extreme cases, gamblers may consider suicide to avoid the debt and burdens they have placed themselves in because of their addiction. One other way this addiction can drastically effect one’s life is the effect it has on their job, and work habits. Gambling addictions can in many cases lead to the gambler no longer showing up for work, or having no motivation. Unemployment is very common in the lives of serious gamblers. This can lead to problems within the family, and even divorce. Gambling remains a very serious problem throughout the nation, and needs to be addressed. There are many ways to prevent and treat it, and one must bring it upon themselves to know when the problem has become serious. Like any other behavioral addictions, if not treated, a gambling addiction can result in a loss of money, family and friends, employment, and housing. America needs to realize how serious this problem is in order to bring a stop to the havoc it is putting on people’s lives

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