Green Gambling

Gambling Addiction - What Is Problem Gambling & How Do You Stop It?

I hear about gamblers living in a state of denial that they have no problem whatsoever with their addiction. There's got to be a way to 'snap out of it'.

Public Comments

1. snap out of it? no. it is a form of mental illness. you do not just 'snap out of it'.
2. For some people it's not always that easy. The crave the rush they get from gambling. Many convince themselves they have a winning formula and that they can win back any losses. The mindset may not be easy for some people to 'snap out of.' It's like telling a clinically depressed person to just cheer up.
3. Problem gambling, like any other addiction, is a kind of compulsion. The guy just can't let go. He's on a roll, he's winning, losing, keeping it going -- it becomes disruptive and almost pathological. You're right about the 'state of denial' that gamblers live in, and sadly, they snap out of it only they've lost their money, house, car and spouse. Fact is, these guys need support too. They too are human, with their own weaknesses. And the best way to deal with gambling addiction (be it a friend or family member) is to put some sense into him. Show him the mirror; tell him what he's doing to himself and to you. Explain it assertively and courageously. Get Gambler's Anonymous if you have to. One way or another, just tell him to stop.