A gambling addiction can be extremely detrimental. It can cause as much havoc on a person's life as a drug or alcohol addiction. The damage might not be physical but nonetheless, it can destroy a person's life. An addict of this type might lose their family and friends due to conflicts over the addicts gambling. They might even go broke. All of these are terrible consequences and are worth entering into some sort of rehab program to avoid.

What Is A Gambling Addiction?: A gambling addiction occurs when a person is not able to control their urges to gamble. Such people will want to gamble more then anything else and all of their resources will go toward fulfilling that desire. Gambling can be a fun enjoyable pastime. However, when people are no longer able to control their urges, this is evidence that a problem exists.

Signs: Signs of a gambling addiction include the inability to stop gambling even when an individual knows that it is not in their best interest or when it is hurting their family or loved ones. A person may spend money intended for other more important uses, i.e., housing, clothing, food, etc., to gamble. They will constantly think about gambling and put it first before their family and friends. Gambling addicts may also resist change in this regard and conflict with members of their families and friends when told that they are an addict and out of control. This can lead to the disintegration of these relationships.

Causes of Gambling Addiction: A person may have starting gambling for fun and a little escapism. However, before they knew it they were unable to think of anything else. A gambling addiction might develop for different reasons. Some people simply love the thrill of winning the big prize and might gamble uncontrollably in order to get that "high".

Effects of A Gambling Addiction: The effects of a gambling addiction can be very serious and detrimental to those who suffer from it. Individuals that are gambling addicts will likely have financial, relational and in some cases, legal problems.

They may be unable to pay their bills because all (or at least most) of their money goes to feeding their addiction to gambling. This may even result in bankruptcy.

Relational problems may develop because a loved one or family member may have a problem with the addicts excessive gambling and spending. Arguments with the addict and finally relational break down may ensue.

Those gamblers desperate for money may resort to illegal activities in order to support their habit or to repay back gambling debts. Subsequently, gambling addicts may find them self in legal trouble.

Complications: The complications related to gambling addiction include financial, relational and perhaps legal trouble.

Rehab and Recovery: There are programs available for those interested in getting help for their gambling addiction. Gambling Anonymous is a great organization. It is modeled after Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous. Local support groups, counseling, church and even self-help books can also be effective in helping an individual break free from this addiction.