Approximately two-million adults in the U.S. adults have serious problems with gambling in a typical year, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling, or NCPG. Compulsive gambling is described by Gamblers Anonymous, or GA, as a progressive illness that can be treated but never cured. A gambling addiction can have many profoundly negative effects on the life of the gambler and of those around him.
Addictive Effects
A problem gambler may experience the same rush from waging a bet as an alcoholic may get from taking a drink or a drug addict gets from a fix. The NCPG explains that a gambling addiction alters a person's mood and makes him prone to repeating the same behavior over and over in an attempt to achieve the desired effect.
Lack of Control
Compulsive gambling is described by the Mayo Clinic as an impulse control disorder. The inability to control an urge can result in taking part in questionable activities that may cause harm to yourself or others.
A gambling compulsion may cause a feeling of anticipatory emotional excitement or arousal, followed by feelings of gratification and pleasure. Once the positive feelings have passed, guilt and remorse may set in.
Disregards Consequences
A gambling addict will continue to gamble regardless of the emotional and financial toll it may be taking on her life. Even if a problem gambler's debts were paid in full, the person will still be a problem gambler, according to the NCPG. This is due to the underlying and uncontrollable obsession with wagering.
Acts of Dishonesty
Chronic gamblers often lie about their addiction in an effort to conceal its effects, according to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. If you're prone to compulsive gambling, you may continually chase bets, lie and go to great lengths to hide your behavior.
Financial & Legal Consequences
A problem gambler may beg, borrow or steal and even commit acts of fraud to support her addiction. The Mayo Clinic notes that 90 percent of compulsive gamblers have faced legal problems or spent time behind bars.
Destroys Lives
A gambling addiction can seriously harm nearly effect aspect of the compulsive gambler's life, and in severe cases may even lead to suicide. The Mayo Clinic says popular gambling destinations such as Atlantic City, New Jersey and Las Vegas report some of the highest suicide rates in the U.S.
