Roadblocks to recovery in problem gambling:
Myths & Facts about Gambling Addiction and Problem GamblingMYTH: You have to gamble everyday to be a problem gambler.
FACT: A problem gambler may gamble frequently or infrequently. Gambling is a problem if it causes problems.
MYTH: Problem gambling is not really a problem if the gambler can afford it.
FACT: Problems caused by excessive gambling are not just financial. Too much time spent on gambling can lead to relationship breakdown and loss of important friendships.
MYTH: Partners of problem gamblers often drive problem gamblers to gamble.
FACT: Problem gamblers often rationalize their behavior. Blaming others is one way to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, including what is needed to overcome the problem.
MYTH: If a problem gambler builds up a debt, you should help them take care of it.
FACT: Quick fix solutions may appear to be the right thing to do. However, bailing the gambler out of debt may actually make matters worse by enabling gambling problems to continue.
Throughout my professional career, I have visited and counseled with many people about their addictions and what takes place in their lives. There is a definite control that any addiction has on the human body. The way I have heard it said, is that once an addict, always an addict. However, I am here to change that notion. I feel that any addiction is just like bad habit, but one that is very serious and life threatening, both physically and emotionally.
It has been said, that it takes 21 days to form a habit and only 3 days to break a habit. I have seen this be the case with many addictions, yet some can be more powerful than others. One must first believe in themselves. If that can take place, then a complete recovery s possible. If that doens’t take place, there is ni hope.
I worked a few years back with a gentleman that had an alcohol addiction. He had struggled for years with this addiction, and it destroyed every relationship that he had in his life. He was single, over 50 and always down in the dumps.
Just like any bad habit though, he was able to beat it and have a happy/healthy lifestyle. He had a spiritual experience that he said changed him. Along with a few materials that I had given him he was able to beat his addiction. It was such a joy to see him be able to talk about his addiction recovery. He now loves spending time with his son and watching movies. Needless to say, the man is no longer an addict, but a victor.
