Gambling often begins innocently enough for most people. This catches them unaware of the dangers associated with gambling because so many myths surround gambling. Little by little, this habit becomes addictive and turns into compulsive gambling. By this, we mean an impulse control disorder which psychologists define as a mental disorder that drives people to do things which they know to be harmful. The impulse to gamble is often very strong in compulsive gamblers although they do not have the money or they know that it is harmful to themselves and their loved ones.
Gambling is a stressful activity although it may seem pleasurable to a compulsive gambler. Problem gambling becomes that when it begins to seriously strain your relationships with other people, especially those you love. But the first step in curing compulsive gambling is to let the gambler realize that there is a problem. Many gamblers are in a state of denial which justifies their continued gambling.
This is the first crucial step, to let the compulsive gambler know there is a problem that is interfering with his or her life which will eventually end up in financial disaster. Gamblers hide their addiction from other people so they can continue to gamble, sometimes to the point of stealing to support it.
Once a gambler is made to realize the extent of the problem, gradual steps can be taken to bring back normalcy to his life. Problem or compulsive gambling is in fact treatable when done properly. But to do so successfully, some myths need to be discussed to make people aware what drives the gamblers to their own destruction.
First myth is that compulsive gamblers have to gamble everyday. This is not true in majority of cases. Compulsive gambling can be also infrequent but still a problem when it encroaches on your life.
It does not involve playing big bets all the time as you can also go for situs poker online just to give yourself a hangover from the casino where you can practice on a regular basis.
Second myth is compulsive gamblers have the financial resources to gamble. No, most of these gamblers can hardly afford to lose any more money. They live from day to day on shoestring budgets.
Third myth is to help the gambler by lending him money. This concept of altruism only helps to reinforce the gambler’s activities by giving him additional capital for gambling. Lending money to bail him out of his gambling debts only makes matters worse.
Fourth myth is gamblers can stop anytime they want to. The nature of their addiction makes it extremely hard to discontinue gambling since they get their excitement from gambling, not exactly if they win or lose. The excitement is derived from taking risks and chances and see what comes up.
Fifth myth is compulsive gamblers resort to gambling activities because of problems with other people. This could be their family, their spouse, kids or anybody they can blame to justify gambling. It is a perfect way to shirk from taking responsibility for one’s detrimental actions.
So there, you have the most common myths about gambling and the truths behind them. As a final thought, there are generally two types of gamblers. People who gamble because of the thrills they get from it. It is not so much as winning or losing but the excitement it provides. The second group of gamblers are those who do it because of some emotional problems such as anxiety, worries, loneliness and craving for attention. Knowing the reasons make it easier to help those who need it the most.
