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First of two parts
THERE is one kind of addiction
that can tear families apart as dramatically as drug and alcohol
abuse. I refer to gambling addiction. Gambling and games of chance
are everywhere. Most persons can gamble in a controlled way, but
some among us cannot. They lose control and, in time, the addiction
sets in and real trouble begins.
The gambling addict is
characterized by an inability to resist gambling, leading to severe
personal and social consequences. Gambling becomes an obsession that
cannot be controlled, much less stopped. It usually progresses from
occasional to habitual gambling. The urge to gamble becomes so great
that the tension can only be relieved by more gambling. Higher
stakes and personal risks become involved, as well as neglect of
other interests, family and work. Severe family problems, financial
ruin and criminal behavior to support the habit may result.
Most adult gambling addicts
started gambling while still young. First, they were involved in
innocent games of chance, but as time passed they got into the habit
of taking more and greater risks. Many came from families where they
witnessed various forms of gambling by family and relatives. Often,
they were encouraged to join in just for fun. What parents and
caregivers did not realize, however, was that the youngster was
getting trapped in an addiction that is tough to cure.
The little bets got progressively
greater until they became substantial. If the gambler had resources,
he found himself squandering them. If he did not, he began using
illegal means to get money to engage in gambling. He would steal
from his family and even friends. If he was using drugs, he might
push in order to have money to gamble. I know of some who would even
go so far as to sell themselves in order to have the means to
gamble.
A finance executive of a large
multinational stole money from his company to feed his gambling
addiction. He hoped to replace the funds he stole by his winnings,
but his luck ran out and soon he was discovered and found himself
facing a court case. The gambler is convinced that he can and will
eventually win, so he keeps gambling expecting his luck to
eventually carry the day. Almost always, it does not. Instead, he
finds himself digging a deep hole for himself until there is no way
out.
This is when his world collapses
all around him. His family is forced to pay his debts assuming they
are in a position to do so. His kids suffer from his dissipated
income. He might use his winnings to abuse women, thus further
aggravating his family situation. Sooner or later, he finds himself
in trouble because of unpaid debts and a family unwilling or unable
to keep saving him from himself.
He is now a compulsive gambler,
hopelessly stuck with his addiction. He cannot stop and he cannot
win consistently either. He is trapped.
If you have problems about
drugs, alcohol and behavior/attitude call my office at 820-6107 or
825-1771 or e-mail me at gvcbuenca@vasia.com
or write me at P.O. Box 2099 MCPO, Makati City.
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