Alcohol, drugs and tobacco are the three most widely-recognized addictions, according to the New Brunswick Addiction and Mental Health Services Web site. However, gambling is also an addiction that can harm you and your family.

Types of Addiction

According to the New Brunswick Addiction and Mental Health Services Web site, there are two recognized types of addiction -- chemical and behavioral. Drug, alcohol and tobacco addictions are all chemical addictions; gambling, also known as compulsive gambling, is considered a behavioral addiction.

Addictive Behavior

According to www.helpguide.org, gambling is considered an addiction because the gambler cannot stop by himself without outside intervention. Compulsive gamblers cannot stop gambling even when they know they cannot win and the gambling is destroying their family and their lives.

Gambling Addiction in the United States

According to an article published in the August 2003 issue of Addictive Behaviors by Nancy M. Petry, an estimated 1.6% of all adults in the United States are gambling addicts.

Gamblers Anonymous

According to Gamblers Anonymous, a compulsive gambler has an illness that causes her addiction and worsens unless the gambling is stopped completely. To a problem gambler, the first bet - any bet - is like the first drink, however small, to an alcoholic.

Symptoms

According to Gamblers Anonymous, gambling addicts are unwilling to accept reality; feel emotionally insecure; have poor self image; are immature and avoid responsibility.

Source:

helpguide.org: Gambling Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

GamblersAnonymous.org: Information on Compulsive Gamblers

gnb.ca: Addiction and Mental Health Services website

More Information:

PubMed.gov: Article in Addictive Behaviors, Vol. 28, Issue 6 by Nancy M. Petry