Gambling

Gambling. I'm not completely against it, but I don't particularly like it either.

I'll gamble on occasion, mainly just on the Lottery. Other than that, I'm not interested. I think moderate gambling is ok, but if you know that you wont be able to stop once you start, then you do have a problem. And yes, it can be a problem, even if you are winning.

People will gamble in the hope that they win some money. Yes, it is a nice feeling, knowing that it is possible you could gain money for almost nothing. And an even better feeling if you win. IF. Most people would take this into consideration, and understand that the odds of winning are probably much lower than those of losing. A gambler, however, will be seduced by that rush they get when they do win, and crave it. It reinforces the behaviour; they wan't to do it again. If they do lose, they go into some kind of denial, or try to forget about it, choosing only to focus on the fact that they might just win.

This website has lots of information on gamblers. It outlines the fast that those that are addicted to gambling, are also called compulsive gamblers. They just can't help themselves, whatever mood they're in. It also outlines symptoms to look out for, as well as treatment. For example, Gamblers Anonymous and how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help with gambling problems.