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People who gamble frequently have the attitude
that money causes and is also the solution to all their problems.
Gambling is considered pathological when the impulse
to gamble compromises, disrupts or damages personal, family, or
work relations. The gambling behavior tends to increase during periods
of stress. This sets a reinforcing cycle of gambling - life problems
- stress - more gambling. Lying to obtain money and illegal activities
to pay for extensive gambling debts may occur.
This disorder begins earlier in men (teens) and
is generally more prevalent in men than women. This type of gambling
occurs in about 2-3% of the total adult population.
Some of the signs of pathological gambling are:
- a preoccupation with gambling and with obtaining
money for the purpose of gambling
- a need to increase the amount of money and the
frequency of betting to achieve the desired excitement
- restlessness or irritability if unable to gamble
- repeated efforts to reduce or stop gambling
If you or someone you know has
problems related to gambling, call for help.
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