Question by Jack P: Does the phrase ‘gambling addiction’ bear any relationship to the word ‘addiction’?
Traditionally the difference between an addiction, as opposed to mere self-destructive behavior and habits involved physical dependency reflected in physical withdrawal symptoms:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction

“addiction

“Main Entry: ad·dic·tion
“Pronunciation: \?-‘dik-sh?n, a-\
“Function: noun
“Date: 1599
“1 : the quality or state of being addicted
“2 : compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction

“An addiction is a persistent behavioral pattern marked by physical and/or psychological dependency[1] and tolerance[2] that causes significant disruption and negatively impacts the quality of life of an organism.[citation needed]

“Addictions are frequently linked to substance abuse, particularly psychoactive drugs such as narcotics, stimulants, and sedatives among others. It is common in colloquial English usage to extend the use of the term “addiction” to also encompass apparent compulsive behavior and passionate dedication to activities (such as hobbies) by analogy.”

Does a gambling addict [if such a thing exists] develop a tolerance to gambling [allowing it to be characterized as an addiction]?

Does a gambling addict [if such a thing exists] experience physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when the credit card maxes out, the Roccos working for the loan sharks demand repayment, when jail and prison sentences enforce withdrawal from gambling?

Or is the term ‘gambling addiction’ merely an excuse for continuing self-destructive behavior by utilizing an implied emphatic need carried as baggage in the word addiction?

Is a person whom others refer to as a ‘gambling addict’ an actual addict, or rather a person making serialized consecutive self-destructive choices [more akin to insanity than addiction]?
Maquis: Good answer generally. On the other hand, there probably needs to be some word to distinguish the difference between habitual lousy choices combined with a dearth of self-discipline, and a physical consequence of withdrawal causing the withdrawal to be more difficult. Not to suggest it’s impossible, but I see it as a different phenomenon.

Anti-social behaviors are all choices but they’re sometimes the results of unlike stimuli.

The question is a sincere one addressed here because I suspect the Y/A! Gambling QA is visited by a lot of experts in matters of addiction, both physical and psychological. I’m hoping for insights.

Best answer:

Answer by j.hoffman76
yepp. your additcted to ggambling are you retarded or something

Answer by Maquis47
Personally, I think our society has greatly overused the word “addiction”. People don’t want to accept personal responsibility for their actions. It’s just human nature. We as a society need to change this and stop coddling the wrong doers. If someone is acting badly, whether it’s gambling, drinking or cheating on your spouse then they need to be told straight out they’re being jerks and hurting other people. Instead they’re told they’re sick and need help.

It’s much easier to see yourself as “sick” rather than a bad person.

Bud really can’t help getting drunk at the bar each night. He’s an alcoholic and needs help.

Tiger has to have female companions. He’s a sex addict and is forced to spend time on the road away from his wife.

Tony has trouble paying the mortgage this month. He has a gambling addiction. It would be best to block the gambling sites from him since he can’t help going on them.

Johnny didn’t turn in his homework and needs some extra help in school. He has a video game addiction and it’s harder for him to concentrate.

If you want to limit the term “addiction” to only things that cause a physical dependency then I’ll argue that still includes everything. Activities such as gambling, sex and video game playing produce endophrines (spelling?) in the brain that trigger our pleasure centers.

Heck, I’d love to spend all day playing and having fun but I also have responsibilities to fulfill. Even if you’re rich and can afford to spend all day having fun, most folks still manage to contribute something positive to society.

Add your own answer in the comments!

 

 

Symptoms of Gambling Addiction – 1. Negative thinking 2. Selling of personal and family assets 3. Demanding of loan from friends and relatives

 

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