What is pathologic gambling?
Pathologic gambling affects about 10 million Americans. People with this condition can’t control their impulses to gamble. They end up losing a lot of money and get into financial trouble. Gambling usually causes problems with work or relationships. Men or women of any age can be pathologic gamblers. Depression, drinking and taking drugs often go along with pathologic gambling. Pathologic gamblers are also more likely to think about committing suicide. What causes pathologic gambling? Many experts think that pathologic gambling is an addiction because of the “rush” you feel when you win and lose money. Your experiences and personality type also play a large part. Pathologic gambling may be hard to treat because you may not want to tell others about your problem. How is pathologic gambling treated? Pathologic gambling can be treated. Your family doctor can help you and your loved ones. First, you have to admit you have a gambling problem by telling your family and friends. Second, you c
