Addiction

I don’t have direct experience on gambling addiction but have come across alcohol addiction in close relatives. Through that had direct experience of AA and whilst it undoubtedly does a lot of good for some people I found the religious focus, even in support groups for relatives, a real turn off. I also didn’t like the ‘mystification’ layer it created. The good thing is that it recognises the addiction brain wiring that makes the consequences so terrible in people’s lives. I’m guessing GA takes a similar approach to AA.

I’m fortunate in that I can take or leave alcohol, and gambling just leaves me cold - whatever the opposite is to the buzz and excitement some people get from it is what I feel. But I do recognise that for some people the stop mechanism is just f**ked, and the fear/caution of consequences that limits most people gets over ridden. To that extent it’s a mental health problem and I would certainly hope that therapy and other non-judgmental services are better available, and supported. AA & GA obviously do a good job, but their approach will also alienate some who desperately need help. USAC’s comments on his motivation, and those of successful professional gamblers rings true, but if gambling addiction mechanism works similar to alcohol addiction, I’m not sure that approach would really address the underlying mental health issue for an addict.

Slightly tangentially, I don’t think the glamourising of betting helps. Our clubs shirt sponsor, and all the advertising and promotion around betting maybe a ‘free choice’ thing that for most is not a problem, but an addict doesn’t really have free choice. Whatever the addiction, all the cultural stuff designed to sell & promote the providers and make it respectable, makes it so much more difficult for addicts to fight their addiction.

Too many words, but it’s a big issue. I wish you well and hope you are successful - it’s much more needed than most will recognise.

Posted By: Tressells Broadbrush, Feb 24, 08:56:19