Gambling addiction - Cause, outcome and a way out
by Dr. med. Thorsten Heedt
1. Introduction
From Dr. Thorsten Heedt, medical specialist for psychotherapy with an emphasis on the treatment of post-traumatic illnesses.
All addictions have one thing in common whether you are addicted to alcohol, heroin and nicotine or to gambling:
- The addictive "drug" is consumed obsessively in the course of the addiction even though the feeling of joy might not be achieved by consuming the "drug".
- The loss of control increases steadily.
- The addictive drug is used to flee from reality.
- The addiction continues even though it has caused several negative consequences or health damage.
The following article deals with addiction to gambling, its origin and how to determine whether you are suffering from a gambling addiction and where you can find help.