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Gambling is a fun pastime for the young and old alike. It can be done anywhere and it can be legal or illegal. It can be completely safe or on the verge of dangerous. It can become a severe addiction. Whether a gambler is addicted to the thrill of the win or loves to see the pile of chips in front of them grow, the addiction can be as powerful as if it were alcohol or heroin.

All addictions stem from the same basic need: to satisfy a compulsion. Some of the symptoms of a gambling addiction include using it to avoid painful feelings like loneliness, grief or anxiety. When a person needs to bring an increasing sum of money to the table to make bigger bets, they are doing the same thing an addict does when they increase their dosage to get a higher high. One of the classic signs of addiction is lying to loved ones about where they are going, how much money they are spending and especially how much money they lost.

Treatment for a gambling addiction is much the same as Alcoholics Anonymous. Gamblers Anonymous uses a similar 12-step program to help gamblers overcome their addiction. Gamblers should also undergo a psychological evaluation to rule out issues like bi-polar and blood tests to be sure medications are not increasing the dopamine in their brain.

It is estimated that only five percent of gamblers in the United States are addicted to it. However, that is still equal to several million people.