Gambling Addictions on the Rise In Women
The rise in the popularity of the game of poker, and especially the
social event of Texas Hold'Em games and tournament, continues to be a
major cultural phenomenon. Whether it's in a casino or online, poker and
other games of chance are becoming increasingly popular. With the rise
in both the popularity and the number of players participating in the
game, it should be no shock to learn that the number of addictions are
also up. What is surprising, however is that it is not just men who are
addicted; a growing number of women in the United States are becoming
compulsive gamblers, too.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, twenty years ago
only a handful of those seeking help for a gambling addiction were
women. Fast forward to 2006 and almost 50 percent of those seeking help
are women. Psychologist Randy Dale says it used to be that most women
gambled to escape their everyday lives. But now, he continues, more
women are simply lured by the action. Women who are recovering
compulsive gamblers say that like drugs, gambling is an addiction that's
hard to control.
"A sense of excitement, of being on the edge, that you are literally
holding your fate in your own hands at a poker table," is what Dale
credits at the heart of the addictions.
Recovering gambler Jennifer Hodges said, "Unfortunately, the more you
gamble, the more you feel like you can win. If you have some luck in the
beginning, then you feel like it’s just around the corner. The more you
lose, the more you start to lie. Pretty soon it’s out of control."
Experts predict that soon gambling will take its place alongside
alcoholism and drug abuse as being one of the most significant
addictions of our time.
People who think they may be struggling with a gambling addiction are
encouraged to call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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