Getting to Know Your Fellow Gamblers

Compulsive gambling is a serious mental disorder condition in the United States and an estimated 14 million Americans are at-risk gamblers and about 3 million are pathological or addicted gamblers.

Many people have the common perception that one gambler is the same as the next one. This is not entirely true. Yes, there are people that gamble but they differ in the degree of their gambling. Gamblers can be categorized according to the severity of their actions as a result of their habit.

Recreational Gamblers

A lot of Americans can be classified under recreational gamblers. These are the people that seldom gamble or gamble during special occasions as a result of weddings, outings, and special events only. The wagers these people place while gambling has no hostility or any negative effects upon losing. These people hardly spend more time and money than they have or can afford. They limit themselves to what their finances can support but no further.

At-Risk Gamblers

These gamblers have gone through several problems as a result of their gambling but have been able to keep their habit under control. They do not gamble up to the point wherein they accumulate a lot of negative consequences. At-risk gamblers have a 50/50 chance of becoming addicted or problem gamblers because of their gambling problem. These type of gamblers need to practice extreme vigilance when gambling.

Problem Gamblers

Problem gamblers are the type that gambles for more time and usually also for more money than they can afford. Gambling sets off a range of mild to severe negative effects or reactions Social isolation is one trait that can be seen in problem gamblers. They tend to gamble alone than with friends or family, then hide or conceal their habit from their loved ones, and may also get into debates with family members about financial matters.

Two to four percent of the gambling population in the United States experience this type of situation. These gamblers have the tendency to either go back to recreational gambling or develop into a more serious gambling problem.

Pathological Gamblers

Pathological gamblers are commonly known as compulsive or addicted gamblers. These people suffer from the disorder called psychiatric disorder pathological gambling. These gamblers continually and repeatedly are unable to control or halt their gambling habit and accumulate many negative consequences. They are continuously pre-occupied with the act of gambling and have the unstoppable need to gamble with huge sums of money to satisfy their gambling urges. They experience a craving every time they stop gambling.

Money is the end all for pathological gamblers. Money is seen as the means to sustain their urges and as a means to seek further gratification. Many pathological gamblers neglect other parts of their life and these damage careers, friends, family, and spiritual belief. Nearly Pathological gamblers have the tendency to become suicidal when the urge to gamble no longer becomes available.

Despite the increasing numbers of pathological gamblers, the disorder is highly treatable. Many agencies are now more equipped to handle this unique disorder and one factor for a speedy recovery is done with the strong support of family and friends.