Is gambling an illness

[sun5hinez]

I believe that gambling is an illness, but I have heard many people speak the opposite, what do you think?

[daniela31]

Gambling can become an illness without the gambler noticing it. Others will notice it first, by then the gambler has the addiction.
Pathological (compulsive) gambling is an illness that is chronic and progressive, but can be diagnosed and treated, but first the gambler has to realise that they are addicted, which is the tricky bit.
Pathological gamblers also have a much higher suicide rate than persons addicted to drugs or alcohol.

[andy-hughes]

I agree - gambling is a past-time, chronic gambling is an addicition.

i fail to see how anyone could argue with any such compulsive behaviour being anything other than an addicition.

[sun5hinez]

I completely agree! I know someone very close who is a chronic gambler and was told "gambling is not an illness, it is not an addiction, they only do it because they enjoy it!" How can someone enjoy hurting everyone they love? How can someone enjoy the shame and guilt to the point of suicide?

[daniela31]

The gambler needs to be willing to accept the fact that he is in the grip of a progressive illnes and has the desire to get well.

Normal everyday stuff like lottery and bingo is just a bit of fun.
If it gets to the stage where you are spending all your wages on gambling and nothing else matters, then you have a problem.

[smudge]

Andy has posted my sentiments on this.

Was going to say that gambling every now & again, could be classed as a sort of hobby, but obsessive/compulsive gamling is more of an addiction rather than an illness.

Must be awful to be controlled by money & winnings.