Addiction is 100% your choice:

[alegotardo]

Almost 90% of the people who have a thing against gambling do so because they feel that gambling is addictive. But come to think of it, isn't addiction a choice? After reading lots of stories on the effects of being an addicted gambler, I feel it's 100% possible to tell myself that I can never be addicted to gambling and won't ever get addicted.

If for instance, I decide that I'm only going to gamble once a week and that at each time I will only gamble with an amount like $20 based on my current financial strength, would I ever become addicted to gambling?  Isn't it because you don't have any plan in place and just gamble as your spirit leads that makes you become careless with your gambling and become addicted to the process? Just want to ask this question;

Can you comfortably tell yourself that you have never been addicted to gambling and that you can never be addicted to gambling because of how you go about it?

Everything we do frequently, we can say is already an addiction, but what changes is whether it is a controlled addiction or not.

If every day or every week you "need" to spend an amount of money on gambling, even if it is a justifiable amount, we can say that you are addicted, right?

However, if you can keep control of these addictions, be it financially as well as the time you spend on games, then you'll be fine.

The problem is when you spend more money than you should, when you put leisure, friends, family or work aside to be able to play. Then addiction becomes a problem.

[uneng]

I think addiction is an urge, an impulse for something, that you have to be really strong to hold on without conceding. The choice consists on what you do towards this urge. If you are strong you can choose to resist, but when you are weak, you end choosing to give up, falling for the addiction as consequence. Some people don't even consider there is a choice involved, but I do, because we have free will and a conscious mind, after all.

So, let's say when you are convinced and can make choices resisting temptations without much difficult. It means you are closer to that 100%, while when you are heavily influenced by your desires and impulses, you are extremely below that percentage. The percentage must consist on the level of awareness you display on the present moment. Addiction for an extremely aware individual is 100% his choice. But for a vulnerable one it can be 10%-20%, for an example.

There should be a tool or method to measure that percentage for each individual. It would be interesting to develop a research on that sense.

[Doan9269]

Almost 90% of the people who have a thing against gambling do so because they feel that gambling is addictive.

Those having this kind of gambling approach is a wring mentality, we should try as much to avoid addiction because that is not expected to be part of our gambling experience from the start of it all, when we are gambling, we should know how to make the balance of what we do as well as how it wont affect anything around us, gamblers are mostly found responsible for the addiction because of their indiscipline nature in curbing themselves towards gambling behaviors.

[Juse14]

I believe that developing a plan and discipline can prevent gambling addiction but it is worth keeping in mind that addiction is a complex issue so good intentions cannot always control. You should be aware of your limitations and recognize the early symptoms of dependency. Your friends and family can provide you with support; in turn, they will help to keep you accountable.

If you sense that control is slipping from your grasp, reach out to a therapist or a support circle; ascertain that your boundaries are practical and fall within your financial purview, the tenets you establish must be adhered to unwaveringly. Pinpoint the emotional stimuli that beckon you towards gambling, and craft productive methods to navigate those waters. Walk this journey with others by your side: let their strength be the tether as you find yours.

Keep in mind that gambling is intended for amusement, not a money-making venture. Stay vigilant, addiction could ensnare you but through awareness and support, safe and responsible gambling is achievable even when the tides are against it.

[Wexnident]

~

Yup. Regardles of how dopamine clumps up your mind and inhibits your capability to think, it's still 100% a choice. Dopamine isn't even an excuse anymore imo since even before you start playing, you already know how much it could cloud your mind, so setting up a few guard barriers to prevent that should've been something natural to you, especially if you yourself know you're pretty gullible to falling under your emotions.

For your sample, I'd generally say no? I do the same pretty much just not weekly, I set an amount I can spend per month and play whenever I want and if that money goes to zero, I just stop. Simple no? I don't think I've become addicted nor do I think I would.

[alani123]

Such a weird hot take.

Yes also standing on the edge of a bridge is a choice. But ruining your life over it has far fewer chances if you get some help and a supportive environment.

People that have been met with great misfortune in their life are more likely to fall into bad situations and also have a worse time recovering. So those people at least deserve some better opportunities. It's not like we're giving them everything, they can start with just some psychological support so they themselves can build their life back.

Honestly I don't understand this aggressive sentiment toward those seeking help... Choice or not doesn't matter. Let people get helped. Especially if they are asking for help it's more likely to be of good use with them.

[Coyster]

Can you comfortably tell yourself that you have never been addicted to gambling and that you can never be addicted to gambling because of how you go about it?

Let's use hard drugs as an example, nobody wishes to be a drug addict, but people find themselves falling into that addiction, they consume drugs for the first time and they cannot stop, the more they try to stop, the deeper they fall into it, some of them land in rehab, but still cannot win the fight against drugs.

I think it is similar to gambling addiction and every other addiction, the people suffering from it cannot help themselves, they just see themselves gambling with every amount of money they have. Yes they can help themselves, but they also need help from others, maybe even rehab.

[Orpichukwu]

Almost 90% of the people who have a thing against gambling do so because they feel that gambling is addictive. But come to think of it, isn't addiction a choice? After reading lots of stories on the effects of being an addicted gambler, I feel it's 100% possible to tell myself that I can never be addicted to gambling and won't ever get addicted.

Using the word "I will never" seems like you have control over everything. One thing I also tell people is that there is something that we try as much as we can to avoid not doing, and it works for us, but saying that we can never do that seems very much to us.
 
But one thing we need to understand is that we can't control everything that we just easily say with our mouth.
 
It's better to say I will try as much as I can to never get addicted to gambling than to say I will never get addicted to gambling. Sometimes those who get addicted get their one day; it was a gradual process without them even realizing it.

[topbitcoin]

Almost 90% of the people who have a thing against gambling do so because they feel that gambling is addictive. But come to think of it, isn't addiction a choice? After reading lots of stories on the effects of being an addicted gambler, I feel it's 100% possible to tell myself that I can never be addicted to gambling and won't ever get addicted.

If for instance, I decide that I'm only going to gamble once a week and that at each time I will only gamble with an amount like $20 based on my current financial strength, would I ever become addicted to gambling?  Isn't it because you don't have any plan in place and just gamble as your spirit leads that makes you become careless with your gambling and become addicted to the process? Just want to ask this question;

Can you comfortably tell yourself that you have never been addicted to gambling and that you can never be addicted to gambling because of how you go about it?

I think I am able to say it to myself because I have done it but before that it is relative depending on how you manage yourself before, because that will determine yourself that how you respond to the emotions of gambling, sometimes gambling that causes addiction is not because of how much money you spend on gambling but sometimes how often you make a habit of gambling will also invite yourself into gambling addiction which is very sad.

I think if you schedule yourself in gambling it will not be a bad gambling addiction because you have a limit on the money you spend as well as the time you will use to gamble, follow the rules that you make it I am sure you will not get into irregular gambling that will make you bad financially.

I also do that nowadays which makes me more confident in gambling without having to be afraid of getting into gambling addiction.

[DaNNy001]

Almost 90% of the people who have a thing against gambling do so because they feel that gambling is addictive.

Those having this kind of gambling approach is a wring mentality, we should try as much to avoid addiction because that is not expected to be part of our gambling experience from the start of it all, when we are gambling, we should know how to make the balance of what we do as well as how it wont affect anything around us, gamblers are mostly found responsible for the addiction because of their indiscipline nature in curbing themselves towards gambling behaviors.

It's takes a really discipline person to actually get a hold of their gambling habits especially when they are going off with it, some persons get lost over the gambler habits especially when they enquire little loses when gambling. They tend to go back and chase that lose thinking that they would win it back whereas in almost all the case the situation actually gets worse as they totally forget their selves as the habit grows totally to an addiction stage.

[AmoreJaz]

Almost 90% of the people who have a thing against gambling do so because they feel that gambling is addictive. But come to think of it, isn't addiction a choice? After reading lots of stories on the effects of being an addicted gambler, I feel it's 100% possible to tell myself that I can never be addicted to gambling and won't ever get addicted.

Using the word "I will never" seems like you have control over everything. One thing I also tell people is that there is something that we try as much as we can to avoid not doing, and it works for us, but saying that we can never do that seems very much to us.
 
But one thing we need to understand is that we can't control everything that we just easily say with our mouth.
 
It's better to say I will try as much as I can to never get addicted to gambling than to say I will never get addicted to gambling. Sometimes those who get addicted get their one day; it was a gradual process without them even realizing it.

That would be better rather than promising that you will never get into this situation. Because like it or not, we don't know how fate will play with us. Even if we say, we don't like the idea but once you are already in front of your games, most gamblers can't contain themselves and will just continue to play. The best thing to do is to assess your situation every once in a while, and see where you are at. If you think you are diverting from what you promised to yourself, change course and  go to where you think will be best for you.

[serjent05]

Almost 90% of the people who have a thing against gambling do so because they feel that gambling is addictive. But come to think of it, isn't addiction a choice? After reading lots of stories on the effects of being an addicted gambler, I feel it's 100% possible to tell myself that I can never be addicted to gambling and won't ever get addicted.

If for instance, I decide that I'm only going to gamble once a week and that at each time I will only gamble with an amount like $20 based on my current financial strength, would I ever become addicted to gambling?  Isn't it because you don't have any plan in place and just gamble as your spirit leads that makes you become careless with your gambling and become addicted to the process? Just want to ask this question;

There is always a chance that a gambler can get addicted to gambling if they lower their guard and remove their moderation and self-discipline on gambling, in addition to engaging with gambling irresponsibly.

Can you comfortably tell yourself that you have never been addicted to gambling and that you can never be addicted to gambling because of how you go about it?

As long as the person is in control of himself, and does not suffer an uncontrollable urge to gamble, he can confidently say that he is not addicted to gambling but at the same time, it must be clear that every exposure to gambling has a chance to a gambling addiction so we must not let our guard down and relax our responsible gambling habit.

[mirakal]

Believe me, it's easier being said than done most particularly for newbies in gambling as they have no valuable amount of experience that will guide them whether to gamble or not, knowing majority of beginner gamblers are more aggressive to win than to settle on small amount of betting just to avoid consistent huge losses in the end.

Meanwhile for experienced gamblers, I should say addiction is 100% your choice because the fact that you know already how to avoid all of those bad habits and attitude in gambling that will put you at its worst situation, and yet you still end up doing it, then it's already your choice, not the fault of the casinos or those who convince you to gamble in the start.

[GreatArkansas]

(....)
Can you comfortably tell yourself that you have never been addicted to gambling and that you can never be addicted to gambling because of how you go about it?

For some people, addiction to gambling has a different basis or meaning for them.
For my own experience, I didn't experience in my life to have addiction to gambling - I know my limitation. As very basic meaning of gambling addiction is too much gambling and don't have limitation anymore.

[wheelz1200]

Almost 90% of the people who have a thing against gambling do so because they feel that gambling is addictive. But come to think of it, isn't addiction a choice? After reading lots of stories on the effects of being an addicted gambler, I feel it's 100% possible to tell myself that I can never be addicted to gambling and won't ever get addicted.

If for instance, I decide that I'm only going to gamble once a week and that at each time I will only gamble with an amount like $20 based on my current financial strength, would I ever become addicted to gambling?  Isn't it because you don't have any plan in place and just gamble as your spirit leads that makes you become careless with your gambling and become addicted to the process? Just want to ask this question;

Can you comfortably tell yourself that you have never been addicted to gambling and that you can never be addicted to gambling because of how you go about it?

That's just you.  I'm in the same boat I don't think I'd ever be "addicted" to gambling, for meats more entertainment.  But to say it's 100% your choice isn't true.  Going is indeed a vice that people can be addicted to, and just like other addictions aren't as easy as just saying no I'm not going to do that anymore.  Just like drugs there are professional services that can help people get out of it but it's not easy.  I know people that have struggled for years with gambling.

[Yatsan]

No one wants to get addicted in the first place, however, our actions and behavior as we gamble either pushes us towards or away from the risk of addiction. So I guess it is partially our choice given that we are aware of its risk but some people are still embracing it by means of betting big amounts continuously and allowing themselves to be emotionally affected by betting outcome. Key to this is self discipline however, not all people have the initiative to set limits or to stop when they need to, as they gamble. Greed and frustrations are the emotions you should be avoiding if you don't want to be one of the cases of the mentioned condition.

Gamblers have lifted addiction to a prime icon, by becoming elite candidates for compulsive gambling. Addiction is a behavior and all behavior are choices says Jeff Schalar, author of addiction is a choice. Technically, players also need to do away with the thought that addiction originates from anything else other than themselves. Presumably, similar idea holds for the reason why players think less of the control they have over compulsive gambling habit. Thereby, allowing their emotions to be toiled with different unacceptable ways of thinking which may lead to addiction. Such as going for monetary fulfilments.

Sad reality but that's jusy how some people value money or use it. The bigger the drive to get rich, the more they would be holding to their bets and luck. Indirectly but to some people that's the only way for them to climb the social strata 'coz in some countries, wages are so low, which I think another factor to consider in some countries.

[Weawant]

You have got a really good point there but understanding the concept of gambling, you will agree that beyond just the fact that the gambler becomes reckless with their stakes and all that, its actually a gradual process that developed over a period of time.

A gambler can start off with all the lay down rules and principles which you did stated, that can in other words be seen as budgeting, even with the budgeting a gambler can still fail to maintain their principal and get ro the point of addiction when they loose their discipline.

There will be a when an extra trial will give him something huge and that will be the beginning of him wanting to keep up with an extra tria probably increase their budget. The best way to ever get out of this is an exceptional level of discipline which most persons do lack.

[Dewi Aries]

Maybe yes I could also agree that addiction is a person's choice when they are involved in gambling, but I think someone will only know about that choice when from the start they understand the basic concept of gambling in the sense of understanding the opportunities and being aware of the risks, because if not then it's clear that they will not know about whether gambling can be addictive or not, or what this means is that usually most of them don't care about such things, in the sense of gambling as long as they want and as long as they have money.

This confirms that gambling addiction can occur without the gambler realizing it. But maybe I would also say that even though from the start you have a plan regarding your approach to gambling, such as only allocating a certain amount every week, that doesn't mean you will completely escape the possibility of addiction, because there will always be the possibility for you to experience an increase in interest. towards gambling, meaning that addiction can occur without you realizing it

[LDL]

Almost 90% of the people who have a thing against gambling do so because they feel that gambling is addictive. But come to think of it, isn't addiction a choice? After reading lots of stories on the effects of being an addicted gambler, I feel it's 100% possible to tell myself that I can never be addicted to gambling and won't ever get addicted.

If for instance, I decide that I'm only going to gamble once a week and that at each time I will only gamble with an amount like $20 based on my current financial strength, would I ever become addicted to gambling?  Isn't it because you don't have any plan in place and just gamble as your spirit leads that makes you become careless with your gambling and become addicted to the process? Just want to ask this question;

Can you comfortably tell yourself that you have never been addicted to gambling and that you can never be addicted to gambling because of how you go about it?

Addiction is deeply personal, but it doesn't make it easier to control. You or I may have a gambling addiction that I personally can control in the beginning but over time the gambling addiction has become so intense that it is not in the rules or in the routine. Maybe initially I used to bet a small amount based on my family and my monthly salary but now the gambling addict in me is so intense that I cannot consider my family and monthly salary. Earlier I used to bet maybe one or two days a week but now I have to bet every day. Then I could not control myself. So it is okay to depend personally but then controlling yourself personally goes beyond mastery.

[AliMan]

Almost 90% of the people who have a thing against gambling do so because they feel that gambling is addictive. But come to think of it, isn't addiction a choice? After reading lots of stories on the effects of being an addicted gambler, I feel it's 100% possible to tell myself that I can never be addicted to gambling and won't ever get addicted.

If for instance, I decide that I'm only going to gamble once a week and that at each time I will only gamble with an amount like $20 based on my current financial strength, would I ever become addicted to gambling?  Isn't it because you don't have any plan in place and just gamble as your spirit leads that makes you become careless with your gambling and become addicted to the process? Just want to ask this question;

Can you comfortably tell yourself that you have never been addicted to gambling and that you can never be addicted to gambling because of how you go about it?

Nobody could certainly said that nobody could be addicted to gambling, I myself once got into addiction but eventually I realized that this could lead to much worst scenario. That's why I to those people who aren't yet involved to this, don't attempt to start initiating this kind of gambling activity. We are all vulnerable to become part of growing numbers of addicted gambling players, once you became binded on the system that online gambling is concerned.
There's lots of stories and situations circulating around discussions, I hope it helps us be more aware before everything is too late.