Addiction is 100% your choice:

[GigaBit]

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?

People who gamble can never say with 100% certainty that they are not addicted to gambling if they have been gambling for a long time. However, there not be all of them, but most of them have traces of addiction. Many may understand and many may not be able to understand it. But some people are able to control themselves beforehand by understanding the addiction. But becoming aware of this addiction is no easy task. Some do not realize they have become addicted gamblers. If they are called addicts, they never accept it. They are not happy to call themselves addicts. Those who cannot control their greed in gambling become addicted to gambling. But that's one's choice. No one makes someone addicted, they become addicted by themselves.

[crwth]

I think people addicted to different things think "I will just try it at first". And then they have continued to like the feeling. Since we're in the gambling section, they like the thrill and waiting on the part where you are winning and then justifying yourself that "you are near" you deserve it. It's always going to be like that.

Most likely there are a lot of people who have those characteristics that are addictive to certain types of things and those are the people that should be careful with what they are doing.

Understanding and control is probably the best way to be disciplined. It's innate on the person. It takes work. How you do things is how you do everything.

[Sandra_hakeem]

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.

Easier said than done.. whatever the case might be, you definitely need to understand that shit happens in most cases, and that you can't run away from it... Yunno why most gamblers that claim to have disciplined themselves still fall back into the cold hands of inevitable loses? Lemme explain in few words; when you're losing on a steady, the pressure remains constant- it could increase of decrease but, it'll certainly be in the same direction... if you eventually hit a win, the pressure automatically switches up. It might take ages but, as long as you're definitely logging on that site fir another chance and trial, there's a possibility that it becomes part of your income - Now that's how It begins

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 be a little bit technical; what's the percentage of addicted gamblers, compared to non-addict? Is it much or is it less? Way too much.. now, what does that tell you?

[Reatim]

But come to think of it, isn't addiction a choice?

addiction
<definition>

a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence

Addiction is caused by the hormones in our brain. Yes we can try to avoid doing things that may cause us addiction but once we’re addicted it’s hard to try and reset the brain. It’s a lot of science and chemical reactions involved so we can’t say absolutely that it is a choice

I know many people who were addicted but don’t want to be even if it’s killing them to avoid their addictions.

[criptoevangelista]

But come to think of it, isn't addiction a choice?

addiction
<definition>

a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence

Addiction is caused by the hormones in our brain. Yes we can try to avoid doing things that may cause us addiction but once we’re addicted it’s hard to try and reset the brain. It’s a lot of science and chemical reactions involved so we can’t say absolutely that it is a choice

I know many people who were addicted but don’t want to be even if it’s killing them to avoid their addictions.

It all starts with curiosity, it's like any addiction, but you need to have a lot of personality to not subject yourself to being an addict... but I consider it a choice, after all, no one puts a gun to people's heads (most of the time) to make them make decisions about gambling or using drugs, for example. You can drink, gamble, gamble and not get addicted... but you need to have a lot of discipline.

But in the end, we all have some kind of addiction, right?

[YOSHIE]

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?

My understanding is that gambling is a principle, meaning that as long as we have a responsibility and a goal for us to gamble, for me addiction can be a choice, as you said.

Some people gamble to make a lot of money, others to make a living and so on, if these are the two things we gamble on, it is clear that they will be hooked or addicted to the gambling arena, they don't care about the effects that will happen to them, as long as there is money they continue to do it, whether it's illegal or legal money.

Whatever we want to do is a choice, if we don't really choose, the activities we do will definitely have an impact on ourselves, whether positive or negative, as does someone who chooses to gamble.

[$weetne$$]

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.

Why we have many gambling addict is because you won't know when you are getting addicted. You only discover it when you have been too dip into gambling that you can no longer stop on your own. It is when someone tell you that you are gambling like an addict is when you can realize that all this while when you thought you were enjoying yourself that you were just being an addict. If you discipline yourself, gambling addiction is not going to be your problem but when you gamble recklessly without considering how it can affect you, you are going to become a gambling addict. There are things that make you an addict and if you avoid them you would not have this problem therefore being an addict is a choice because we have some gamblers that do it daily yet they can still control their emotions when they are not winning and not deciding to chase after their losses. If you decide not to be addicted and work towards it, you can be free of addiction.

[Oilacris]

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?

You would really be able to tell into yourself on early manner on which you would be having that kind of assurance that you wont really be able to fall on such condition. Everything could
changed up along the way specially if we do speak about addiction potential problem, on the moment that you do play gambling then you could really be able to feel out that kind of emotion
or simply the time that you do become impulsive but it wouldnt really be that an issue if you are really just that good when it comes to self control and discipline.
There are really just that those people who are really that not mindful about future consequences and really just that focuses into their targets or goals that they have set out
and dont mind about the risks involved. They do mind about positive results on which its really just that not good on this aspect.

[Findingnemo]

It can't be always, people have been addicted to things even without knowing and it's their ignorance and influence from someone or something but at the end of the day we have to take the responsibility for our actions and if we failed in something then we should be just brave and accept it.

Addiction is a wide topic that still in the research stage medically too so all we here are not professionals just sharing the experiences and if we try to be careful the chances of getting addicted to it less.

[aioc]

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;

You are on the safe side as long as you are betting within your allocated amount and time; people usually lose control when they overextend or pass within their limitst, if you want to be in control or you want to have a choice then stick to your plan when you goes astray lead yourself to get back in your control.

Addiction is a choice as long as you have total control you will not become addicted if you choose not to be if you have a solid plan that will guide you along the way.

[Awaklara]

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 would say that to myself personally. but to be honest, I Once addicted and took bad steps in my gambling. but I will still say I don't want to be addicted. although in practice sometimes I make mistakes.
In gambling, we have tried to determine our limits, as well as efforts to be responsible for the limits we set ourselves. If we always remind ourselves of that, it becomes an alarm for us.
when you are addicted and realize it in any situation. At that time you have to make difficult decisions about the gambling you do. want to continue with better control, or want to leave gambling. we ourselves choose it.

[Blitzboy]

~snip~
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?

Theoretically, we can say it simply and easily. but at the same time, someone out there may need help to get out of their excessive habits. we could say, addictive disorder. If I had to speak honestly, perhaps up to now I could be said to be a gambling addict. yeah, I'm more comfortable saying that than I am saying I'm not an addict. The reason is, until now I am still involved in betting or gambling. although with experience, there are many new understandings and changes to the ideology of gambling. a simple example, I used to think gambling was a fast way to get money. As you get older and more experienced, gambling is quite complicated but fun. not just knowing how to get wins and profits. but also think about other aspects, for example the risks we will face. You could say I'm still a gambler, although I often say that I limit every entertainment of this type of gambling. However, there are times when I can get lost due to many factors. That doesn't mean I don't have self-control, but staying consistent with self-control is not as easy as we say. Moreover, we have to make it a habit to be disciplined every time we gamble. however, it is the real challenge for gamblers. as you said in this thread, sometimes someone has no boundaries regarding gambling, they will look for ways to earn money so they can vent their desire to gamble. But actually I agree with what you said, that addiction is purely our choice. it's just, it's not as easy as we say in this thread. To implement it, it requires a broad understanding and the importance of knowing what gambling is for ourselves.

Recognizing an issue takes guts. Thats the first step to winning, trust me. Gambling is about thrill and excitement, not just money. About pushing limitations. We all like winning, right? But its also about accepting defeat. Knowing when to leave.

You've been honest with yourself and seen your gambling beliefs alter, which is huge. Like you leveled up. Now you're managing your life, not gambling. You're learning to regulate your desires. Winners do that. Remember, you're not alone. Everyone has loved ones. Your family and friends support you. Discipline protects you and your relationships. You demonstrate strength and control. Thats the greatest win.

[hyudien]

We often talk about this addiction, and it's not just one or two people who recommend that people who have a gambling addiction should consult psychologists and others. So I think this has something to do with health or something within us, be it mental or so on. Someone who is addicted to gambling will do everything they can to fulfill their needs and what drives this is their thoughts and feelings. So this is not entirely our choice, but there is something that makes us or our hormonal system want to always fulfill that need.
Just like someone who is addicted to online games, they even spend hours every day just playing online games. There are also many factors that push them to become addicted to online games and not just a choice. At first, maybe they just tried it and then the interest was very high, causing addiction.

[348Judah]

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?

Gambling does not comes with addiction, its our own choice or decision to be addicted or not from how we are gambling, if we set some rules on ourself and apply some gambling principles, we will not be addicted with gambling, but when we refused to adhere to some personal ethics and precautions towards the way we are gambling, things may not go well as we expected because addiction will later manifest in us, so i agree with you OP that it's our choice on being addicted or not.

[Frankolala]

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?

Easy said than done but if you can stick to your rules and gamble once in a week there is no way such gambler will be addicted because your mind will not be in gambling. The problem with gambling is when you overdo it and it becomes part of you, that means that you are already addicted because you will always want to gamble.

The reason that most people get addicted is because they are looking for profits from gambling and that has made them to always gamble with the amount of money that they cannot afford to lose with consistency believing that they will hit the jackpot soon unknown to them such action will make them become addicts.

[jaberwock]

You can gamble with weekly or monthly allotted gambling money but when it crosses its limit it must be classified as addiction. Constant gambling can lead you to addiction when you keep losing and your funds are replenished. I think addiction can't be a choice because you can't risk your family's future for your choice.

It's not about being weekly or monthly but it's about the budget that one allocates in gambling. Someone can spend one day only in gambling but can spend too much money. This already qualifies as a addiction. When you say replenish, did you mean that we deposit again? Or we experience a win? But either of these two, both of it can still cause an addiction. We can't be addicted just like that but it is a choice or a product of our greediness. Yeah, its effects are so bad, so one should control their selves so that they won't become an addict to gambling.

You can implement your choice only when it is positive in itself and will try to keep the family better.

Negative or positive, each of us are free to make our choices in our life but of course, it is always better to choose only the positive ones.

[Zoomic]

No one gets addicted intentionally. OP might be extra careful about getting addicted to gambling but if you take a proper look at his personal life and activities, you will realise that he might be addicted to his phone, a particular music, a kind of meal or something else we cannot really tell. These addiction doesn't just come overnight, it begins with a gradual process which eventually generates into something we cannot control.

I do not think OP is a real gambler, he might be an unstable gambler like me who doesn't really have passion for gambling, but gambles ones in a long while. Give him all the opportunities he needs to gamble and in few days, he'll be speaking a different language about gambling addiction.

[tread93]

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 mean one thing a lot of folks tend to have a problem with is just the sheer justification of their gambling. I think there is so much of a negative connotation for the word addiction that it can often also be confused with habits. If you go to work every day do you have a habit or an addiction? Surely there is a huge difference between the two things here, on one hand you have a habitual act out of obligation that you can't get out of, on the other hand you have a 100% voluntary act that is being sought out to with effort & for the purpose of "entertainment". You can call it whatever you want but I would say you have more of a habit, you are betting the same money you can afford to bet and have calculated your risks, someone who is addicted would throw all the gasoline they have on the fire so to speak.

[Antotena]

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.

When an argument is general, you should only speak for yourself and not everyone. There is gambling addiction and the majority of people I see that are dealing with one is not because they pick to be a gambler and become addicted, it's because they lack orientation and approach gambling as means of making money hurriedly. Some of them has risk the money they never should have and that's why they are in this mess they are today but your are not because you were able to even read and assimilate what is gambling addiction.

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 can't be addicted to gambling because I'm not in a situation where I think I will be addicted to gambling, not even possible. If I gamble today, it's not because I want money to feed, money for shelter or for my studies. I did it because I wanted to just do it but how many of addicted gamblers can actually say the same. Most of the time you see people addicted to gambling, these are few primary reasons why they become addicted to gambling. If you can beat this and refused to gamble for need, you will know when to stop gambling unless you choose not to stop.

[BABY SHOES]

I will not become addicted to judging, I will not force it if there is no money because if you force it then this is part of the process of your gambling addiction so as much as possible to be able to hold where you are when there is no money.

I gamble whenever there is more or monthly leftover money because I will not prioritize while gambling is part of the fun, don't force it when there is no money, that's it.

How people are addicted to gambling because they so want to keep playing endlessly, in addition to the desire for profits that continue to be obtained they don't care about luck coming 1x they just want to play without knowing the time, this is clearly addicted.