Gambling Addiction Needs Compassion, Not Judgment

[avp2306]

You will never really understand how serious gambling addiction is unless you experience it yourself. We have all seen some topics and news about people being reported as gambling addicts. Sometimes we just laugh, sometimes we blame them for their stupidity instead of showing compassion.

I say this because I experienced it myself. It is not easy to be addicted and no one really wishes to be addicted, it just happens. We who experience this are victims of our own weakness in gambling, lack of emotional control and bad decision making.

So we have to be careful with the words we throw at someone, especially when we know they are already in a delicate situation. It becomes easier to understand them when we try to understand the situation they are really in.

They will never get judged if they just show how responsible they are even if they gamble.

But if they abuse everything and made bad decision on gambling then this is part of consequences that they need to deal with.

So if people really want compassion then they must think about having good discipline. Because there's no people will criticized them if they didn't do anything bad that affect their lives.

[Cointxz]

That’s the problem of sharing your situation publicly like in the forum. We can’t control what will others opinion since we have freedom to express whatever we want as long as it’s not against the forum rules which criticisms are allowed no matter how sensitive the topic.

If people doesn’t like judgement then make sure to make it private and seek professional help instead.

I agree to overall message of the thread. It’s just we can’t control someone else freedom to express their opinion.

[boyptc]

I agree. They deserve compassion and if there's any help that we can do like some tips or good advices or words of wisdom, we should.

But if we have nothing to say good on them, much better to keep quiet and let it pass and ignore them.

Everyone has a different point of view about them. Others might blame them even more, victim blaming won't help to be honest.

It's free to be kind to them but, understand that everyone has also their limitation for being kind and compassionate.

[AmaGold70]

You will never really understand how serious gambling addiction is unless you experience it yourself. We have all seen some topics and news about people being reported as gambling addicts. Sometimes we just laugh, sometimes we blame them for their stupidity instead of showing compassion.

I say this because I experienced it myself. It is not easy to be addicted and no one really wishes to be addicted, it just happens. We who experience this are victims of our own weakness in gambling, lack of emotional control and bad decision making.

So we have to be careful with the words we throw at someone, especially when we know they are already in a delicate situation. It becomes easier to understand them when we try to understand the situation they are really in.

I really understand the area you are going, most of us are addicted to doing one thing or the other, but when you become addicted in something like gambling, alcohol, drugs, and womanizing it becomes something of great concern, because the effect of all these things can be very disastrous, and can make victims very useful, and confused in life. When someone is addicted, is actually a big problem to the person even as a gambler. People who are addicted needs help from people around them, these help can be in the form of advice or using any other means to make them become normal, and disciplined again. I know how much I was loosing in gambling when I lacked emotional indiscipline, and control, but today, I have regained sanity, and no longer gambling as one who is addicted.

[sompitonov]

Compassion may certainly be better in this case, but I think it's better to think about, and most importantly, take action to help players, warn newcomers of what to expect, and add players to the self-exclusion list if they want to do so quickly and easily without hindrance. There are other things I haven't mentioned, but they can be systematized. In any case, condemnation sometimes works in the opposite direction, when a player simply acts out of spite or to show others that they'll win no matter what and cover their losses and any losses they've incurred so far. It's a complex issue, but my opinion is probably somewhere between condemnation and compassion.

[aioc]

You will never really understand how serious gambling addiction is unless you experience it yourself. We have all seen some topics and news about people being reported as gambling addicts. Sometimes we just laugh, sometimes we blame them for their stupidity instead of showing compassion.

They are sensitive and defensive, which is why they hide their mistakes and their addiction. I was there, and I know the feeling. Once they see they are being blamed, they hide or become defensive to the point that they break relationships.

The best approach is understanding them and letting them open up, if they see that you're someone who can be trusted with their feelings, opening up and asking for help will be easy for them, so yeah these people needs understanding and compassion because they are loss.

[Obim34]

So we have to be careful with the words we throw at someone, especially when we know they are already in a delicate situation. It becomes easier to understand them when we try to understand the situation they are really in.

I'm not in conjunction with those who would throw shades at gamblers going through addiction, but from a different perspective, some of the crisis they go through are as a result of greed, I wouldn't blame addiction for that, some are fully aware of the consequence before taking the action, yet cause of greed, they still went ahead.

I know someone who was addicted, won and lost millions in less than a week, he didn't get compassion from anyone, and that alone has kept him away from gambling until now, some people prefer taking correction the hard way.

[Rabata]

Gambling addiction is something that happens without a person's knowledge. An addicted gambler may never realize at first that he is becoming an addicted gambler. However, over time, when the addiction level increases and at some point he suffers a major loss, especially a major loss due to losing for a long time, many people admit their addiction. There are some who understand but do not admit it in front of everyone. As a normal gambler, I will definitely not be biased in judging an addicted gambler, but I will give him advice on how to get out of that addiction. If those who gamble are uncontrollably gambling, then there is a possibility of becoming addicted, but if they can manage gambling in a controlled and limited way, even if the gambler gambles for a long time, it cannot have any negative effect.

[hedgeh0g]

Compassion may certainly be better in this case, but I think it's better to think about, and most importantly, take action to help players, warn newcomers of what to expect, and add players to the self-exclusion list if they want to do so quickly and easily without hindrance. There are other things I haven't mentioned, but they can be systematized. In any case, condemnation sometimes works in the opposite direction, when a player simply acts out of spite or to show others that they'll win no matter what and cover their losses and any losses they've incurred so far. It's a complex issue, but my opinion is probably somewhere between condemnation and compassion.

I think compassion relieves some of the responsibility of addicted players, and judgment should be the first response to these players, followed by anything else to calm them down. But first, it's a tough approach that can set them straight. But sometimes even that won't help, and then a more comprehensive approach is needed, because people who support addicts will simply be codependent and ruin their lives, living less than fully. In any case, I think 90% of players never seek help and hide their addiction until it becomes obvious to others.

[goldkingcoiner]

Addiction is a disease but it seems to be the only disease you can be judged for for having.

"Damn it, Otto, you're an alcoholic" is acceptable while "Damn it, Otto, you have Lupus" seems mean. (And anyone who recognized the quotes knows good comedy  ).

But yes, any kind of addiction should be treated with compassion but also while considering the nature of the addict. The addict is not to be trusted because of their addiction, which makes them act and think irrationally. So there is a fine line between compassion and trusting someone who is not in their right mind that we should all consider.

[LastKiss]

~snip~
So we have to be careful with the words we throw at someone, especially when we know they are already in a delicate situation. It becomes easier to understand them when we try to understand the situation they are really in.

Yup, rather than throwing harsh words at them which may only make things worse, it is better to encourage them to control their addiction instead of telling them to stop gamble completely. By doing so, we can hope that they gradually reduce the amount of money and time they spend on gambling, as well as lessen their addiction and ego.

In many cases, gamblers who are already addicted have a strong attachment to gambling making them less willing to listen to advice even when it is intended for their own benefit. Therefore, if we have friends who gamble we should support and look out for one another to help prevent bad decisions and reduce the risk of gambling addiction.

[ImGenius]

I agree with you. Getting rid of gaming addiction is very difficult anyone can easily give advice from outside but only those who have fallen into addiction understand how difficult it is to get out of gaming addiction.

To get out of gaming addiction we mainly have to follow a few steps like not trying to chase the loss by doing more gambling. Blocking all gambling site so that we cannot access it. Temporary block all types of gambling groups that can make us remember about gambling. Try something other than gambling so that our attention changes to other things. Consistency is the key to make out of it.

[Rubuchi]

That’s the problem of sharing your situation publicly like in the forum. We can’t control what will others opinion since we have freedom to express whatever we want as long as it’s not against the forum rules which criticisms are allowed no matter how sensitive the topic.

If people doesn’t like judgement then make sure to make it private and seek professional help instead.

I agree to overall message of the thread. It’s just we can’t control someone else freedom to express their opinion.

I like the democracy played in this forum where none of the big actors here in the forum does dictate anything for anybody else rather allows out individual opinions to fly. If a question is passed and you know the answer, just share your opinion without insulting another or using any form of derogatory words on them. I also like the discipline that is exercised because it brings about decorum and try to get people to avoid reacting negatively and off points. Anything else is fine in as much as it promotes the aims and objectives of this forum. I still want to know more about the vision statement of this forum though as I cannot remember coming across any of those recently.

[coin-investor]

Nobody wants to be judged; some addicted to gambling, got there because of their weak characters, others out of desperation. Nobody wants to have a miserable life because of gambling addiction, so they need all the help that they can get, but healing and help can only come if they are willing to open up.

They will only open up if people show compassion and understanding. Some of the people who can help them are their families and professionals who know how to deal with them.

[Achalugo BTC]

I agree with you. Getting rid of gaming addiction is very difficult anyone can easily give advice from outside but only those who have fallen into addiction understand how difficult it is to get out of gaming addiction.

To get out of gaming addiction we mainly have to follow a few steps like not trying to chase the loss by doing more gambling. Blocking all gambling site so that we cannot access it. Temporary block all types of gambling groups that can make us remember about gambling. Try something other than gambling so that our attention changes to other things. Consistency is the key to make out of it.

To be honest, its not easy to overcome addiction, especially gambling addiction, as one will find it hard to get out from it but, if one is willingly and determined to stop, they will have to make some sacrifice, also their loved ones needs help towards them as the journey its not easy, and not to judge them by their mistakes. Also, for one to redeem themselves from gambling, they have to also be consistent and patience, as it might take time for them to heal.

[michellee]

Those addiction need compassion from people around them and helps them to cure and solve their gambling addiction. We don't know how it feels but we see they are deep in gambling and difficult to finds and solving the problem. They need our hands to solve and besides them so they can feels confident to follow the recovery.

If we can't help, we should not say bad words as they can feels hurt. They may know they are addicted to gambling but don't know how to solve so we needs to understand their situation.

[LogitechMouse]

You will never really understand how serious gambling addiction is unless you experience it yourself. We have all seen some topics and news about people being reported as gambling addicts. Sometimes we just laugh, sometimes we blame them for their stupidity instead of showing compassion.

I say this because I experienced it myself. It is not easy to be addicted and no one really wishes to be addicted, it just happens. We who experience this are victims of our own weakness in gambling, lack of emotional control and bad decision making.

So we have to be careful with the words we throw at someone, especially when we know they are already in a delicate situation. It becomes easier to understand them when we try to understand the situation they are really in.

I'm not addicted to gambling just for context, but I'm one of those people that will never, never judge addicted gamblers. I've seen one addicted gambler here in our area, and I didn't judge him because he's an addicted gambler, but aside from being addicted one, he's also becoming a nuisance and a problem in our community already that's why we are forced to put him in jail. That's a blessing in disguise as well because he's now better than how he was when he's outside at least in terms of mental health.

Unfortunately, as much as we want to say to others to not say negative things to gamblers, there will always be people that will throw such words to them, and that's one thing that's a bit sad to think. I don't see anybody laughing at addicted gamblers though, but I think the most common is that they will judge you here and there which is what makes it very hurtful. Imagine you're an addicted gambler, you're having a problem financially, mentally and even with your parents then there will people that will judge you even though they don't know you personally. I guess this is also one of the reasons why gamblers wanted to hide the fact that they're into gambling. They don't want other people to judge them

[alegotardo]

You will never really understand how serious gambling addiction is unless you experience it yourself. We have all seen some topics and news about people being reported as gambling addicts. Sometimes we just laugh, sometimes we blame them for their stupidity instead of showing compassion.

I say this because I experienced it myself. It is not easy to be addicted and no one really wishes to be addicted, it just happens. We who experience this are victims of our own weakness in gambling, lack of emotional control and bad decision making.

So we have to be careful with the words we throw at someone, especially when we know they are already in a delicate situation. It becomes easier to understand them when we try to understand the situation they are really in.

I think the problem is not gambling addiction itself, but inability of people deal properly with others people who are living in a poor situation. This feeling to ignore or even look down the someone happens with many types of people to addicted to alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, not only with gambling. Homeless people or people with intellectual or physical disabilities also suffer from this.

It is difficult for society understand this, most of the time they are not in this situation because they want. I say because I had an uncle with problem with alcohol who became homeless, and it take a long time to become an "honorable citizen" again. He told me that if he had received help earlier he could have recovered sooner, but the most people either acted with indifference or judged him whenever he asked for help.

So... we need to help someone addicted to gambling, especially if they are an close friend or family member, understand why they went down to this root and help if they are truly willing to change. Sometimes, that is all they want, and not more money to continue feeding your addiction.

[reagansimms]

I'm sure you never chose to be a gambling addict and to this day no one has just woken up and said "today I want to ruin my life." Gambling addiction has been recognized by WHO as a mental disorder, the reason you become addicted is because the dopamine in your brain continues to increase due to chasing the reward. You're not alone in experiencing this problem. Gambling addiction is a genuine mental health disorder that alters brain function, not just a moral weakness. Deteriorating self-control is driven by a powerful dopamine rush. Acknowledging the problem is a courageous first step toward recovery.

[Porfirii]

<...>

I think the problem is not gambling addiction itself, but inability of people deal properly with others people who are living in a poor situation. This feeling to ignore or even look down the someone happens with many types of people to addicted to alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, not only with gambling. Homeless people or people with intellectual or physical disabilities also suffer from this.

It is difficult for society understand this, most of the time they are not in this situation because they want. I say because I had an uncle with problem with alcohol who became homeless, and it take a long time to become an "honorable citizen" again. He told me that if he had received help earlier he could have recovered sooner, but the most people either acted with indifference or judged him whenever he asked for help.

So... we need to help someone addicted to gambling, especially if they are an close friend or family member, understand why they went down to this root and help if they are truly willing to change. Sometimes, that is all they want, and not more money to continue feeding your addiction.

Thank you for sharing your opinion and personal experience alegotardo. In my case I also had a family member who had addiction problems, and most family members turned their backs on him. It is incredible the ability that some people have to deceive themselves and modify their memories to their convenience, so as not to take care of the people who need their help.

You are absolutely right that what people with this type of problem need most is a little compassion, to put yourself in their shoes and understand them. In addition, we believe that this could never happen to us, and hopefully it won't, but no one is free from falling into this, so they shouldn't be treated as inferior people, they're just people who need help.