Essay I Have a Gambling Problem - 2238 Words

I Have a Gambling Problem Professor’s comment: This student’s essay is well researched, strongly analytical, and seriously personal. But the essay did not begin as a personal essay—far from it— from major rewriting emerged this fascinating and very effective essay, in which social and personal analysis intertwine. Hi, my name is ______ and this is my first GamAnon meeting. I am nineteen years old, and I started gambling in junior high, $5 bets with friends. In high school, craps and deuces were the craze. The teachers had no idea. Then I started playing the lottery, hoping to hit the jackpot. Age never really mattered since the vendor never asked to see ID. In my first year of college, I started wagering on sporting events through†¦show more content†¦What led millions like me to start gambling? Psychologists and psychiatrists provide the traditional and widely accepted explanation: individuals are driven to gamble by certain personal psychological factors. This explanation, however, was applied to pathological gambling well before the recent surge of the 1970s; therefore, while this explanation may explain why any given individual may become a pathological gambler, it cannot explain why so many people became pathological gamblers during this time period. Other non-psychological chang es must have facilitated increased gambling: technological advancements, new modes of communications, increased media coverage, and other societal factors. The Pathological Gambler The severity of the gambling problem varies; pathological gamblers must be distinguished from recreational gamblers —such as those who occasionally purchase a lottery ticket. The American Psychiatric Association defines pathological gambling as â€Å"chronic and progressive failure to resist impulses to gamble, and gambling behavior that compromises, disrupts, or damages personal, family, or vocational pursuits† (APA 324). Pathological gamblers characteristically become preoccupied with gambling—gambling with increasing amounts of money, trying to win back past losses—ultimately leading to personal and financial ruin. These characteristics, alongShow MoreRelated Gambling Addiction Essay1116 Words   |  5 PagesGambling Addiction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Gambling addiction is an issue found in numerous areas where gambling is legal. People who are addicted to gambling, also know as problem gamblers, face many health risks including depression, suicidal thoughts, loss of sleep, loss of appetite, migraine and anxiety in addition to marriage breakdown, problems at work and bankruptcy (9). About 2 percent of adults are thought to be problem gamblers (1). In today’s society this costly addiction is not often considered toRead MoreGambling1554 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling To some people gambling is just a waste of time and money but to some it can be a winning streak. Back then in the 1970s 30-55 years old was the typical age that most people gambled but now the typical age is 17-70 years old. In the United States the legal age to gamble is 21 in most casinos and in some Indian casinos the legal age is 18. There are many ways to gamble there are casinos, online gambling and even home gambling with family or friendsRead Morelegalizing gambling983 Words   |  4 Pages Legalizing Casino Gambling in Texas Persuasive Speech Outline Legalizing Casino Gambling in Texas Specific Purpose Statement: To persuade my class about why legalizing casino gambling in Texas is for the better. Thesis Statement: Legalizing casino gambling in the state of Texas would enhance society and will be beneficial for the entire state. Organizational Pattern: Problem-Solution Introduction I. Did you know that gambling generates more revenue thanRead MoreShould Internet Gambling Be Illegal?1191 Words   |  5 PagesGambling in the United States has become more than a pastime in casinos because the internet has been adapted to include online gambling. Also, gambling previously has been exclusive to adults; yet, more and more teenagers are participating in the worldwide phenomenon of fantasy sports. Personally, I have never found gambling appealing because I think that it is a waste of time and money. As it is, gambling has become a problem and will continue to grow unless something is changed. There are numerousRead MoreIs Teenage Gambling a Problem in Canada?1034 Words   |  5 PagesGambling has become one of the major components in Canada’s entertainment industry. Not only has gambling become popular among adults, but it has also gained popularity among teenagers. The various types of gambling include lottery or scratch cards, card games such as blackjack, bingo and gambling machines. Gambling can affect an individual both mentally and physically. Some of the harmful effects of gambling include experiencing depression, isolation, loss of sleep, stress related problemsRead MoreEssay about Gambling599 Words   |  3 Pages Gambling has effected many people I know in a negative way and the problem is getting increasingly more serious due to the large amount of young adults who are starting to gamble. Teenagers often face routine warnings about drugs and alcohol but Not about gambling. Gambling is highly addictive, and compulsive gamblers have the same symptoms an alcoholic or a person addicted to drugs would have with their addiction , when someone is addicted to gambling they have a brain disease that is chemicallyRead MoreEffects Of Gambling On College Students861 Words   |  4 Pages Gambling is the activity or practice of playing a game of chance for money or other stakes. Activities that are considered gambling are betting on sports and races, lotteries, card games like blackjack and poker, and casino games like slots and roulette. Bingo and raffles are technically gambling, but there are no major concerns about them, so they are not included here. Though gambling is legal within many states, it is does not make it right for people to engage in such activitiesRead MoreEffects Of Gambling On College Students861 Words   |  4 PagesGambling is the activity or practice of playing a game of chance for money or other stakes. Activities that are con sidered gambling are betting on sports and races, lotteries, card games like blackjack and poker, and casino games like slots and roulette. Bingo and raffles are technically gambling, but there are no major concerns about them, so they are not included here. Though gambling is legal within many states, it is does not make it right for people to engage in such activities. This is especiallyRead MoreBenefits Of Gambling Among College Students1147 Words   |  5 PagesGambling Among College Students Gambling is risking money or something of value on uncertain events driven by chance. Most people see gambling as just another form of fun. Gambling often becomes a sensitive issue for the gambler and their family. This is especially important to consider, since the practice of gambling among college students is constantly growing with the rise of internet-based gambling.Though gambling is legal in many states, it does not make it right for people to engage in suchRead MoreInquiring Into The Social Assignment1586 Words   |  7 Pages Inquiring into the social – Assignment 1 Draft Summary In today’s modern society there have been numerous advances in the way we live our day to day lives. These advancements have not only changed the way we operate but have inadvertently shaped our younger generation into a more hybrid form. Gambling has always been seen as a chance to win more money at the expense of one’s wallet. Yet it is often that individuals are prone to losing more rather than gaining, which has affected many by sending