NOT everything that brings fun and excitement is good for a person. Perhaps the pleasant feeling is momentary, and once he gets hooked, the damage can last a lifetime.
Gambling is one example. It becomes a problem when it affects a person’s ability to fulfill his obligations, when it leads to lying, stealing and dependence on creditors just to sustain the activity, and when a gambler neglects his health, job, and family.
There are stories of educated people who tried gambling, got addicted, lost everything, and ended their lives. These are very sad effects of gambling addiction.
How can gambling addiction be avoided? Experts say that the predisposition to become a gambler depends on several factors besides genetics and a competitive personality. The other factors include smoking, drinking, depression, and boredom.
One’s genes may not be altered, but a few things can be done to avoid gambling addiction, like focusing on worthwhile, productive activities, and not looking at gambling as a means to acquire money. It would be good to choose alternative activities that can meet a person’s need for fun and excitement without spending much or borrowing money and to avoid people and places that encourage gambling.
Doing something that will benefit other people and keeping one’s self busy also help. The tragic stories of gambling addicts may help change the behavior of people who are at risk of becoming gambling addicts themselves.
A few minutes of fun and excitement may lead to a lifetime of remorse, so be careful.
