[chalmette70043]

What would you consider as being addicted to gambling?

Prior to the storm at least once, maybe twice a month i would go to the offtrack betting place and bet on horses. I took it as a relaxation thing. I'd bet no more than $40, drink alot and munch on chips while yelling at the tv screens.

Rarely went to casinos then.

Now, in the past three months, every single sunday and some wednesdays in between too, i've been going to the casinos. I dont spend alot, but i do get into playing the slots. I'll start looking forward to going a few days before. I did go back to drinking beer at the casinos, but the last few times i've gone i've stuck with only water. And plan to continue on doing that.

Plus I've downloaded a casino slot machine program on my computer and spend some time playing that. No actual money of course there. Just the fun of it.

I've had a few people suggest that they are worried I'm starting up with a new addiction. Just wanted some other opinions from you guys. See what ya'll think.

Thank ya'll for any comments or opinions,
chalmette

[Christina86]

Well, are you doing it to fill time? Do you enjoy the activity of spending money? Do you do it for the social aspect? Do you feel you can stop going, and stop playing the games (even the one on your computer)?

Does this behaviour worry you, or just people around you?

This is a QUIZ: http://21stepstostopgambling.com/signs_quiz.html

Here's some links I found on Gambling addiction:
http://www.gamblingwatch.ca/symptoms...addiction.html
http://www.gamblingwatch.ca/signs-of...addiction.html

If you can identify with a good portion of what is said on those two pages, perhaps it's a good indication of a behaviour that you need to change.

[chalmette70043]

I took the quiz and got the result that i have the chance of becoming a problem gambler.

I dont think i have a problem with it. I go to relax, to escape reality for a little bit. Thats pretty much why i go.

What gets me is that my therapist brought up that it sounds like i'm on the path of replacing one addiction with another. And a friend has also said the same to me.

I know with having the past addictions i've had, ive been told so many times to watch what i do to not get addicted to something else that could cause me many problems. I dont feel that is happening here though.

Thanks for helping me out with this Christina

chalmette