How to Stop Compulsive Gambling - Also Known as Pathological Gambling and Gambling Problems

It is estimated that as many as 5% of the adult population is at risk of developing gambling problems such as compulsive gambling. Many people find relief from this progressive illness by attending and taking part in meetings and a twelve step program such as the one offered by Gamblers Anonymous. Most therapists agree that using several forms of therapy to combat the problem of compulsive gambling offers the best chances of success.

Other than a support group such as GA, private therapy is also useful. Another method that shows great promise and offers the compulsive gambler some comfort and relief from the torment of the urge to gamble is guided meditation for relaxation. It is an easy way to program his or her own brain with a positive message that replaces the urge.

Meditation has been shown to relieve stress, as well as improving self esteem, and mental functions such as concentration. Meditation, like hypnosis, and certain applications of bio-feedback, as adjunctive therapy, has helped many people with addictions to relax and feel good while lessening the compulsive urges to satisfy their addictive behavior.

People report feeling better after meditation and feeling more relaxed throughout the day. Some report sleeping better and being able to concentrate and think more clearly. Meditation is easy to do, there is no way to fail at it, so people quickly get the benefits from it and often report feeling better after their first half hour. The effects also seem to be cumulative getting better and better the more the client meditates.

Some people join groups to meditate while others learn by doing it privately in their own homes using cds or MP3 files such as the ones that can be downloaded from the internet or even listened to online at... guided meditations for gambling problems.

The biggest benefits seem to be that they may be taken almost anywhere and used by listening to an MP3 player and headphones. That person wearing headphones and riding beside you on a bus or plane may be listening to a relaxing guided meditation and easily programming his or her mind to calm the urge to gamble or do some other destructive behavior.

The key to successfully using these relaxing guided meditations is repetition and a positive attitude. Because they are so simple to use many people are now using them on a daily basis.

Wil Langford, R. Hy., is a 54 yr. old. Clinical Hypnotherapist, Integrated Energy Therapist, and teacher. He is the author of, "Your Loved Ones, Your Self; finding and Raising the Family Within."

With hundreds of hours of clinical work, Wil is an expert on finding the keys to change unwanted behavior. His guided meditations for relaxation and habit control have helped many people to find happiness and change their lives for the better.

He is an expert on human consciousness and the author of Parts Consciousness Therapy. Will offers his guided meditations for gambling problems online and they may be listened to or downloaded at gambling problems relief. He may also be contacted by email there to answer questions free of charge.

Controlling Compulsive Gambling Habits

When was the last time you visited a casino in a excited frame of mind, only to leave the casino in a bad mood because the majority of the bets did not go your way? I think this is an all too common issue which faces many players from occasional gamblers to the high rollers. Depending on the nature of the loss, there are different methods of approaching this issue and dealing with it.

First and foremost, it is important to remember that gambling should be regarded as a recreatonal fun activity and should never be used as a means of making money. When visiting a casino, say to yourself; "I am here to have fun. I am not here to generate an income. Whether I win or lose, I will enjoy myself and have fun. This is my only goal". If you visit a casino with the mindset that you need to make money and the bets don't go your way, then you will fail to achieve your objective and as a result, you will experience feelings of anger and disappointment.

Secondly, set a monetary limit for yourself. In other words, decide on how much money you can afford to spend and are willing to lose every time you visit a casino. Once you set a limit for yourself, never ever go over that limit, so that even if you lose it, then it will not significantly affect your lifestyle because it was money that you can afford to lose.

Thirdly, try to take a minimum amount of money with you to the casino. If you have decided that you will only gamble $20 per visit, then perhaps you could take $20 and enough money to cover all of the other expenses that may come up. In other words, don't take $500 to the casino when you only plan to gamble $20, and leave all ATM cards and credit cards at home.

Fourthly, set a time limit for yourself. Decide on how often you will visit a casino and how much time you will spend gambling. This also serves as means by which to control one's gambling habits. It is a well known fact that the more time a player spends gambling, the more likely he/she will lose. This is one of the reasons why most casinos don't have clocks. If the player loses track of what time it is, then perhaps he/she will stay in the casino and play for a little while longer.

Fifthly, avoid drinking alcohol while gambling. This is due to the fact that alcohol can grossly affect one's sense of judgement and cause a person to gamble more heavily than he/she would have gambled otherwise. A couple of drinks to relax may be OK, but drinking to the point of not being able to think very clearly is not.

Sixthly, think of other recreational activities that you can be involved in. This is not to say that you should give up gambling, but perhaps gambling could become just one of the many recreational activities that you could enjoy. So instead of going to the casino on Friday and Saturday, go to the casino on Friday and to the cinema on Saturday.

Finally, if you find that you are still unable to your gambling habits and they are starting to take control of your life, then you should definitely contact Gambler's Anonymous and let them help you.

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How to Stop Compulsive Gambling - Self Hypnosis For Gambling Addiction

When you need compulsive gambling help you may not know where to turn. There is a certain stigma that goes along with admitting you need help with this problem. As a result there are many who never admit the need for help and find themselves deeper and deeper in trouble and debt. If you suffer from a compulsion to gamble there is help, in the form of treatment that is available to you in a manner that allows you some degree of anonymity that is increasingly lacking in gambler's anonymous groups today.

Overcoming Addiction to Gambling

Any addiction is a painful thing to admit and often takes a lot of work, love, and support to overcome. The sad truth though is that these things are often in short supply by the time you admit you need compulsive gambling help.

Most of the time you have borrowed money, overstayed welcomes, and driven away those who love you most before you decide to get the treatment you need to overcome your addiction. Gamblers are some of the most difficult people to help overcome their compulsion but often have the most to gain by doing so.

Identifying the Problem

Most compulsive gamblers do not believe they have a problem. They believe they have fallen on hard times or that the next big hit is just around the corner. The problem is that it might be. The odds of that though are generally slim. Gambling draws people in with promises of wealth and then quickly breaks those promises.

The compulsive gambler though is no longer lured by the promise of the big hit. Instead, you are compelled to roll the dice one more time. If you win though, you won't be able to walk away. Instead, you will play it all back.

Getting Help with NLP

Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a great way to give you the compulsive gambling help you need to get your life back on track. Gambling has taken so many things from you, it is time you get the help you need to treat this problem. Gambling addiction hypnotherapy has proven to be very successful in the past for treating this particular compulsion.

Self-hypnosis can teach you to turn off the mental triggers that compel you to gamble and replace them with some sort of positive behavior. This type of behavioral modification can be exactly what is needed to get your life back on track. Putting the mind back in control of the body is the only way you can truly overcome addiction and retake control of your life.

You can become your own support system and will never need to feel as though you are walking through the lonely road of addiction by yourself again. Self-help hypnosis recordings can be the key to putting your mind firmly in control of your addiction once and for all. They also supply the support system you are probably lacking as a result of your need for compulsive gambling help; are you ready to make huge changes in your life?

J J Seymour is a writer with Self Help Recordings. Hypnotherapy and NLP can be very effective in helping you to overcome your Compulsive Gambling Help - one good source of experienced hypnotherapists and NLP practitioners is Just Be Well. This organization has experienced professionals throughout the UK in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, East Anglia, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Surrey, Sussex and Scotland. You will also find links to related practitioners for treatment of compulsive lying in Vancouver and Toronto, Canada, for Dublin, Ireland, and for Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in Australia. These people deal with a wide range of fears and phobias and for more information on issues treated go here - Gambling Addiction Hypnotherapy.

Gambling Establishments Negatively Affect More Then Just The Compulsive Gambler

At one point in time people welcomed the gambling establishments in hopes that they would help revive their community, increase jobs and increase economic development. As each placed opened, it did just that. They created jobs, increased revenues for local businesses and created construction jobs as they began to grow. It was a positive influence in the community, but as time went on more and more people began to spend their money on a chance to win, the gambling establishments grew and local businesses began to suffer.

People never realized the negative affect the gambling establishments created because local politicians supported these places. People were not given all the facts.

There are states that had the statistics, but still went ahead and welcomed the gambling establishments with open arms.

The gambling ling establishments attracted a large percentage of their employees from an estimated fifty mile radius negative affecting local business establishments.

The gambling establishments are able to have better benefits and hourly wages then local businesses.

Communities hear that a thousand construction jobs have just been created due to the local gambling establishment's expansion. What people don't realize is this new expansion once completed will take more jobs from our local businesses. One place grew so big they began to transport employees by bus that lives over fifty miles away.

No one ever took the time to realize that these places could not expand if people didn't lose their money gambling. These places are parasites and leeches that have no concern for those lives and businesses they have destroyed.

The gambling establishments are here to stay as long as local governments depend upon them for tax revenue. Once gambling hits epidemic proportions where tax payers and businesses can no longer make their tax payments nothing will ever change. It's unfortunate the governments are playing a wait and see game before they will react.

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers. Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program. A large percentage of his emails were from compulsive gamblers looking for an alternative to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs. Gamblers Anonymous also helps a significant number of people each year but there is a large percentage that they are unable to reach.

For more information on gambling addiction and stop gambling you can check out
I Stopped Gambling So Can You http://www.istoppedgambling.com/

New Year's Eve Compulsive Gamblers Stop Their Gambling Addiction

Each years as New Years Eve approaches, compulsive gamblers search to find a solution to their gambling addiction. Their number one goal is to face their addiction and finally change their life to a less self destructive mode. Most compulsive gamblers often know how self destructive their life has become as their gambling addiction intensified. These people know they have a problem and truly want to stop their addiction.

Fortunately the compulsive gambler's today the internet offers a wide array of stop gambling addiction websites. Through educating oneself the compulsive gambler can stop their addiction. The I Stopped Gambling website has been very successful in helping gamblers to move forward. These gamblers get to chat privately with other gamblers twenty four hours a day seven days a week who can relate to what they are now going through. Along with an optional self help stop gambling addiction book, recovery seems to really accelerate. This is one of the most confidential and alternative websites available through out the world. People come from all walks of life to share their situation in hopes to stop their addiction. Through this experience gamblers for the first time in their life are able to understand what they have been going through and most of all beat their addiction.

There are other programs available that may be more suitable to your taste. For example Gamblers Anonymous holds weekly meetings. I have heard of quite a few success stories come out of Gamblers Anonymous. The problem most noted about this program is, is it really confidential and private since you are actually going to meeting sitting face to face with other gamblers. Those who do not care who knows that they have a gambling problem this program may be just right for you.

What's most important is to give compulsive gamblers alternatives that they can relate to so that they can stop their gambling addiction.

As this New Year approaches compulsive gamblers will be surfing the web for ways to stop their gambling addiction and start a clean slate. If you think you have a gambling problem take the time to educate yourself. Through this education you can develop skills to lead a more productive life.

Isn't it time to stop your gambling addiction?

The choice is yours to make. As New Years Eve approaches set goals for the upcoming year.

If you know someone who has a gambling addiction there are resources for family members at both the I Stopped Gambling website and The Gamblers Anonymous website.

As January approaches take the time to make you a better person for all to see. Set your goals and take the first step on your road to recovery. As time passes your self esteem will increase as you meet the new positive challenges life has in store for you.

Happy New Year and may all of your dreams come true.

Mr. Howard Keith has spent the past few years understanding gambling addiction and it's affects on our society. Mr. Keith created the website Help To Stop Gambling Addiction http://www.istoppedgambling.com in hopes to help others.

Compulsive Gambler's Guilt Affects Their Gambling Addiction Recovery

When a compulsive gambler is in recovery, feeling guilty is one of the toughest areas to resolve for some people. When a gambler finally makes the conscious decision to stop gambling, reality sets in for the first time in a long time. When they take finally take stock in themselves they see all the damage they caused. Some people stop right before it's too late and they have a few assets left. Then the compulsive gambler thinks they're in control and once again go back to gambling. The next time the destruction is twice as worse. The feelings of guilt increase until they finally are willing to face they have a gambling problem.

Through various discussions with compulsive gamblers, I found a majority felt guilty and ashamed about the following:

* Feeling guilty you lied to your family and friends

* Feeling ashamed that your family and friends know you have a problem gambling

* Feeling guilty that friends and family may never trust you again

* Feeling guilty and ashamed knowing how much money you lost that could have been better spent.

* Feeling guilty you didn't spend enough time with your children.

* Feeling guilty about your self destructive behavior

* Feeling guilty you didn't go to relatives and friends events (birthdays, graduations etc.)

In time people will forgive the compulsive gambler, but can the compulsive gambler forgive them selves?

Friends and family will come around if the compulsive gambler keeps their word from now on. Once the gambler tells you they stop gambling, they must stick to it. If not they will lose credibility. Trust is very important both for the compulsive gambler and for the family and friends. People have to learn to trust compulsive gamblers all over again. In time they will if the compulsive gambler is willing to stop gambling.

Even though a compulsive gambler made numerous mistakes, they can recover and they can move forward. It's human nature to learn from your mistakes. No one is going to give the compulsive gambler the death penalty for gambling. A lot of gamblers feel this way when their world comes crumbling down.

Take the time to improve your quality of life and the compulsive gambler's feelings of guilt will diminish over time.

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers. Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program. A large percentage of his emails were from compulsive gamblers looking for an alternative to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs. Gamblers Anonymous also helps a significant number of people each year but there is a large percentage that they are unable to reach.

For more information on gambling addiction and stop gambling you can check out: I Stopped Gambling So Can You http://www.istoppedgambling.com/

Teenage Gambling Addiction website: [http://www.teenage-gambling-addiction.org/]

Seeking Help On Compulsive Gambling Addiction Through Emails

Over the past year I have received a significant number of emails seeking help in their battle against compulsive gambling addiction. My goal was to help others who were going through what I went through. I have read every email received from around the world. I realized that people affected by gambling addiction needed help and they wanted it now.

I received emails from teenagers to seniors, family members and friends all looking for a solution. I also received emails from high school parents looking for statistical information, reporters from around the world, talk shows and political parties. I was amazed that people were finally realizing that compulsive gambling addiction was negatively affecting our society.

Based on the information in the emails I have learned that people are very similar around the world. It doesn't matter what country you live in, we all have feelings, emotions and a desire to live a better life.

I have also received a few hostile emails from compulsive gamblers lashing out at the world. These are people who have lost all their financial resources, trust, family and friends and had no where to go. This at first was the most difficult emails to handle. As time went on I began to understand what they were looking for and through this process we have become comrades in our battle against gambling addiction.

Then there were individuals who emailed me and used the words I can't go on living like this anymore. These emails concerned me the most. I always responded "If you are feeling depressed or suicidal you should go and talk it out. There are emergency hotlines, family doctor, friends, relatives and other professionals who can help you get through this period in your life. I also shared with them others who felt the same way. As each day passed and they started their recovery their self esteem increased and their desire to live increased.

Then I received emails from gamblers anonymous members upset by some of my articles. These emails I enjoyed because I knew people were listening. To set the record straight Gamblers Anonymous is wonderful for the people that they have helped and continue to help. The GA program has a lot to offer those that are willing to participate in a twelve step program. Compulsive gamblers need to find a program that works for them. It just so happens that a large percentage of the emails I receive are from people who tried Gamblers Anonymous and were unsuccessful. People involved in gambling addiction recovery programs need to be very realistic and open minded. I received one email from a person who replaced his gambling addiction with exercise. He told me that it's been eighteen months now and his life has completely turned around. Other emails I received were from people who were able to stop on their own, but their friend was not able to.

Companies who are involved in gambling addiction recovery programs should all work together. We also have different approaches to helping people with their gambling addiction but the one thing in common. We are all here to help people rebuild their lives in order for them to have a brighter future. It's time to work together.

You can read some of these emails at my website.

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers. Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program. A large percentage of his emails were from compulsive gamblers looking for an alternative to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs. Gamblers Anonymous also helps a significant number of people each year but there is a large percentage that they are unable to reach.

For more information on gambling addiction and stop gambling you can check out:

I Stopped Gambling So Can You http://www.istoppedgambling.com/ and the site

Stop Gambling Family Resources [http://www.stopgamblingfamilyresources.org].

Compulsive Gambler's Journey To Week One Stop Gambling

We take you through the first week that Arlene made the conscious decision to stop gambling. This was a very emotional period where Arlene’s self esteem was at the lowest in her life. She’s a single woman who was just about to turn thirty-six years old and her life was crumbling around her.

Arlene decided to share her story of how she made it through her first week as a non gambler. Her goal was to reach out to others who also have a compulsive gambling addiction because she remembers the pain she went through.

From the first day until the seventh day, Arlene went through various emotional revelations that helped her to achieve her goals. She was a special person with a good sense of humor. Even through her self destructive period she always had a smile on her face. For this reason alone people close to her never realized she had a problem gambling.

Arlene easily made it through her first day because she had already depleted her checking and savings accounts. She had also maxed out her credit cards. She fortunately would have to wait three more days till pay day before she could gamble again. In the past she borrowed from friends and then would have to give them half her pay check to pay them back. She remembers the pain she was in with no one she could tell or talked to. She was afraid her family and friends would not understand. She didn’t even understand how this happened to her. She decided to go online and find help. She tried a year earlier Gamblers Anonymous, but it was something that she could not relate to. She found a website called I Stopped Gambling So Can You http://www.istoppedgambling.com/ . She liked the name of the site and decided to give it a try. She purchased a self help manual and a year membership to the chat room. Her first thought was “How can something under fifty dollars really help a person who has lost thousands of dollars gambling in one year?” Then she thought maybe she shouldn’t spend any money right now. Her mind was playing tricks with her. During this time she was confused, had major amounts of guilt for losing so much money and her self esteem was at her lowest. She decided to make the investment in herself. This was her justification for the purchase. She eagerly read the manual and joined in the I Stop Gambling chat room. A whole new world opened up for her.

In the chat room she met others who could relate to her and help her understand what she was going through. Each and every day she would follow the manual and pop in and out of the chat room. There were times where the chat room was quiet, so she left messages on the tag board of when she would be chatting and other members joined in.

As each day passed during Arlene’s first week, she noticed changes in your behavior. For the first time she was taking it one day at a time. She was planning for her future and starting to realize she could live with out gambling. She admitted to people that she was contemplating suicide because she felt there was no way out. She once told me she wouldn’t mind living in a cave as long as her life was peaceful. Her self destructive behavior and low self esteem was taking its toll on Arlene.

The one other thing that kept Arlene from going back to gambling was the pain she was in and finally realized she can now move forward with an anticipated positive future.

Some people have close friends they can talk to. What ever it takes to share what you are feeling will speed your recovery. It’s going to take time to talk about how you feel. Listening to others that have walked in your shoes will help you start the healing process.

Another website that deals directly with teenage compulsive gambling addiction and also has stop gambling resources is the Stop Teenage Gambling Website [http://www.teenage-gambling-addiction.org/].

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers. Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program. A large percentage of his emails were from compulsive gamblers looking for an alternative to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs. Gamblers Anonymous also helps a significant number of people each year but there is a large percentage that they are unable to reach.

Compulsive Gambler Continues Down Self Destructive Path With Little Hopes To Stop Gambling

Everyday I here of compulsive gamblers who are continuing to gamble even though they have tried one recovery program or another. This is a story of a compulsive gambler named Robert who relapsed over and over again until he found the right recovery program.

Robert a compulsive gambler from the United States relapsed more then ten times in the last three years. He continues to search for a stop gambling recovery program.

He questioned what made him go back to the casino after he abstained for at least three weeks or more? One day he realized that the gambling establishment's use of subtle subliminal advertising was what brought him back time and time again. This was a major break through for Robert. Understanding this helped him to break his negative repetitive pattern.

He remembers driving to work at eight in the morning. The news came on and announced there was a hundred thousand dollar winner last night at the Casino. Then they continued to talk about it and continuously repeat the words "someone has to win maybe that would be you." That's all Robert needed to hear. He called in sick and headed straight to the casino. He arrived and two hours later he lost a thousand dollars. He was depressed and very emotional. He had no idea how this happened again.

It's unfortunate but he continued to go down a self destructive path that seems impossible for him to ever escape from. Besides the mounting debt, his self esteem decreased as each day passed. Robert was trapped. He knows gambling is no good for him

I have known gamblers to put thousands of dollars in one slot machine believing it will turn around. It's doesn't happen often, but just suppose the gambler hits for five thousand dollars. At that moment in time, the gambler feels great. He now believes there's nothing they can't do. It doesn't matter if they sat at that slot machine for five hours. Then with out realizing it a few hours later they lost all the money they had just won. After leaving they would head home and ask themselves how? Robert had done this hundreds of times only to go back again and again.

Robert was determined to stop gambling but he kept asking himself "How did this happen again? He once stopped for three months. During this period he was more financially sound and more relaxed and very content with his family. Out of nowhere he received a four hundred dollar gift certificate to the gift shop at the local gambling establishment Christmas holiday. When he opened it, it made his day. He wanted to buy his wife something nice. She was very proud of him and believed he was on the road to recovery. With out telling his wife, Robert jumped in the car and head to the gambling establishment. As he arrived, he had the biggest adrenaline rush. He parked his car and headed directly to the gift shop and purchased a nice bracelet. As he headed out the door and back to his car he thought maybe just one bet. He fought with himself for about five minutes which seemed like hours. He went back in and the next thing he realized he lost over two thousand dollars.

Robert decided it was time to stop. He was so ashamed of himself. He was now determined to stop. He found a self help manual and a private chat room and the rest is one day at a time. He's learned to confront these triggers and move forward. The I Stopped Gambling website helped him to move forward and deal with his gambling addiction head on.

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers. Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program. A large percentage of his emails were from compulsive gamblers looking for an alternative to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs. Gamblers Anonymous also helps a significant number of people each year but there is a large percentage that they are unable to reach.

For more information on gambling addiction and stop gambling you can check out: I Stopped Gambling So Can You http://www.istoppedgambling.com/ and the site: Teenage Gambling Addiction website [http://www.teenage-gambling-addiction.org/].

Does A Compulsive Gambler Really Want To Stop Gambling?

This question most gamblers ask themselves when they begin to realize gambling has affected their lives.

Most gamblers intent is not to lose all their money, but rather to win big and buy all those materialist items they have always dreamed of. Gamblers are not selfish people; in fact they enjoy buying things for their family and friends.

Compulsive gamblers live their lives to just place one more bet. It doesn't matter if a compulsive gambler is up five thousand dollars, they will still gamble until they lost all the money they came with. This is reality for a compulsive gambler. At the time they finally win, their ego's sore like a bird in flight. For that very instant they feel like their on top of the world. For them there is no other way they can get that euphoric feeling. This is what keeps a compulsive gambler from really wanting to stop gambling.

When a compulsive gambler realizes that they are always losing there money reality sets in. They then question themselves. "Do I really want to stop gambling? They decide yes I want to stop gambling. They are feeling good about there decision. They finally made the decision to stop. The next day comes and goes. The compulsive gambler is feeling good about them selves. All of sudden they get a call from a friend. Next thing you know you're in the car headed to meet them at the gambling establishment. You now realize you didn't stop gambling. You then play games with your mind, telling yourself "just one more time and I will stop." On the way to the gambling establishment you start thinking about the big win and how you are going to spend the money. You finally arrive and place your first bet. As the night goes on you realize you're ahead, you're on top of the world and then everything begins to crumble. You only have twenty dollars left in your wallet. What do you do now? You reach for your wallet and realized you have a credit card you can get three hundred dollars off of. You head directly to the credit card cashing area and look for the shortest line. You start wondering why this line is moving so slowly. When in reality it's only been a few minutes. You finally get the money and you begin to gamble again. Before you know it you lost that money too. You finally decide to leave and head home. In less then one minute after leaving you begin to ask yourself "Why didn't I leave when I was up? How could I go and take three hundred dollars off my credit card. How could I lose all my money again? What am I going to tell my wife? How could I do this again?

They finally arrive back at home and have to face the music. Once again they ask them selves: How could I do this again? They then decide it's time to stop. The next day arrives and they ask themselves "Do I really want to stop gambling?" The logical answer is yes but the reality is no.

Once a compulsive gambler no longer has any resources to gamble with, reality sets in and they are willing to admit they have a gambling problem. I have met a person who attended a gambler's anonymous meeting and convinced themselves that their problems were minimal compared to the people at the table. Once a compulsive gambler no longer has any resources to gamble with, reality sets in and they are willing to admit they have a gambling problem. I have met a person who attended a gambler's anonymous meeting and convinced themselves that their problems were minimal compared to the people at the table. A year passed and this same person went back to same Gamblers Anonymous group and their situation is now worse then the people he met at the first meeting. Don't let this happen to you or a loved one. There is a site called I Stopped Gambling So Can You http://www.istoppedgambling.com/ that has informational resources related to stop gambling addiction.

Knowing you have a problem gambling and doing something about it can have an everlasting effect on your life. It's time to take one day at a time.

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers. Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program. A large percentage of his emails were from compulsive gamblers looking for an alternative to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs. Gamblers Anonymous also helps a significant number of people each year but there is a large percentage that does not stay. These are the people Mr. Keith is hoping to reach.

Helpful Stop Gambling Links & Information For The Compulsive Gambler, Family & Friends Of A Gambler

Over the past few years stop gambling websites have helped thousands of people whose lives were negatively affected by a compulsive gambling addiction.

These stop gambling websites are available to help you in your quest to address compulsive gambling addiction. The problem you now face is deciding on which website will meet your needs. I have found sites that are free like gamblers anonymous up to sites that can cost you thousands of dollars.

It's important to review through each of these sites in order to educate themselves on gambling addiction and to decide which one is right for them.

There are websites for teenagers to seniors available to meet your needs. I found if you take what works for you from each of the sites, this may be the right formula for success.

Every person is a unique individual and what works for one may not work for another. Each stop gambling website has its own unique set of characteristic. For example Gamblers Anonymous recovery program uses a twelve step program while Help Stop Compulsive Gambling Addiction Now website does not.

The Help Stop Compulsive Gambling Addiction Now website uses more of a common sense approach through a self help manual and a private anonymous chat room.

The one thing they both have in common they are here to help those that have been negatively affected by gambling.

Gamblers Anonymous has been around since January of 1957 while Help Stop Compulsive Addiction Now was established May of 2004. They both have success stories with two very different concepts.

Help Stop Compulsive Addiction Now was established to help the compulsive gambler, friends of a gambler and relatives of a gambler to understand compulsive gambling addiction. They also have helpful stop gambling resources including self help manual and private anonymous chat room. The chat room is available twenty four hours a day seven days a week.

Gamblers Anonymous holds weekly meetings and follows a twelve step program. They help compulsive gamblers and their family members.

Gamblers Anonymous also has telephone support that helps people discuss their gambling addiction in the form of sponsors.

Once a compulsive gambler is ready to admit that they have a problem they are on the road to recovery. Next they need a program that gives them additional support. The support can be weekly meetings, internet chat rooms, one on one session with either a psychiatrist or psychologist, self help manuals and or family and friends. The choice is yours to make. It's up to you to decide which program is right for you. You may wind up checking out four different approaches to stop gambling. The bottom line is you need to have control back in your life. Once this is achieved you will have a brighter future with a lot to look forward to.

You can find links to Gamblers Anonymous, Help Stop Compulsive Gambling Aaddiction Now and other stop gambling websites at Stop Gambling Links.

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers. Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program. A large percentage of his emails were from compulsive gamblers looking for an alternative to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs. Gamblers Anonymous continues to help a significant number of people each year but there is still a large percentage that they are unable to reach.

For more information on gambling addiction and stop gambling you can check out

Help Stop Compulsive Gambling Addiction Now http://www.istoppedgambling.com/ and the site

Stop Gambling Links [http://www.stopgamblinglinks.com/]

Newspaper Reporters Tread Lightly on Compulsive Gambling Addiction

Websites designed to help people overcome their gambling addictions have recently been contacted by television associate producers and reporters in an effort to obtain information about individuals who have been affected by compulsive gambling addictions. In most cases, they are looking for people to come forward and share how their lives have been impacted by local gambling establishments. In the majority of these cases, people feel fear of embarrassment from family and friends and therefore, are not willing to discuss how their lives were affected.

I was recently contacted by BET nightly news. They asked for help to locate people who lived within a specific geographic area whose lives were affected by gambling. Out of the five individuals I found, all refused to discuss their situations or allow someone to interview them for fear of recognition.

Through my website, I Stopped Gambling So Can You

http://www.istoppedgambling.com/ I have been fortunate enough to meet people of different backgrounds and learn about their gambling addictions. They have allowed me to share their stories with others as long as I assure them that their names will be kept confidential. I have shared some of these situations with reporters and associate producers with the hope that the message would reach the politicians.

One politician I spoke with said he was trying to pass a law that would prevent people from using their credit cards to buy lottery and scratch tickets at local convenience stores. At first I thought this was a joke. People who want lottery tickets will get them with or without a credit card. Lawmakers need to see the larger picture. Most people who live within sixty miles or less from gambling establishments, are negatively impacted.

It's been about ten years since the casinos opened in the state of Connecticut. People are spending more of their money there and not at the local businesses and shopping malls. Lawmakers need to realize that casinos grow very quickly in size due to the amount of money people lose. The amount money lost to gambling could be have been used to boost our economy instead.

The truth is political leaders love the revenues generated by the casinos. This makes them look good to the voters because they don't have to increase taxes. Do the political leaders care that the economy is being negatively affected? Based on my knowledge and experience in this area, I predict that in less than five years the devastation caused by gambling establishments will be seen. This can be prevented if people are educated and given the truth about this private addiction.

In speaking with reporters, I have also asked why they don't disclose the direct relationship between the amount of growth a casino has and the amount of money people lose by gambling. They have no response. The media enjoys reporting to everyone about the one individual who wins a million dollars. The media fails to mention that Casinos take in more than a million dollars a day from slot machines alone at the same time they report the million dollar winner. It's this distorted view that sends people down the road to self destruction by hoping to win big just once.

The operators at gambling establishments are very greedy people. In some states, penny slots were recently introduced as a way to attract seniors and lower income families. They believe the slots allow everyone to play such as those on social security and welfare and not just the rich. The truth is they don't care about whom they hurt or how many lives are destroyed. The one thing I have learned is that all gambling establishments do not discriminate. If you have money, they will gladly take it with a smile.

Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT ran a promotion in which they mailed out $50 dollar vouchers in an effort to bring people into the casino. In one week I heard from over fifteen people who actually used these vouchers but lost anywhere from one hundred to over a thousand dollars in just one visit. The casinos know how to draw people in. In order to avoid temptation, compulsive gamblers have asked to be removed from the mailing list. Unfortunately, gambling establishments don't care and will still send you information, but just not as often. During the holiday season, casinos mailed out $400 and $100 dollar vouchers for people to use at any of the gift stores located inside their establishment. Since it's the holidays they know gamblers buy gifts too, but once they get the gambler back into the casino, they're hooked once again. Is it unfortunate? Or was this just manipulation to get the gambler back?

Based on the statistics, gambling addiction is on the rise and the economy is in trouble. Is there a relationship between the current economy and gambling establishments? When will the politicians step up and help these people? It's up to the people to take a stand and hopefully the political leaders will step up and help these people out.

I have an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, friends and family of gamblers and teenage gamblers. I believe there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction. A large percentage of emails I receive are from compulsive gamblers looking for alternatives to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs. Programs such as these help a number of people each year but there is a larger percentage that needs an alternative. These are people that I am trying to reach.

It is my goal to educate compulsive gamblers with options to help them beat their addiction.

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers.

Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program. A large percentage of his emails were from compulsive gamblers looking for an alternative to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs. Gamblers Anonymous also helps a significant number of people each year but there is a large percentage that does not stay. These are the people Mr. Keith is hoping to reach.

Its Mr. Howard Keith?s goal is to educate compulsive gamblers with options to help them beat their addiction.

Why Are Guided Meditations Such an Effective Treatment for Compulsive Gambling Problems?

Compulsive Gambling is a progressive illness. That means it gets worse the longer it goes untreated. The only effective treatment known for gambling problems at this time is to stop gambling completely. Problem Gambling is similar to other addictive behavior in that way. Whether it is tobacco addiction, alcohol addiction, or any other problem behavior, the best and only truly effective method to treat seems to be to stop.

Part of the problem with behavioral issues is that the more one does the unwanted behavior, the deeper the behavior becomes rooted in the brain. Neural pathways seem to grow deeper and stronger and there doesn't seem to be a way to do just a little of whatever the problem behavior is, without stimulating those neural pathways and reinforcing the synaptic loops. Cold Turkey, total cessation seems to be the only treatment.

To successfully manage this behavior requires support from several sources to really increase the chances of success. 12 step programs, such as the one offered by Gamblers Anonymous, work well for many people. Other people find more success with private therapy and some combine the two. The more effort put into the attempt to control the behavior, the better the results.

The drive to gamble, like all drives, urges, and emotions, seems to be located in and originate from the subconscious, also called the unconscious mind. It has been shown that the conscious mind processes only about 50 bits of information per second while the subconscious processes an amazing 50,000 bits per second. In behavioral matters the urges of the subconscious often use that advantage to force unwanted behavior to continue. That is why guided meditations for gambling problems work so well at helping to control gambling problems.

During a guided meditation, the user is relaxed and his or her subconscious mind becomes more accessible. When it is accessible, the facilitator, in this case the therapist who is guiding the meditation, may use positive suggestions to convince the subconscious to accept new behavior. When the subconscious becomes convinced that non-gambling is in the best interest it has a strong urge to stop gambling and the urge to gamble begins to abate. New neural pathways begin to form and non-gambling actually begins to become a habit. With continued exposure to the guided meditation and suggestions the new behavior is reinforced and becomes stronger.

The use of guided meditations for relaxation and to control compulsive gambling is becoming more widespread. Because guided meditations are so easy to use, there is no way to fail, they are widely accepted and appreciated and easily adapt to any lifestyle or user.

One of the nice side effects of guided meditations is that they relax the users, and that, in itself, helps the affected person to deal more successfully with the gambling problems. With the availability of computer downloads of MP3 sound files for gambling problems, a user may download a guided meditation for a specific purpose and then listen to it whenever he or she pleases.

Part of the effectiveness of the treatment lies in its flexibility and availability. Gambling problems are still difficult to treat, but using guided relaxation meditations as adjunctive therapy is helping many people to manage their illness and regain control of their lives.

Wil Langford, R. Hy., is a 54 yr. old. Clinical Hypnotherapist, Integrated Energy Therapist, spiritual guide, author. He has successfully used biofeedback and light and sound machines as well as hypnosis and guided meditations. He is the author of, "Your Loved Ones, Your Self; finding and Raising the Family Within," A guide to the parts of human consciousness.

With hundreds of hours of clinical work with clients with behavioral issues, Wil is an expert at finding the keys to controlling problem behavior, no matter how impossible the task may seem. According to Wil, "All behavior starts in the subconscious so that is the place to successfully treat your unwanted behavior. Relaxation and Hypnosis, the method I use, was approved as a successful method by the American Medical Association, because it works!"

Learn more about Wil's methods and using simple and effective guided meditations for relaxation and to change your unwanted behavior at Gambling Problems

Compulsive Gambling and Gambling Addiction

Not many people argue that gambling and playing at casinos is great fun, especially when you have hit a winning streak and feel yourself confident. Some casino games require skill besides luck, so you may think that more you learn these games the more you're going to win, depending on what's your game. Compulsive gambling and gamblind addiction makes you realize that only thing you will ever master is skill of losing your money, besides that bigger skill often means more money lost... in the long run.

Blinking slots, blackjack and baccarat tables mixed with humble atmosphere and attractive female dealers creates a mixture of seductive environment, I admit. And if you are not prepared or don't have the knowledge of the games and the odds, you can get addicted quickly and your addiction may become a compulsive need. It does not mean you are retarded, it's actually quite "human" and coded into us.

Gamblers Anonymous homepage describes compulsive gambling as an illness that is progressive in its nature, which can never be cured, but can be arrested. Before coming to Gamblers Anonymous, many compulsive gamblers thought of themselves as morally weak, or at times just plain 'no good'. The Gamblers Anonymous concept is that compulsive gamblers are really very sick people who can recover if they will follow to the best of their ability a simple program that has proved successful for thousands of other men and women with a gambling or compulsive gambling problem.

Gambling can be compared with addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or junk-food. It's very often as destructive and dangerous as other addictions, often ruining relationships, careers and even ones life. It's very important to start seeking help ASAP when you think you can't control your gambling habit anymore!

Gamblers Anonymous say that compulsive gambler needs to be willing to accept the fact that he or she is in the grip of a progressive illness and has a desire to get well. Their experience has shown that the Gamblers Anonymous program will always work for any person who has a desire to stop gambling. However, it will never work for the person who will not face squarely the facts about this illness.

Gamblers Anonymous offers the following questions to anyone who may have a gambling problem. These questions are provided to help the individual decide if he or she is a compulsive gambler and wants to stop gambling.

TWENTY QUESTIONS

1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?

2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?

3. Did gambling affect your reputation?

4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?

5. Did you ever gamble to get money to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?

6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?

7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?

8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?

9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?

10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?

11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?

12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?

13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?

14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?

15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?

16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?

17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?

19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?

20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions.

Ralf Vinogradov is a part-time journalist in a newspaper and an editor and webmaster of gambling related website Best Online Casinos and Online Gambling [http://www.GamblingRalf.com] - GamblingRalf.COM, that introduces wackiest online casino bonuses [http://www.gamblingralf.com/online-casino-bonus.html]. He also runs infamous newsletter called "Club Hundredaire" [http://www.gamblingralf.com/newsletter/index.php].

Compulsive Gamblers Offered Help on Gambling Sites?

There is a lot of information offered online about treatment to stop gambling, advice for gamblers that want to quit, gamblers anonymous, stop gambling forums, etc. Ironically, you will find many articles that offer advice to people who want to quit gambling on actual gambling and betting websites.

Unfortunately, this is nothing more than a cynical use of Internet marketing techniques to attract relevant traffic to gambling sites. The casinos know that if someone is addicted to gambling and he lands on their website, he is more likely to gamble on their site than other visitors. Further, when someone is looking for a solution to their gambling problem, they are weak and vulnerable. They are seeking help because they are desperate, but at the same time, all it might take for them to start gambling at that moment is a trigger - like landing on a site where they can gamble.

Don't be fooled. It's not that the gambling sites are interested in helping problem gamblers that end up there. It's precisely the opposite - they are looking to attract people at their most vulnerable moment.? Here is how it works:

1. Internet gambling website owners understand how the Internet works. They also understand how the Internet is an irresistible temptation for problem gamblers. And once they get a problem gambler on their site, they know there is a good chance he will stay and play (and lose).

2. The Internet is probably the first place the average problem gambler seeks help for his problem. They conduct searches for "gamblers anonymous", "treatment for problem gambling", "help for gambling problem", etc. Some may even be looking specifically to block gambling sites.? Even gambling filters are offered on many betting sites.? The very websites that created the problem -- casinos, poker games, blackjack, bingo and numerous other forms of betting online -- want to be there to welcome problem gamblers. So they supply the content that a compulsive gambler is searching for.

3. These sites don't actually create? advice and tips for problem gamblers. They scrape articles from? databases and add deliver content created by others. It is sophisticated and it is unethical. But it is not illegal. Countless gamblers, who have made a decision to work towards recovery, are surprised to find themselves on yet another gambling site facing temptation.

This is one reason a gambling filter installed on your computer, to block gambling sites, can be so helpful. One of the problems gamblers face is the simple temptation. Seeing a computer can be a trigger. But if access to gambling websites is blocked,? it is is possible to protect the addict from this 24/7 temptation.? And certainly, they should be protected from landing on gambling sites when they are innocently seeking help!

Learn more about how to stop gambling online. With the Optenet PC gambling filter you can block gambling sites and remove the temptation to gamble on the Internet. Internet gambling addiction can ruin lives and destroy families.

Stop Compulsive Gambling Addiction With Education

Through proper education, society can develop programs to stop compulsive gambling addiction before it gets out of control. It's unfortunate that people are willing to educate themselves only after they have been negatively affected by gambling. In most situations the damage has been done.

When most people think of education they think of schools and books. When in reality every day we are educating ourselves about life from the time we get up. To Learn about compulsive gamblers all we need to do is observe their patterns. Breaking the patterns will help in the recovery process. All the signs are there, all we have to do is face the truth. You start to ask yourself more and more questions. What are we going to do? We are going to find all the resources available and apply them to our situation. Through this knowledge we will help to accerlate the recovery. The first area to look at is your understanding of what you are going through. It dose not matter if you are the compulsive gambler, friend of the compulsive gambler or related to the compulsive gambler. Your life has been affected. It's now time to focus. Educating yourself on compulsive gambling addiction will help you to plan for your future. You can have a wonderful future.

It's first important to understand the definitions of compulsive, gambling and addiction. Through knowledge you will gain a better understanding of compulsive gambling addiction and find new alternative ways to treat it.

Compulsive is an uncontrollable desire to do something.

Gambling is the wagering of money where the end result is uncertain and the individual is willing to take a chance.

Addiction is a craving that develops into a dependency to repeat a certain behavior over and over with out regard for the outcome.

Combine these three words and you have an uncontrollable desire to gamble where the outcome is uncertain that develops into a dependency.

It's unfortunate but most people can not tell that they have an addiction until they have developed a self destructive behavior that has negatively affected their life.

What causes a person to have a compulsive gambling addiction? No one knows for sure, but there are many similarities in the type of individual that have becomes addicted. If we can understand the type personality that is more susceptible to addiction, then we can at least safe guard ourselves. For example it's an established fact that children of alcoholics have greater chance of becoming an alcoholic. Since there has been significant growth in the gambling industry more and more people have developed a compulsive gambling addiction.

Gambling is a common practice all over the world. It's believed that gambling dates back to the ancient civilizations where people would gather to take a chance even though the odds were against them.

People who are close to you, who have developed a compulsive gambling addiction will not show signs until a majority of their resources have been depleted. However these people exhibited negative social behavior inside the gambling establishments.

The gambling establishments are not regulated by law to stop people from recklessly throwing away their money. Even though these places know what they are doing to people, they recklessly destroy people's lives for profits.

The gambling establishments have seen gamblers stay up for two days straight gambling and have not turned them off. They have allowed these individuals and other to max out their credit cards. No one did anything to help them. A bar is required by law to turn someone off if they appear to be drunk. Gambling establishment's can also identify people who are in trouble. I have taken the opportunity to interview employees at gambling establishments. The employees all stated that they could tell who had a compulsive gambling addiction based on their repetitive behavior patterns. For example they would continuously go back and forth to the cash machine, they are there at all hours of the day and night when rational people would be sleeping, been seen in the same clothes for more then two days and there are many more signs. Why doesn't somebody do something about it?

When compulsive gamblers go out to the gambling establishments with friends or family they appear very conservative when they gamble at first. By the end of the night all the signs are there, but no one is paying any attention. A few signs are seeing them frequently go to the cash machine, not ready to leave when you are and they continually tell you that their luck is going to change with just one more bet.

You can find more information at I Stopped Gambling So Can You:

http://www.istoppedgambling.com/

Education is the key and increasing your knowledge will enable you to deal with your particular situation.

Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program. A large percentage of his emails were from compulsive gamblers looking for an alternative to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs. Gamblers Anonymous also helps a significant number of people each year but there is a large percentage that does not stay. These are the people Mr. Keith is hoping to reach.

The Facts About Compulsive Gambling - Is it Treatable?

Compulsive gambling is a progressive behavior disorder in which an individual has an uncontrollable preoccupation and urge to gamble, emotional dependence on gambling, and loss of control. Compulsive gambling is considered a form of addiction. Compulsive gambling is a chronic condition: relapse after treatment is a real risk.

Gambling

Gambling is any time you bet money or place something of value at risk in hopes of winning something of greater value. Gambling becomes a problem anytime it negatively affects any aspect of your life. Gambling debts may compromise one's financial stability, cause problems with family and work, and prompt some individuals to engage in illegal activities, including espionage, as a means of covering their losses. Gambling can indeed become a life-threatening disease.

Money

Do I need to bet with money in order for it to be considered gambling. While most people gamble with money, others bet with things they own, such as CDs, jewelry, clothing or something else. It's not the amount of money or value of the item that you risk losing that determines whether you're gambling. People who gamble risk losing more than money or the things they own or value. They may betray the trust of loved ones by concocting outrageous lies as to where lost money has gone.

Anonymous

Treatment options include individual and group psychotherapy, and self-help support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. Gamblers Anonymous follows the same pattern as Alcoholics Anonymous, including the same 12-step treatment program. The Gamblers Anonymous concept is that compulsive gamblers are really very sick people who can recover if they will follow to the best of their ability a simple program that has proved successful for thousands of other men and women with a gambling or compulsive gambling problem. Our experience has shown that the Gamblers Anonymous program will always work for any person who has a desire to stop gambling.

Information

24-hour Confidential HelpLine1- 888-ADMIT-IT(1-888-236-4848) If you are seeking information about problem gambling, you can call the HelpLine or post a message. Doesn't matter if you're looking for information for yourself or someone else, they've got just what you need. The Helpline provides 24-hour telephone coverage, supportive intervention and resource and referral information to persons seeking assistance regarding problem gambling. GAM-ANON provides information and help for the family members or friends of compulsive gamblers.

Conclusion

Compulsive gambling is a problem that exists in other countries and in the United States. However, just like other addictions, compulsive gambling is diagnosable and treatable. If nothing else, "What's needed," experts say, "is a greater public awareness that compulsive gambling is a serious problem."

Scott Allen Barker is the founder of Mental Health Drop In Center

For additional articles on a variety of subjects, visit my website at Mental Health Drop In Center

Let's Talk About Your Gambling Problem: What is Compulsive Gambling Really all About?

Am I a compulsive gambler? What really is compulsive gambling? Is it an addiction like cocaine or heroin?

To truly understand compulsive gambling, you need to take a look at the brain. Simply put, there are a number of hormones that are released in the healthy brain that create endorphins that make you feel good. People who are prone to addiction have a deficiency of these hormones, or a chemical imbalance in the brain. For people with an imbalance in the brain, the "rush" that gambling creates actually mimics the release of these hormones in the brain, and makes the person feel good.

However, the feeling that gambling may produce in the brain, is not real, and it definitely is not permanent! The momentary 'high' that gambling produces will always result in a crash that will leave you feeling worse then when you started. In order to feel better, desperately, you will gamble again, and again. Only to be let down, over and over. Does this sound familiar? If it does, you're not alone!

Because compulsive gambling mimics a feel good feeling in the brain, it is very similar to other addictions. Just as with alcohol addictions and hard drugs such as cocaine, compulsive gambling is an addiction. But is the brain the only thing to blame when it comes to gambling? Of course not. There is more at work, than the physiology of the brain, but it is an important component.

Money is an important part of compulsive gambling; however it is not the only thing. Many people believe that gambling is all about winning money, and earning back what you have lost, but that's not true at all. People who are addicted to gambling are addicted to the feeling that gambling provides. The thrill of winning, the feeling of power, of greatness! As was just explained, compulsive gambling is much more about a feeling than the money.

So if gambling is about a feeling, how is it that compulsive gambling is considered an addiction? Someone who has a gambling problem faces some of the same troubles as an individual with another, more identifiable addiction. The addict cannot stop gambling, despite the fact that they know they should, they live with broken lives, families falling apart and debt problems. Compulsive gamblers live in denial as they chase the big win trying to recapture the 'high' that they once felt gambling.

Compulsive gambling is a hidden addiction; it is not as easy to identify someone with a gambling problem as someone who is an alcoholic. So how do you spot someone with a gambling problem? How can you be sure if you or someone you love has a problem? And why is compulsive gambling really a problem? In the next email, I'll outline symptoms to watch for in compulsive gambling.

Peter is the author of Your Life Beyond Gambling, a free self-help guide that will finally open your eyes and help see how you can really get rid of your gambling problem. Get it for free at http://www.lifebeyondgambling.com/

Stop Gambling Addiction For The Compulsive Gambler

Compulsive gamblers search for a solution to their gambling addiction though new innovative websites and local community resources, As they begin their search they have more and more questions and less and less hope that they will succeed.

The following is the process some compulsive gamblers have gone through as they attempt to stop their gambling addiction:

1) Compulsive gambler tells either one family member or friend they have a problem

2) Compulsive gamblers ask either their family member or friend to tell no one.

3) Compulsive gambler no longer has the ability to focus or see reality for what it is.

4) Compulsive gambler knows they have a gambling addiction and search the web for a solution.

5) Compulsive gambler really does not want to stop gambling but believes they have no choice.

6) Compulsive gambler misunderstands what people are trying to tall them.

7) Compulsive gambler continues their search as their belligerent behavior escalates.

8) Compulsive gambler attacks stop gambling websites because they charge $19.95 per year even though they use to lose over one hundred dollars and hour gambling.

9) Compulsive gamblers by now have lost all rational thought.

10) Compulsive gambler isolates themselves from loved ones as they search for a solution.

11) Compulsive gambler finds a stop gambling addiction website/

12) Compulsive gambler tries to control their recovery with negative results.

13) Compulsive gambler makes excuses not to continue with the stop gambling addiction website.

14) Compulsive gambler still believes there is no way out and goes back to gambling.

15) Compulsive gambler runs out of resources to gamble again

16) Compulsive gambler has no choice but to stop their gambling addiction

17) Compulsive gambler admits there is a problem gambling and is ready to try anything that will work for them.

18) Compulsive gambler's stress increases as this process continues.

19) Compulsive gambler rationalizes that gambling reduces their stress.

The compulsive gambler repeats the above over and over until they find a recovery program that is really able to stop their gambling addition.

There are wonderful stop gambling programs available to meet the needs of every compulsive gambler. The compulsive gambler will stop gambling when they are ready to stop. Once they are ready their self destructive lives will change and through time their debt will be paid off.

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers. Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program.

For more information on gambling addiction and stop gambling you can check out:

Stop Gambling Addiction website has the useful resources and links on how to stop gambling. http://www.istoppedgambling.com/

You can also check out Mr. Keith's Stop Gambling Addiction Books. Stop Gambling Addiction Books helps compulsive gamblers and family members find resources to help with their gambling addiction.

You Can Stop Your Compulsive Gambling Addiction

It's New Years Day January 1, 2006 and another year has come and gone. People from all over the world celebrated on New Years Eve. As the clock approached midnight last minute resolutions were made for the upcoming year. The most common resolutions are to lose weight and or stop smoking. This year's newest resolution for quite a few people is to no longer gamble in 2006. With all the creative advertising, gambling shows on cable networks and the significant growth of Casinos people from all walks of life have been exposed. Through this exposure quite a few have developed a compulsive gambling addiction.

Now that people have made their resolutions, how do they achieve success? When it comes to gambling addiction it's time to create a plan in order to achieve success. This can be easy if you take the time to find the appropriate program that will give you the support and guidance.

As you set your plan in place your subconscious mind begins to play tricks with you. The following are some thoughts that stop gamblers from beating their addiction:

1) Do I really want to stop my gambling addiction?

2) I really didn't lose much money last year so I really don't have to stop gambling

3) I want to stop gambling but I don't know how.

4) I have the day off maybe I should gamble just one more time then stop.

5) What am I going to do for fun without gambling?

6) Okay I am ready to stop gambling but my friends are going to the Casino tonight. Maybe I can go just one more time.

7) I have so many bills due. How am I going to pay for them if I don't gamble?

8) Maybe I will stop gambling when my wife stops gambling.

9) Do I really have a problem gambling?

10) I don't have a problem gambling.

It's time to face reality and deal with your compulsive gambling addiction head on. You can stop gambling. There are many helpful stop gambling addiction websites that will give you the resources and the tools to succeed. There is no reason you can not stop your gambling addiction. Taking the time to face what's really going on with your life and forming a plan of action will help you to succeed in your quest to stop your gambling addiction.

There are so many people who have overcome their gambling addiction. They are also in disbelief because they never thought they could really stop. I am sure a majority of compulsive gamblers feel this way. The one thing they all have in common is their new positive outlook on life. Their self destructive behavior is gone. If you are a compulsive gambler or you know someone who has a compulsive gambling addiction there is help and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

There are plenty of good stop gambling addiction websites that can put you in the right direction. Please always feel free to email me.

Mr. Howard Keith has an extensive background in dealing with compulsive gamblers, relatives and friends of gamblers and teenage gamblers. Mr. Keith believes there are many alternatives to aid in the recovery of a gambling addiction verses a twelve step program. A large percentage of his emails were from compulsive gamblers looking for an alternative to Gamblers Anonymous and twelve step programs.

For more information on gambling addiction and stop gambling you can check out Stop Gambling Addiction website has the useful resources and links on how to stop gambling. http://www.istoppedgambling.com/

You can also check out Mr. Keith’s other website Stop Gambling Addiction Books. Stop Gambling Addiction Books help's compulsive gamblers and family members find resources to help with their gambling addiction. [http://www.stop-gambling-books.com/]