I am a compulsive gambler. But how do I know for sure? Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of Gamblers Anonymous' Twenty Questions. I score a near perfect nineteen, or 95 percent. I match all ten of the American Psychological Association's criteria: preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, escape, chasing, lying, illegal acts, risked significant relationship, bailout, and loss of control. Pathological gamblers can display as little as five of these signs.
Mayo Clinic recognizes risk factors of developing compulsive gambling. The only risk factor that I cannot relate to is that I do not suffer from Parkinson's disease. Knock on wood. I advise any potential gambler to review these risk factors before getting caught up in the action. Some people can gamble "normally." To a lot of people, gambling is acceptable. For those of us who are unable or questioning our ability to quit, there are the above Twenty Questions and the A.P.A.'s criteria.
2 comments:
Thanks for the link from yahoo answers. I took the test. I am very fortunate that I very controlled with my gambling as I have seen 4 members on my dads side of the family controlled by it. Thanks for the concern and I hope your journey is a successful one. Jaeleesmith
Back at you, Jaelee. I hope you are able to control your betting and continue winning for a long time to come. I appreciate your unconditional acceptance of my "journey." It becomes much easier when my problem isn't so taboo.
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