Is It Safe to Gamble?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 38
Is It Safe to Gamble?
I'm an alcoholic and an addict, also addicted to tobacco.
I've just joined a gaming site where I play different games, like spades. Last night, I discovered they have a roulette game. I tried it, and it's fun (no use of real money).
I've never had a gambling problem. I'm wondering, is it something I should stay away from? Is there any evidence, or research, that shows alcoholics have a tendancy to also become gamblers?
Love to know your opinions. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place, but not all gamblers are alcoholics. I didn't know who else to ask.
I've just joined a gaming site where I play different games, like spades. Last night, I discovered they have a roulette game. I tried it, and it's fun (no use of real money).
I've never had a gambling problem. I'm wondering, is it something I should stay away from? Is there any evidence, or research, that shows alcoholics have a tendancy to also become gamblers?
Love to know your opinions. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place, but not all gamblers are alcoholics. I didn't know who else to ask.
Philippines/Canada
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 454
Not sure but i would be afraid they might try to get you hooked with the no real money games and they make sure the odds are in your favor, when you graduate (or digress) to using real money the odds are your gonna lose your money.
Personally i dont understand how one can risk there money on a "possible" win. I hated the thought of losing money that i could have for sure drank
I went to rehab with a guy that got to the point were he stole cars to support his casino habit. He ended up living in stolen cars. His first addiction was drugs.
Personally i dont understand how one can risk there money on a "possible" win. I hated the thought of losing money that i could have for sure drank
I went to rehab with a guy that got to the point were he stole cars to support his casino habit. He ended up living in stolen cars. His first addiction was drugs.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
There have been studies on the concept of
addictive personalities
Perhaps Google would have information.
Sorry...I do not.
PS....
Here is a link just posted about
a book on addictive personalities.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ig-nakken.html
addictive personalities
Perhaps Google would have information.
Sorry...I do not.
PS....
Here is a link just posted about
a book on addictive personalities.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ig-nakken.html
Last edited by CarolD; 03-16-2008 at 10:11 PM. Reason: Added link
Psalm 118:24
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 15,203
Been to Vegas 3 times and to the river boat casino's a few times.
If, you're betting your wekly grocery money you might have a problem.
I blow $20.00 in one of those **** machines, I'm ready to go home
If, you're betting your wekly grocery money you might have a problem.
I blow $20.00 in one of those **** machines, I'm ready to go home
Forum Leader
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, one big happy dysfunctional family!
Posts: 23,056
I've got a few years of sobriety, and I just got back from my first trip to Vegas in almost 28 years. Just my experience from this weekend, yes the gambling was very addictive for me. I kept telling myself I'd only spend so much, then when I lost the money in a slot machine I pulled out a little more, and so on, and so on, and so on. I gambled just like I drank! Although I didn't lose a whole bunch of money, I spent everything except what I needed for the gas to get home.
The trip was great, especially having my GF show me around The Strip, but I can't say I'm in a hurry to go back and lose more money.
Oh, one more thing. The abundance of alcohol in the casinos wasn't a huge problem, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a slight trigger.
The trip was great, especially having my GF show me around The Strip, but I can't say I'm in a hurry to go back and lose more money.
Oh, one more thing. The abundance of alcohol in the casinos wasn't a huge problem, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a slight trigger.
Life the gift of recovery!
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Home is where the heart is
Posts: 7,061
My experience is that gambling has not been a problem for me since I got sober. Prior to becoming sober I bordered on it being a problem as I would spend more money than I could afford when I went to the casinos. Ironically though in sobriet I have been to casinos several times and have had no problem with setting a certain amount to gamble with and the majority of the time I have walked out prior to even spending that. I just seemed to lose the taste for going to far with it. Not sure why. I am sure that is not everyone's experience.
Attitude of Gratitude
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 2,305
Personally, I have never heard where an alcoholic/addict is more likely to have a gambling problem.
Only addiction switch I know to be pretty dangerous when switched is when an addict switches to alcohol or visa versa. I've seen many people switch from alcohol to drugs and have big problems, sometimes bigger. I know my Sister, Linda, was a cocaine addict, she could no longer afford coke so she started drinking. Two years later, she died of cirhosis of the liver.
Bottom line - A drug is a drug is a drug is a drug is a drug.
My personal opinion, if you're having fun playing spades on line or other casino games for fun, no money involved, and it is not getting in the way of your life, go for it. Meaning, if you can turn off the puter and go to work, to bed when you need to, you're not ignoring the dog scratching at the door and wizzing on the carpet, you're not finding it difficult to get off the puter and so on, in my opinion, I don't see where it is of any harm.
It's like on here. Some folks joke about this being a new addiction. Yes, we are reading, sharing and posting about recovery, but there are individuals who have, what I feel, is almost like an addiction to the internet. Same thing with video games. One of my son's friends gets on Playstation when he wakes up and doesn't move except to go to the bathroom. This goes on the entire time he is awake. That, I feel is an addiction. He has pretty much lost his friends because all he wants to do is play video games.
This is my opinion, they are like a$$holes, everyone has one!
:chatter
Only addiction switch I know to be pretty dangerous when switched is when an addict switches to alcohol or visa versa. I've seen many people switch from alcohol to drugs and have big problems, sometimes bigger. I know my Sister, Linda, was a cocaine addict, she could no longer afford coke so she started drinking. Two years later, she died of cirhosis of the liver.
Bottom line - A drug is a drug is a drug is a drug is a drug.
My personal opinion, if you're having fun playing spades on line or other casino games for fun, no money involved, and it is not getting in the way of your life, go for it. Meaning, if you can turn off the puter and go to work, to bed when you need to, you're not ignoring the dog scratching at the door and wizzing on the carpet, you're not finding it difficult to get off the puter and so on, in my opinion, I don't see where it is of any harm.
It's like on here. Some folks joke about this being a new addiction. Yes, we are reading, sharing and posting about recovery, but there are individuals who have, what I feel, is almost like an addiction to the internet. Same thing with video games. One of my son's friends gets on Playstation when he wakes up and doesn't move except to go to the bathroom. This goes on the entire time he is awake. That, I feel is an addiction. He has pretty much lost his friends because all he wants to do is play video games.
This is my opinion, they are like a$$holes, everyone has one!
:chatter
To thine own self, be true
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 78
Hi. I just read a book (the one I posted a thread about, which Carol has linked to) called, "Addictive Personalities" by Craig Nakken.
Something he said that resonated with me (well, one of MANY things) was that once someone has become an addict (once the addictive personality has formed), that person will always be looking for something with which to form an addictive relationship -- and that part of recovery is always monitoring ourselves so that we're aware when addictive behaviors are starting.
For example, I went from drinking to starving myself (anorexia is considered an addiction) to an addictive and ultimately unhealthy relationship.
This is why I'm starting to believe that, for most of us, saying we're "alcoholics" is almost too specific. I really think that most of us who are addicted to one behavior or substance can almost guarantee that we'll be addicted to others.
Something he said that resonated with me (well, one of MANY things) was that once someone has become an addict (once the addictive personality has formed), that person will always be looking for something with which to form an addictive relationship -- and that part of recovery is always monitoring ourselves so that we're aware when addictive behaviors are starting.
For example, I went from drinking to starving myself (anorexia is considered an addiction) to an addictive and ultimately unhealthy relationship.
This is why I'm starting to believe that, for most of us, saying we're "alcoholics" is almost too specific. I really think that most of us who are addicted to one behavior or substance can almost guarantee that we'll be addicted to others.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,444
I think there's a lot of truth in that viewpoint Bella.
I consider I exhibited 'alcoholic/addictive' behaviour long before I took my first drink - and even tho I'm no longer a drinker and aren't particularly concerned with drinking itself on a day to day basis anymore, I still have to be vigilant and monitor myself in all areas of my life.
That being said, I haven't commented on this thread before because I've never been interested in gambling. I've never done hard drugs, and...I don't like Star Trek.
Some addictions haven't grabbed me
D
I consider I exhibited 'alcoholic/addictive' behaviour long before I took my first drink - and even tho I'm no longer a drinker and aren't particularly concerned with drinking itself on a day to day basis anymore, I still have to be vigilant and monitor myself in all areas of my life.
That being said, I haven't commented on this thread before because I've never been interested in gambling. I've never done hard drugs, and...I don't like Star Trek.
Some addictions haven't grabbed me
D
Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: library
Posts: 131
I found myself addicted to solitaire and tetrus. Wasted HOURS playing them. Didn't lose money but definetly became an addiction and started to get me very depressed. Could have been doing so much more to better myself and family. Gave them up cold turkey and will never play video games or gamble again.
jane
jane
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,002
I had a Texas Hold 'em phase going for a while. I played in a few small tournaments and did ok. I was never a big fan of online poker. I was actually more into the game itself than the money earning, believe it or not.
It all depends on the person.
Tom
It all depends on the person.
Tom
Follow Directions!
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fredericksburg, Va.
Posts: 9,730
I am with Tom, I feel it all depends upon the person, I love to gamble, but I love money also!!!! LOL
I gambled when I drank and never had a problem (with gambling) by just getting up and walking away from the table. The only gambling I like is blackjack, because I can spend a lot of time playing and lose very little money. Slots to me are a waste of time and money.
I am sure that now that I do not drink I would have no problem with gambling, but that is me, I know other alcoholics who have learned to stay away from gambling. I would be real careful about gambling for money.
I gambled when I drank and never had a problem (with gambling) by just getting up and walking away from the table. The only gambling I like is blackjack, because I can spend a lot of time playing and lose very little money. Slots to me are a waste of time and money.
I am sure that now that I do not drink I would have no problem with gambling, but that is me, I know other alcoholics who have learned to stay away from gambling. I would be real careful about gambling for money.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: in the present moment
Posts: 2,060
to your original title question: is it safe to gamble?
my guess is that gamblers aren't thinking about safety or else they wouldn't be gambling. if no real money is involved, its not gambling. its playing card games.
my guess is that gamblers aren't thinking about safety or else they wouldn't be gambling. if no real money is involved, its not gambling. its playing card games.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Posts: 565
Ahhh, the good ol' craps table. My second job in 2005. I think you can be a social gambler in the same way others (not us) can be social drinkers. However it is easy to replace one addiction with another.
I think the biggest danger to casino gambling is the free drinks they try to put in front of you to keep you at the tables. Unlike alcohol, I've always known my limit at the tables. My brother in law? He's the gambling version of me. He got into some real trouble at the Mirage one year and now has to make a "Vegas" payment every month like I had an "alcohol" bill every month. They were roughly the same amount.
Gambling is like any addiction: you have to know when to stop.
I think you can be a social gambler in the same way others (not us) can be social drinkers. However it is easy to replace one addiction with another. I think the biggest danger to casino gambling is the free drinks they try to put in front of you to keep you at the tables. Unlike alcohol, I've always known my limit at the tables. My brother in law? He's the gambling version of me. He got into some real trouble at the Mirage one year and now has to make a "Vegas" payment every month like I had an "alcohol" bill every month. They were roughly the same amount.
Gambling is like any addiction: you have to know when to stop.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: some where / no where
Posts: 1,019
I'd say no. Part of the alure of gambling is that it's "dangerous", and that a risk is involved. It seems to me that the risk or "danger" has to do with the possibility of losing money. I'd say that playing a video game for points is different than putting real money down on something.
For me, as an individual with a history of addictions, I abstain from gambling. When real money is involved, an addiction to gambling could do some major damage to my life. Why play with fire?
If I ever thought about gambling, I'd have to ask myself "chip, why do you want to gamble?" I think an honest answer to this question would probably lead me to the roots of my other addiction problems...escape/fantasy, selfishness, greed, etc...
chip
For me, as an individual with a history of addictions, I abstain from gambling. When real money is involved, an addiction to gambling could do some major damage to my life. Why play with fire?
If I ever thought about gambling, I'd have to ask myself "chip, why do you want to gamble?" I think an honest answer to this question would probably lead me to the roots of my other addiction problems...escape/fantasy, selfishness, greed, etc...
chip
Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 17
Just understand that eventually you're going to lose all of your money, the house always wins. If not then you're playing poker, and there will eventually be a bad beat, where you're all-in with pocket aces and lose to some ridiculous hand.
Gambling is a bad idea, unless you're doing freerolls, where you can actually win money on some sites. gutshot.com is a pretty good one, I've won $2000 on there without spending a cent. Avoid places like titan poker, where they offer insta-debit and their casino games thieve every cent you have.
Gambling is a bad idea, unless you're doing freerolls, where you can actually win money on some sites. gutshot.com is a pretty good one, I've won $2000 on there without spending a cent. Avoid places like titan poker, where they offer insta-debit and their casino games thieve every cent you have.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 149
big problem
to me playing a hand of poker is like doing a small line of blow....
$50 week - almost nothing in gaming parlance - equals $2,500 year (a vacation for two - albiet economy)., @2,500 year compounded in your IRA over 15 years is equal (not sure - but I bet its alot- lol).
$100 week - lexus car lease
$200 week - rent or mortgage money
$300 week = $15,000 pe year - take number 1 and multipley by 6 huge numbers....
As someone who quit drinking for 25 days, I am wondering where the money goes. I know I spent more then enough on partying but all my aa buddies want to do is gamble with card games. Add in the really late nights (sometimes around 3:00 AM) and the opportunity costs start kicking in and you start feeling like you may as well drink - its cheaper and I can sleelp (just kidding - but you get the idea).
Love to hear your thoughts?
$50 week - almost nothing in gaming parlance - equals $2,500 year (a vacation for two - albiet economy)., @2,500 year compounded in your IRA over 15 years is equal (not sure - but I bet its alot- lol).
$100 week - lexus car lease
$200 week - rent or mortgage money
$300 week = $15,000 pe year - take number 1 and multipley by 6 huge numbers....
As someone who quit drinking for 25 days, I am wondering where the money goes. I know I spent more then enough on partying but all my aa buddies want to do is gamble with card games. Add in the really late nights (sometimes around 3:00 AM) and the opportunity costs start kicking in and you start feeling like you may as well drink - its cheaper and I can sleelp (just kidding - but you get the idea).
Love to hear your thoughts?
Don't get undies in a bunch
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: South Shore MA
Posts: 7,120
If you like, you can send me your money and I will treat you just like the games do.
I will jump up and down and get all excited then I will tell you if you won or not.
When you win, I will give you what ever I feel like giving you and when you lose, I will just say... LOSER! in hopes that you play again to remove the bad taste of the loss. Either way I will jump up and down and get all excited if you will or lose because I will be taking your money away from you a lot more times then I will ever give you money back.
As for addictive personalities that we tend to have... in my opinion, not going to a casino or putting real money out to play a game is a something we all should think twice about.
Gambling can and does bring out the same lies and deceit in a person that any other addiction does.
Oh and the IRS likes it as well. If you lose they don't care but if you win...They want some and will come after you to get it...plus fines and fees if you don't tell them about any winnings.
If you do play...play with great caution and know what can happen.
I will jump up and down and get all excited then I will tell you if you won or not.
When you win, I will give you what ever I feel like giving you and when you lose, I will just say... LOSER! in hopes that you play again to remove the bad taste of the loss. Either way I will jump up and down and get all excited if you will or lose because I will be taking your money away from you a lot more times then I will ever give you money back.
As for addictive personalities that we tend to have... in my opinion, not going to a casino or putting real money out to play a game is a something we all should think twice about.
Gambling can and does bring out the same lies and deceit in a person that any other addiction does.
Oh and the IRS likes it as well. If you lose they don't care but if you win...They want some and will come after you to get it...plus fines and fees if you don't tell them about any winnings.
If you do play...play with great caution and know what can happen.
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