High Aces or Jokers

We all take a gamble in many different ways on an almost daily basis.

Whether it is when we use the milk that has only ‘just’ expired or when we  push our luck with others, gambling with our longevity…

Lots of people go every week and buy Lotto tickets with the hopes that this week will be the big one even though the odds are that they are more likely to be struck by lightning (possibly twice) than actually winning.

These are all semi harmless forms of gambling that are generally not too damaging for the person involved and can be said creates excitement which in moderation can be good for a persons psyche.
But there is the Ugly side to Gambling that have people forsaking everything (even selling their homes) just for that adrenaline rush that the possibility of winning BIG can give them. Whether they are up or down, it doesnt matter. It is merely the act of taking a chance with big possibilities that does it for them.

• But what do you do if you know someone who goes almost every second day to the local casino?
• What do you do when you see how they have stopped their usual daily routine in return for a nocturnal casino dwelling one?
• What do you do when you learn that this person spends in excess of R5 000.00 per month on gambling?
• What do you do when you see someone sell all their worldly possessions to support this habit?
• What do you do when you are probably the only person around that sees this happening?
• What do you do when they mask their addiction under the guise of ‘working’ and ‘financial trouble’?
• What do you do with information of such a travesty but unable to tell anyone else because the truth is too ugly, and no one wants to believe the truth?

The reality is that there is nothing that can be done. You have to wait for them to hit rock bottom first. You have to wait for them to come to you and ask for help. Because any help given or offered before will be seen as interfering and create further hostility of which there is currently far too much.

Myths & Facts about Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling

MYTH: You have to gamble every day to be a problem gambler.
FACT: A problem gambler may gamble frequently or infrequently. Gambling is a problem if it causes problems.

MYTH: Problem gambling is not really a problem if the gambler can afford it.
FACT: Problems caused by excessive gambling are not just financial. Too much time spent on gambling can lead to relationship breakdown and loss of important friendships.

MYTH: Partners of problem gamblers often drive problem gamblers to gamble.
FACT: Problem gamblers often rationalize their behavior. Blaming others is one way to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, including what is needed to overcome the problem.

MYTH: If a problem gambler builds up a debt, you should help them take care of it.
FACT: Quick fix solutions may appear to be the right thing to do. However, bailing the gambler out of debt may actually make matters worse by enabling gambling problems to continue.
 

In the meantime my heart breaks for you. I wish you weren’t such an opinionated hostile creature. We would try working through this with you. But alas, you are a grown-up man and you need to live with the choices you make. Right or wrong.

When the time is right. We will be here for you, you only need to ask.

P.S. If you know someone that needs help or need advice regarding gambling give these guys a call.
 
National Gambling Board : 0800 006 008