Some people think that winning a hand of Texas hold 'em on the river is the most exciting thing that could happen. The rush of adrenaline and the thrill of winning make for a great time. Gambling is now more popular than ever because poker tournaments are shown on almost every channel in the country. You probably have played Texas hold 'em at some point. You could even play a couple of times a week. There's nothing wrong with gambling, but how do you know if you're hooked?
Addiction to gambling is a very bad thing in our world right now. It has always been there, but it has never had as much power over so many people as it does now. It rips apart lives and families. There are a number of signs that someone is hooked on gambling.
How important do you think gambling is? Gambling should always be treated as a game. If you get very angry after a hand, you might be addicted. Are you betting your extra money or a lot more than that? As long as you don't play for pink slips, there's nothing wrong with playing a few hands of poker with the guys. Some people bet everything they had, including money for their kids' college. If you're doing this, please stop! Bet only what you can pay for. The rush of adrenaline you get when you win is nothing compared to how it feels to lose everything. People have left Las Vegas with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. Don't let that happen to you.
If you think you might be addicted to gambling, there is help for you. Don't show off too much. Every year, a lot of people have trouble with this. You can beat it with the help of a support group or even counseling. The most important thing is that you recognise that you have a problem. Just keep gambling as a game.
