Compulsive gambling is a illness and addiction that affects the gambler, the family, the employer and the community. It is called the "hidden illness" since there is no smell on the breath nor stumbling of steps or speech. Nonetheless, it is as debilitating as alcohol or drug addiction. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association accepted pathological (compulsive) gambling as a "disorder of impulse control." It is a diagnosable, treatable illness.

Gambling, if taken in small amounts, will not cause harm. But is it worth it? Like all decisions, the only person that can determine weather or not to do something is you. Sure you could win millions. Bu

There some traits that a person has when she or he has a gambling problem. They will go through three phases: the winning phase, the losing phase and the desperation phase.

I am not trying to persuade you in one way or the other. I just want to give you the facts. Gambling can, but not always become a problem. If done right, it can be a fun and interesting but most likely losing experience.

t you can also lose everything including your friends, family, and everything you own. A study conducted in New Brunswick indicated that less than 5% of the population experience current problems with gambling. Some people say I'll never get addicted. Sure most of them won't but maybe you are that small percentage that will.

In the winning phase, the gambling enhances self-image and

Some common words found in the essay are:
Psychiatric Association, , compulsive gambling, winning phase, desperation phase, friends family, losing phase,
Approximate Word count = 530
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)