Gambling at casinos and other venues is considered by many to be a fun way to blow off steam and pass the time. However, what happens when fun and games becomes an addiction?
Recovering gambling addict Melynda Litchfield shares the predatory nature of gambling and the addictions that can result.
“Gambling is predatory towards everyone but especially towards groups of people that are the most vulnerable such as low-income wage earners and senior citizens.”
Casiono games and other forms of gambling are designed to be addicting. They trigger the release of dopamine in the brain providing a rush. This high is what keeps the addict coming back for more.
Studies have proven that when gambling, the dopamine receptors are triggered just like when someone injects heroin into their body.
“To buy a ticket for the powerball, it isn’t about the money at all, in my world, it’s for the rush, and the money is like an afterthought.”
Even though Melynda was successful in the medical field, it didn’t stop her from becoming addicted to the rush of gambling.
“It didn’t matter, when I sat in front of that slot machine and poured hundreds of dollars in there it was just like I was out of body, you’re living two different lives.”
A gambling addiction might start out as simply a money grab, but it can quickly develop into the pursuit of an insatiable high.
“The most exciting time of gambling isn’t when you’re sitting at the Blackjack table or slot machine, it’s when you have the money in your pocket and you know you’re going to be getting that high.”
Our culture seems to be addicted to everything. Gambling is yet another face of a culture that desperately needs a Savior to fill the void that can only be filled with a relationship with God.
“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:19-20
