It is possible to become addicted to behaviours such as gambling, eating, sexual activity, work, internet usage, or other processes. Collectively this form of addiction are known as process addictions. These addictions are just as devastating as an addiction to a substance.

Just like a chemical addiction the pathological gambler will often be in denial about the problem even though he/she has made failed attempt to control or stop gambling. Gambling addicts may suffer mood swings related to the cycle of winning and losing. A gambling addict is just as obsessed with gambling as a chemical addict is with the substance.

It is sometimes useful to distinguish two sorts of gamblers. Action gamblers seek the thrill of taking a risk and enjoy the rush of competition. They are more likely to abuse games of skill. The other sort of gambler, the escape gambler, uses gambling as a way to escape the troubles of life. For these people gambling is a way to tune the world out. Such gamblers prefer games that are isolated and repetitive such as slot machines.

Robert L. Custer, M.D. divided gambling addiction into three sub-processes:
1) The winning phase in which a couple of wins in a row leave the addict feeling confident and euphoric. The thrill of winning leads to false optimism that the streak will continue.
2) The losing phase marks the beginning of negative consequences attached to the illness. Addicts may have to borrow money to cover their gambling losses. They might have to start lying to family members about the amount of time they are spending in the casino. The gambler starts to bet compulsively to try and recoup previous losses.
3) The desperation phase is characterised by severe consequences and uncontrollable gambling. The gambling addict may abuse substances, get divorced, or have a breakdown but will still continue to gamble. There is a risk of suicide for gamblers in this phase of their addiction as they face financial (and sometimes even legal) trouble.

A fourth phase is the "hopeless phase" in which the gambling addict reaches a point where he/she feels that life cannot get better. They are likely to abuse substances to numb the pain of the consequences that addiction has caused. There is a risk of suicide for addicts in this phase.

American studies suggest that about 3% of people who gamble develop an addiction. It is an illness marked by a lack of control over gambling. People suffering from this addiction will gamble compulsively despite the losses they may incur.

Gambling addiction does not have the obvious signs that chemical addiction has. Gambling addicts do not overdose in toilets, do not smell of strange chemicals, don't have needle marks, or any other such externally visible signs. There are, however, a number of warning signs that you can look out for:

• Keeping the household financial affairs secret (eg: bank statements go missing) and attempting to completely control them.
• Falling behind in paying bills
• A sudden lack of money, and possibly even taking out loans or overusing a credit card
• Borrowing money from friends and family
• Jewelry going missing (to be pawned)
• Savings accounts being drained
• Cash arriving at unexpected times in the month

An addictions treatment professional will be able to help you in making a diagnosis. If you find that you are gambling more than you planned or at times that are inappropriate you should look for a professional opinion. In South Africa you can contact the National Responsible Gambling Counselling Line (click here) which is an initiative originally started by various South African casinos and is now under aegis of the SA Responsible Gambling Trust, which reports to the SA Advisory Council on Responsible Gambling (SAACREG).

Gambling addiction may present along with physical and psychological problems. The stress involved in maintaining the addiction can cause hypertension and stomach problems. It is a very good idea to see a medical doctor for a full physical.

Gambling addiction can be treated in an addictions treatment center. Such an approach will usually employ a cognitive behavioural strategy along with a medical intervention to address any coexisting mental health concerns. The rehab will encourage the addict to start attending 12 step fellowship meetings.

After treatment continued attendance at the 12 step fellowship "Gamblers Anonymous" (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/) will help the addict to stay focused on recovery and provide ongoing support.

About problem gambling - Guide to problem gambling, compulsive gambling and gambling addiction. Includes an FAQ and the signs and symptoms. (The National Council on Problem Gambling)
Do I Need Help? : Helpful Questions for Self-evaluation – Includes questions for self-evaluation, as well as questions for family members who suspect a gambling problem. (Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)
Problem Gamblers and their Finances – In-depth guide for treatment professionals on how to help a problem gambler cope with financial problems and pressures. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Your First Step to Change: Gambling – Self-change toolkit helps problem gamblers learn how to overcome their addiction. (The Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School)
Freedom from Problem Gambling ) - Self-help workbook for compulsive gamblers, with tips on how to avoid relapse and fight gambling urges. (California Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs)
Problem Gambling and the Family – Learn how gambling addiction affects the family and what family members can do to address the problem. (Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)