Just like any other addiction, it takes a strong will to break free from it and I was once addicted to sports gambling.

Gambling in moderation is a socially acceptable behavior. Gambling addiction is another story. If left untreated, a gambling addiction can negatively affect your financial situation, relationships, and other aspects of your life. It is best not to venture into it because one of the ways I was able to break through from it was by the help of God I realized that to bet is to lose.

If you have a gambling addiction, you may feel an uncontrollable urge to visit casinos, play slot machines, bet on sports/virtual, or gamble online. The specific type and frequency of your gambling behavior may vary. But in general, you will be unable to control that behavior. You will continue gambling, even in the face of negative social, financial, or legal consequences.

The majority of people with gambling addictions are men.

If you have a gambling addiction, you may display some or all of the following behaviors:

1) Obsessing over any type of gambling
2) Gambling to feel better about life
3) Failing to control your gambling
4) Avoiding work or other commitments to gamble
5) Neglecting bills and expenses and using the money for gambling
6) Selling possessions to gamble
7) Stealing money to gamble
Lying about your gambling habit
9) Feeling guilty after a gambling session
10) Taking bigger and bigger risks while gambling
11) Disintegrating relationships or friendships
12) Loss of integrity, house, job, car, or other personal possessions.

I would love all those who were once an addict and were able to break free from this dangerous addiction that can make one so depressed to share their success story because I believe we can help others who are addicted to it to break free from it.