Saturday, February 10, 2007

Some of you may have done well last night, and are rejoicing to the heavens.
And others -- maybe you're trying to bury your head in the sand. Why? You
either won a load of cash or you're dead broke from betting on the Super
Bowl. Whether you won or lost, you must beware of a disease that is plaguing
men across the country: Gambling addiction. I know, it's in our nature to
take risks. But we need to start thinking with our heads -- and not our
hearts -- when it comes to rooting for our favorite teams. Anything can
happen throughout the course of a football game, as we saw last night in the
Super Bowl. And if you already have a history of making bad picks and losing
money that should've have gone toward your mortgage, you need help. Gambling
effects - A Web site by the Los Angeles-based Gamblers Anonymous
International reports that there are a number of reasons why men gamble.
Some men gamble for the high, the crack, the action. For others gambling
covers over problems of depression, panic attacks, mania, drug and alcohol
abuse. The group said most men start off as casual social gamblers. These
individuals typically gamble for enjoyment, and it doesn't affect any major
areas in their lives. But they still risk becoming compulsive/pathological
gamblers -- someone who loses control of their gambling habits. If
untreated, their gambling behavior would lead to loss of hope, and even
imprisonment.

Here are five tips on how to curb your gambling addiction, according to
Gamblers Anonymous International:

* Avoid the venue. Find other interesting hobbies to enjoy during the times
when you tend to gamble.

* Limit the availability of your cash. Arrange to have daily withdrawal
limits on your bank account, set up a joint account that requires two
signatures or pay bills electronically.

* Manage stress. Exercise regularly, or do things that enable you to relax
such as listening to music and hanging out with friends. (Of course, avoid
the ones who gamble.)

* Keep a record. A diary could help you understand your gambling activities,
identify trends and patterns. For example, you might go gambling when you
feel bored or depressed, or when you need money.