Gambling addiction 'misunderstood'

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by Change | 2 Apr 2009

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One gambling addict has spoken out about the problem and claimed many people do not understand what the issue is really about

A gambling addict in Staffordshire has warned people not to follow in his footsteps, claiming that many people misinterpret the causes of the addiction.

Mark Morris, of Burslem in Stoke-on-Trent, believes he has lost in the region of £60,000 through his gambling habit and is concerned many more people could fall into the same trap in future.

Speaking to the Sentinal, Mr Morris said: "gambling addiction is misunderstood."

He continued: "People think it's all to do with greed and money; it's neither. If you are feeling depressed, gambling gives you a bit of lift. But if you are playing with money you can't afford to spend, it creates more problems. Suddenly you are gambling to get your money back."

Mr Morris is currently receiving addiction treatment for his problem, but he believes the rise of bingo and gambling targeted at women could result in a significant rise in the number of female gambling addicts.

There are concerns many more people will be forced to head to rehab centres in the UK as the recession hits and money problems become more of a burden.

Many people could become addicted to gambling as they try to play their way out of debt, particularly as more are made redundant by the recession.

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