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Gambling: The Horrible Addiction

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Gambling: The Horrible Addiction
Gambling: The Horrible Addiction
Essay 2: Reflection
Word Count:786

By:

For
Prof. Ted E. Johnston
Engl 1301 11:30 TR
10 October 2013

Pg.1
Gambling: The Horrible Addiction

Gambling is a horrible addiction. It can destroy you and your family. I am totally against casinos and gambling. I have experienced my father’s addiction and it has been the worst thing that has ever happened to him and to this family, so if a loved one falls into this addiction, push hard to make them get help. Gambling and casinos are one of the biggest sources of entertainment for Americans. The adrenaline rush that you get from risking that amount of money attracts tons of people. The desire to duplicate the money in your pocket makes you want to play continuously. Casinos also cash in an unbelievable amount of money. “Gambling generates more revenue than movies, spectator sports, theme parks, cruise ships, and recorded music combined.” As stated on www.pbs.org. Also casinos do create thousands of job opportunities. Business wise casinos do bring enormous amounts of money and jobs but that is only the good side. Gambling can take over your life and if you don’t go to therapies it will soon destroy you. As I mentioned before, the adrenaline rush and the desire to duplicate the money in your pocket can become addictive. The problem of this addiction is that there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in drug or alcohol addiction. Problem gamblers typically deny or minimize the problem until they are left with nothing. Gambling could become a worse addiction than any drug. Gambling has destroyed thousands of lives of individuals as well as their families. Pg.2
My father was an addict for 3 years. Only 3 years it took him to be left with nothing. Our financial hardships have led him to gamble. He started with just some visits to the casino per month and not spending a lot of money. Soon enough he became addicted. Instead of bringing

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