Mental Health Psychology Human Health Medical or Addictive Disorders

¶ … articles on compulsive gambling. Specifically, it will summarize and evaluate both articles, discussing the articles themselves, not the issues they cover. Both magazine articles cover aspects and causes of compulsive gambling, or a specific addictive disorder common in America today.

The first article, Gambling: when it is not a game anymore by Jeremiah Weinstock, James P. Whelan, and Andrew W. Meyers, discusses some of the causes of compulsive gambling, and how the gambler can easily and slowly become addicted to betting. The article also discusses how gambling is not a problem for everyone who ever plays in a casino, but it can be a major problem for family and friends of the compulsive gambler, and the community. The article notes, "Studies have found that approximately one in fifty or 2% of Americans have had severe levels of disordered gambling at some point in their lifetime. An additional 3 to 5% of the population are likely to have gambled in a potentially hazardous or harmful manner during their life" (Weinstock, Whelan & Meyers, 1999). The article also notes that gamblers who become pathological about their gaming may alienate family, friends, lose their jobs, their homes, and even their health. The authors provide some solutions for family and friends, including treatment options and outside support, and continuing research into the problem of compulsive gambling.

The second article, Virtues guru Bennett: 'Gambling days over' by an unknown author discusses a well-known political leader's battle with compulsive gambling, and his decision to give it up. Bill Bennett said he was giving up gambling after "an investigation by two magazines revealed he had a gambling habit that, according to casino records, cost him $8 million in losses over the past ten years"

2003, p. 18). However, Bennett denied he was a compulsive gambler, and said that the losses did not reflect the money he had won. A conservative Christian, Bennett was criticized by many other religious groups for not admitting his addiction and his need for treatment.

These two articles have some important connections to each other. One talks about how dangerous and debilitating compulsive gambling can be, and the other clearly illustrates it. The first article looks at compulsive gambling as a disease that needs treatment, while the second article shows just how a compulsive gambler cannot face his addiction, or his need for treatment. Together, the articles form a more cohesive picture of compulsive gambling, giving the reader not only facts and figures, but the real experience of a gambler attempting to quit while unwilling to face up to their addiction. Both articles show the dangers of compulsive gambling, but in very differing ways.