re: Games of Skill - "Casinos" Skyrocketing in Arkansas

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When this individual isn't gambling, do they have other compulsions which replace the behavior, be it positive or negative? The reason I ask is this: Compulsion disorders aren't usually limited to just one particular behavior, so most times, eliminating one outlet for their "fix" only leads to another type of "fix". For instance, I have an acquaintance that habitually takes pain medicine. He can stop the pain medicine if he starts drinking. He can stop his drinking if he starts spending all his money on something else like gambling and smoking, etc., etc. It's called cross addiction or compulsion. Eliminating one outlet with a lot of these individuals only opens a new door for another compulsive behavior. It's a compulsive disorder and not necessarily limited to gambling. Just curious.

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With the one family member I was speaking specifically about, No! Once we got her help and watched her for a couple of years, she hasn't had anymore problems. She simply loved the enticement, free drinks, buffets, lovefest on the floors of the casinos. It was way too mush for this poor woman to handle and she fell into the trap.

I have seen it in families I have counseled and helped through social services as well. Sometimes, you are correct. It is the addictive personalities of these folks. Other times it isn't until they are continually baited.

Think of it this way. There are buses in LR that will give a free ride, and 20 bucks free play with a buffet to those willing to go! This isn't exactly advertised to again, The Waltons, Rockerfellers, Hunts, or Stephens families now, is it?