Gambling Addiction and "The 10 Commandments"

What are "The Ten Commandments" of gambling addiction?

If you're not religious or Christian, then it might be a strange concept to grasp.

For the atheists and non Christians/Jewish among us, the commandments are essentially a "list of laws" you can't or shouldn't do otherwise God could punish you in the afterlife.

But what does that have to do with gambling disorder and addiction?

Well in this article I'll examine another set of commandments based on gambling addiction or disorder.

You'll get the chance to view the dos and don'ts of addiction, and see how they relate to the original 10 commandments.

I. Thou Shall Not Relapse



I. Thou Shall Not Relapse

The biggest fear of any addict is the threat of relapse.

Despite what medical professionals say, it's not okay to experience even one relapse.
You have to do everything in your power to not let it happen because a relapse will halt and reverse your progress.

For a gambler, this means you must avoid gambling temptations and have someone to help you until your impulses subside.

An addict may never fully recover from their addiction, but the best chance at long term success is to stop them from reverting to their old habits.

Don't fall into the relapse trap; do continuously seek help long after rehabilitation.

II. Thou Shall Not Steal From Loved Ones



II. Thou Shall Not Steal From Loved Ones

This is self-explanatory but often forgotten.

It's bad enough when an addict wastes their own money, but it's even worse when they steal from loved ones to nurse their gambling disorder.

You should never steal from anyone no matter how tempting it may be. If you're a victim of theft and suspect someone in your family might have a gambling problem, then address it immediately.

If you're an addict and want to steal, then try putting yourself in others' shoes for a minute and feel what they would feel.

Like in the original ten commandments, stealing is not the moral choice.

III. Thou Shall Not Kill Your Savings


III. Thou Shall Not Kill Your Savings

Your savings are your past, present, and future.

Those savings could be part of an emergency fund or a college education for one of your kids.

Your savings shouldn't be squandered because of a bet. It's not okay to waste everything you've work so hard to obtain.

Protect yourself by protecting your savings through tight security procedures.
A close family member or spouse should be in charge of your savings in case you let the addiction get too far.

Still it's not as bad as the next commandment on the list...

IV. Thou Shall Not Sell Thy House or Car


IV. Thou Shall Not Sell Thy House or Car

Can you imagine selling your house and car because of a gambling debt?

It's shocking how anyone is willing to risk everything over a few casino table games.

If you're an addict and suspect you might take that final step, then call for help immediately. There are multiple helplines available if you're losing control.

If that's too much for you, then call someone you know that can help.

Let them step in and prevent you from making the biggest mistake of your life because those who have made this misstep will suffer from lifelong agony and guilt.

V. Thou Shall Not Enter a Casino Alone


V. Thou Shall Not Enter a Casino Alone

The flashing, bright colored lights and ambient noises are like chocolate cake to a sugar lover.

In other words, it screams trouble ahead.

If you must enter a casino for any reason and you have a spending situation, then don't do it alone.

Have a responsible friend/family member nearby so you don't risk going off the handle.
A recovering addict shouldn't ever be near a casino, but if you must, then don't cross that pond without a paddle.

For someone in recovery, their decision making skills are akin to a toddler attempting to cross an intersection.

Talk about a terrible combination!