Because there is no chemical or substance, gambling is an invisible addiction. There are no telltale physical signs, no track marks, no smell of alcohol. Wexler says that is what makes the compulsive gambler so elusive. Yamins says it is the thrill. They're holding onto the myth, the idea that they're gonna hit it with one big turn of the wheel, or one big play of the slot, that they're gonna correct all the trouble with their life.
Many compulsive gamblers do occasionally have large paydays.
Wexler had a few, but that only made his problem worse. Even though compulsive gambling is a legitimate medical diagnosis, treatment is not covered by insurance. Society views gambling as a behavioral problem that people should be able to control. Experts say this policy is unlikely to change until society accepts compulsive gambling as a real disease. All Rights Reserved.