I have recently come to know how incredibly devastating Gambling Addiction can be. My son, my precious, precious, son has become a victim of this most horrible addiction. He began his journey rather innocently playing slot machines and then learned to play poker. This started a year or so after he had moved away from home to college. But, the worst of this horrible affliction was the day he missed the birth of his own daughter. After having been up all night and day gambling and losing every bit of his cash, he finally came to the hospital, broken and busted.

Not only does this disease affect those who are suffering from the addiction, but those around them as well. My family and his own little family was truly devastated. He spent money gambling that he did not have. He borrowed money from "friends" and from payday loan establishments. He accumulated a debt of about $1000. I feel that the worst influence he had was that he became a dealer in a casino. He lost the value of money. Money became an easy commodity to him. But, the money he made, he used for gambling, I suppose to try to make more, but he would use the money to gamble rather than pay bills or take care of his family.

I have listed some links to gambling websites. They have some good information. I encourage all people to be proactive regarding casinos, betting and other forms of gambling. Please don't let this happen to someone you love.