Tag: addiction

Gambling


https://www.silversurfers.com/entertainment-news/the-secret-signs-of-a-gambling-addiction-and-how-to-approach-a-loved-one/?fbclid=IwAR1iqUlIIkC-o4CUMIYf7Q3lZNVRht15OBnDevhFVnG_slf6mXQaNkbpsTE

The number of people seeking help for gambling problems reached record levels in 2023 – with more people calling a national helpline than ever before.

For the life of me, I have never understood why gambling is broadcast on TV late at night, and also, why are betting sites allowed to advertise on TV?

Dr David McLaughlan, a priory consultant psychiatrist specialising in addictions, said gambling is a particularly challenging addiction to treat –  “Because of the access to gambling platforms of peoples’ phones”.

He said: “With my patients who are addicted to alcohol, I can suggest that they avoid drinking venues or remove alcohol from their house. However, when the temptation is constantly present, on your phone, in your pocket, it’s much harder to resist.”

The government systematically banned all forms of tobacco advertising and sponsorship. So why not ban advertising of the various betting sites and apps.

The effects of gambling on individuals, their partners, and their families and friends can be every bit as devastating as smoking and the associated cancers.

The following was published in The Guardian …

It has long been known that gambling is addictive so common sense would have shown the risks.

It’s time our government woke up and took positive action.

I suspect the reality of their reluctance is that they can’t afford to cut off another lucrative tax revenue stream.

Now I’ve Seen Everything


For years, the tobacco industry spent millions advertising their products. Slowly, but surely, the world has woken up to the negative effects of smoking.

For almost as long as there have been cigarettes, there have been industries devoted to countering their addictive nature.

In more recent times, people have turned to vapes as the “healthy” alternative to cigarettes.

At the forefront of those trying to ween folks off the demon tobacco in the UK is Nicorette.

Earlier today, I visited my local pharmacy. Imagine my surprise when I spotted a large poster by Nicorette offering help to stop vaping ?

So vaping was seen as the safe / healthy alternative to smoking tobacco based cigarettes. 

Already, there have been articles in the press suggesting that vaping is not actually all that healthy, and with deaths being directly attributed to vape usage.

Now, the Nicorette poster is suggesting that vaping is also addictive, habit forming.

What’s next, a cure for Nicorette addiction ?

Daily Habits ?


What are your daily habits?

It didn’t take me long to identify my daily habits.

I have found that I eat every day. Not just once but multiple times per day.

Is this a habit or an addiction ?

Sometimes, depending how busy I am, I’ll eat just the once, usually in the evening. Habit ?

But, often, I will eat two and three times per day. Sometimes, while preparing dinner, I will make a sandwich, even though dinner will be ready in 30 minutes or so. Addiction ?