Gambling and heredity / treatment?

I have a problem with gambling. I am very frugal when it comes to buying clothes, food, etc. but don't have a problem when it comes to putting a $100 into a casino machine.

My father was treated for alchoholism when I was a kid. Could it be that I inherited something similar to that of my father and his father (who I have heard was also an alcholic)?

BTW - I do drink, rarely, and have never had the "urge" to drink but love thrill of winning / hate losing, regret, self-hate, shame and all the emotions I feel after I go to the casino.

Can I get medication / counseling for this?

Addiction itself is hereditary. It doesn't have to be the same addiction as your father. Yes, you can get medicine for these behaviors. Ask your doctor. Medicine won't be all you need though, you should probably see a psychiatrist to figure out why you have addictive tendencies and what you can do to modify your behavior.

I think you have analyzed your problem correctly.
The same 12 step program that brought us alcohol/drug addicts, back from our insanity, is now used to help those addicted to gambling. It is called Gamblers Anonymous, or GA for short. You can find them in you Phone Book. My best to you.

Gambler's Anonymous & a counselor would be a good idea.
You might consider a diet & fitness plan also.
Here are some good ideas:

1. Do something that gets your heart rate up a bit like, walking, running, biking, and swimming.
2. Eat Whole, Organic foods like: Broccoli, Cabbage, Organic Brown Rice, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Apples, and other fruits and vegetables in their Natural State.
3. Avoid eating corn, white bread, white rice, candy, sodas, chips, and anything else that you already know you shouldn鈥檛 be eating.
4. Drink clean water as your beverage of choice. Avoid Fruit drinks and fruit juices (unless YOU juice them yourself)
5. Stop smoking, drinking beer & wine, and drinking coffee.
6. Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
7. Hang out with people who want to be healthy.
8. Avoid anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Tone up the muscles:
1. Join a gym and get a trainer.
2. If you鈥檙e short on cash, start a light stretching & yoga regimen.
3. Do push-ups, and light dumbbell curls for the upper body.
4. As I said above, walk, run, swim, and or bike.
5. Take an aerobics class, a yoga class, or some other fitness class.
6. Join the local YMCA..

Mental Health:
1. Get a friend to talk to each day about your feelings.
2. If you have some money or insurance, get a counselor to talk to.
3. Learn how to meditate.
4. Join a support group for the issue you鈥檙e dealing with.
5. Ask your Higher Self (or God) for guidance.
6. Start keeping a diary or journal about your feelings & thoughts.
7. Write a 鈥榞ratitude鈥?list every night.
8. Do something that makes you happy each day like: listen to your favorite music, draw, paint, write, or anything creative.
9. Do something for someone else who needs help.