Problem Gambling Should be Treated Like Sex Addiction

Fitzpatrick cited cases of individuals who built up huge debts and even lost their houses because of sexual addictions.

Problem gambling, which has been demonstrated numerous times to stem from a deeper mental malaise, does not receive the same societal standing as sexual addiction, despite the similarities. Zealots blame a promiscuous culture for sexual addiction, and mainstream media laugh it off, knowing that only a few individuals with special needs suffer from the disorder. Zealots blame proliferating casinos for compulsive gambling, and many treat the claim seriously.

Even the economic crisis has spurred sexual addiction. While many watch the numbers of problem gamblers anxiously, sex addicts are seen as more likely to pursue their own outlet for escapism as well. Declan Fitzpatrick of the Center for Sexual Addiction told the Independent of Ireland that "...sex addiction is recession-proof. If you really have a sexual addiction you can't stop, regardless of your ability to pay for it."

Fitzpatrick cited cases of individuals who built up huge debts and even lost their houses because of sexual addictions. The similarity between sex, gambling, and all other addictions has led scientists to theorize that all are behavioral manifestations of risk-reward dysfunctions in the brain, a theory borne out by studies worldwide.

Yet groups who push to severely limit gambling are regarded seriously as campaigners against problem gambling. Online casinos face bans because of worry about the appeal to compulsive gamblers, yet sex remains the driving force behind Internet popularity.

No one would suggest that the destructive nature of addictive behavior is a laughing matter, but ideas to ban sex would be largely greeted with incredulity and frivolity. Why are plans to prohibit casinos and gambling taken so much more seriously?