Is more like a mental illness that in the end, results to addictive behaviors from going back even though the results are pure losses. Psychotherapy and group therapy is the key to solving these types of illnesses or disorders (speaking from experience). I went down that road when I was way younger and almost end up selling most of my belongings just so I could go back the next day and gamble again but eventually I learned how to react with such scenarios.
Good to hear from someone who have recover from being addicted, I myself have also been addicted and I lost all the money that is not intended for gambling, even the needs of my family was sacrificed due to the stupidity of my act. Now, I am more responsible although I cannot really quit gambling for good.