~snip
If you're actually addicted, I don't think that it's enough to just take a break.
When you gamble again, you will just get addicted again. Some people just can't control themselves in that regard, they would be unable to just take a break, it's kinda all or nothing for them.
I don't know if I would recommend a gambling addict to try investing or trading. That could easily turn into gambling for them as well.
That wouldn't really be a good idea, that person might have some relapse and forget what to do when he is in his downtime (not gambling).
I think if you have known a person a gambling addict, they would take the world in a risky way, which wouldn't be wrong but if you cannot control it,
it's better to be safe than sorry unless you know that you can already, but there is no assurance for anyone. It's always going to be a risk, living in this world.