~snip~
yes, I think the main problem is avoiding to see reality as it is
many people approach gambling as a way to make easy money or relying on it as income when in reality it should be entertainment.
if it's too hard for someone to stop gambling they should seek help.
The important thing is that they can open up by telling their problems to people close to them before going to a professional to get help. They need attention from other people close to them so that it is with the openness of gambling addicts that they can see that the people around them are still there for them and are always ready to help them. By doing this, the gambling addict can get help immediately, and if the people around them cannot help, they go to the professionals for more help.
the hard part is that not all people have a network of emotional support and it's harder for some than others to open up and talk about their problems or to seek a therapist.
life has an interesting way to play with us sometimes.