I am sure the way gamblers judge the health of their activity are indicative of each person's life experiences but surely not showcasing the whole picture. The thing everyone must hold high with gambling is setting up some limits and sticking to them.
If you don't have a support network around you, people to speak, go out with and have fun, then you should prioritize that instead of gambling. Spend some money going out, buying drinks perhaps, starting activities and trying to make some friendships.
Yes, I think you're absolutely right.
When gamblers are isolated, without their support network, then there's a real chance that they will become completely addicted to it.
The good thing about friends, family, coworkers, and society as a whole, is that they give you feedback all the time, and you can use that to have a better life.
If you don't have that feedback loop you can end up in a very bad place real quick.