Teens with addictive personalities susceptible to gambling problems

By Staff Writer

Millions of teens gathered around their television sets this past weekend to watch Super Bowl XVL. Although the annual event provides an opportunity for family members to bond while watching football, the game also can expose children to unhealthy behaviors such as drinking alcohol and gambling.

Williamsville Wellness, an addiction recovery center in Virginia, reports that there are more than three million problem gamblers in the U.S., and some of them are adolescents. Aside from the financial repercussions of a gambling problem, the addiction is also associated with emotional disorders and substance abuse.

The wellness center said there are several warning signs that problem teens may be addicted to gambling, such as frequently playing dice or card games at home. Adolescents who miss school frequently, withdraw from family activities, use the internet excessively and lie about their whereabouts may also be battling gambling addictions.

These addictive behaviors can become more dangerous during early adulthood through alcohol or drug use. Parents of children who have these unhealthy symptoms may consider implementing tough love and sending them to troubled teen programs.