When gambling becomes fatal

A gambling addiction can be like any other – deadly.
This was the case for Phoenix accountant, Mark Erickson.
As a person always looking for action, Erickson soon found himself delving into the world of online sports betting.
It didn't take long for the debts to surmount and become uncontrollable.
Comparing it to a cocaine addiction, Erickson said the thrill, high, euphoria and exhilaration you get from gambling is similar to that of narcotics.
Like substance abuse, it is a totally consuming activity.
Indeed, for Erickson, it wasn’t even about winning or losing. The process of the game itself was enough to set him up to wager again.
It wasn’t long until his debts reached almost half a million dollars.
As a result, he began stealing from his clients to recover the money.
Of course they were quick to catch on and when they did Erickson fled his family and his life.
Desperately, Erickson toyed with the idea of killing himself. He even considered fleeing to Mexico to pay someone else to do the deed for him.
Mark Erickson is one of over six million compulsive gamblers in the US.
An illness as dangerous and devastating as any addiction, compulsive gambling is predicted to rise, parallel with the popularity of online gambling itself.
Executive Director of Council on Compulsive Gambling, New Jersey, Ed Looney, says the problem is debilitating and will affect a person's entire life.
But this is not an old people's problem. The young are increasing participating on college campuses on a regular basis.
It's not surprising how much the industry earns each year.
For example, over $7 billion is accrued every year on the super bowl.
Sports betting in part of the American psyche. Looney compares it to apple pie – Americans love it and it will always be there.
Erickson turned himself in after running for three weeks.
He served a year prison sentence and then found himself a job in a compulsive gambling helpline.
He is one of the lucky few who, with the support of friends and family and a 12 step program, has found a new release on life.
Erickson hasn’t gambled for over four years.

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