Is Poker considered an addiction In terms of gambling

I know this belongs in another thread but this forum seems to have the most inteligent discussions. If you make a living playing cards and you are succesful at it, is it considered gambling. I know I'm guilty of (feening to play) after a few weeks away from playing. For someone with an addictive personality would this be a healthy way to spend your time?

[Lestat]

I used to put in 70 hour weeks when I ran my own company. What's changed is that now a good portion of those hours have to do with poker. I don't consider myself as someone with a gambling problem. Just a work-aholic.

If I was losing money instead of making it, I'm sure I'd feel differently.

I feel like you becuase I make money at it its work to me. But what job do u risk your own money at, or have such emotional swings at. What job do you choose to do instead of say going to the movies with a friend or what not. For me for an example poker trumps many things from family functions to business meetings. If I am stuck a lot it is hard for me to leave the table.

[autobet]

[ QUOTE ]
What job do you choose to do instead of say going to the movies with a friend or what not. For me for an example poker trumps many things from family functions to business meetings. If I am stuck a lot it is hard for me to leave the table.

[/ QUOTE ]

When gambling effects your personal life, financial security, and/or business/job then you have a gambling problem.

Around 4% of people exposed to gambling will develope a problem, for the rest it is entertainment or a way to make money.

[DcifrThs]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
What job do you choose to do instead of say going to the movies with a friend or what not. For me for an example poker trumps many things from family functions to business meetings. If I am stuck a lot it is hard for me to leave the table.

[/ QUOTE ]

When gambling effects your personal life, financial security, and/or business/job then you have a gambling problem.

Around 4% of people exposed to gambling will develope a problem, for the rest it is entertainment or a way to make money.

[/ QUOTE ]

interesting statistic. where'd ya get it? id love to see the selection method, the definition of "problem" and other things behind such a statistic.

my gut tells me that its an understimate, the definition of "problem" is prohibitively exclusive.

-Barron

[autobet]

Yes, I have no idea what the criteria are for fitting into the "problem classification".

I have heard the number 3-5% for a long time. Not sure where it comes from.

[Jeffage]

You know what they say about statistics? About 4% of them are made up on the spot.

Jeff

[astroglide]

4% sounds really low

[autobet]

A lot of people (more than 6%) will get into gambling, but that doesn't mean they are letting it effect other areas of their lives. We all have our hobbies and most people are going to spend our time and money doing something...so it's not a problem persay unless you can't control it and it effects other areas of your life.

Anyway I'll see if I can dig something up. I'm at work, so I'll be sure to make good use of my time.

[img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[autobet]

www.addictionrecov.org/aboutgam.htm

The definition they use seems quite severe. Of course, there are different degrees/levels of problems. Missing a party or two is one thing, losing your job and house is another.