B: Yeah, I did have serious gambling problems. You can’t understand gambling as anaddiction till you’ve been hooked.
A: Could you tell me your feeling at the time?
B: There was a sensation like the one that comes with drugs or alcohol, and I wanted more and more.
A: How do you compare it with alcoholism?
B: It’s like alcoholism; it takes over your life. It’s on your mind constantly.
A: Did you try to get help?
B: At first I didn’t. I tried to stop on my own, but I felt restless and bad-tempered. My nerves were on edge.
A: I see it’s difficult for a compulsive gambler to overcome the problem. But how did you finally get rid of it?
B: I went to a doctor for help. He made me realize that it was a question of getting hold of my life. He told me that if I thought of it as a disease, I would probably be cured. He also gave me some medicine.
A: I guess it was a thought fight.
B: Yes, though but worth it. Anyway, “Bitter pills may have wholesome effects.”
