Escort3 said:
Do you (or anyone from your family or friends) consider yourself a poker addict?
Have you ever had any problems playing poker (any kind) that made you think about it?
If I look at my life honestly, I have 100% been a poker addict/addicted to poker.
Even though I was a winning player rather quickly, and could justify what I was doing as a hobby/job/career because I was making money... I was still completely addicted to the game.
I spent day and night thinking about it, studying and working hard so I could win larger amounts and win more often. I definitely got a huge rush from playing and it's the same as other substances, games, and media that I've been addicted to in my lifetime.
I think many people who have become professional poker players could be considered 'functional addicts' and that's the nature of a game that has gambling and chance involved.
I think it's important for people to understand addiction, so that they can know when they are at risk vs when they are simply enjoying themselves and maintaining a good life.
The reason I knew I was addicted was that I would skip social gathering, sleep, even eating to continue to play. (dopamine is a heck of a feeling) And while I made a lot of money in the process I definitely sacrificed a lot as well.
Short answer yes, long answer, yes
