Here’s a thought. Labeling can have good and bad consequences.
Lets say someone is given the label of having severe learning difficulties. Now with that label might come reduced expectations, obviously a bad thing. That label will also bring more funding though, more support. A good thing.
Personally I am happy to give myself the label of compulsive gambler. Having that label means I know i will never be able to gamble normally, that’s all. It means I use the support i need to be gamble free. I don’t even refer to myself as a recovering compulsive gambler – if I did that then one day I might think I am recovered and then why wouldn’t I gamble?
That label doesn’t define me though, it frees me from my addiction. As Kpat has said, as soon as I knew I was a compulsive gambler it was then my responsibility as to whether I did something about it and addressed my addiction, or didn’t and continued to be controlled by it.
I am a husband, brother, son, dog owner gardener, scuba diver, walker, good employee, football fan etc etc etc who also happens to be a compulsive gambler.
I agree with Vera though, I can say I’m a compulsive gambler am still able to say I AM NOT A GAMBLER! 🙂
Just my own view point that works for me. Thought I’d throw it into what is a great discussion.