Poker-Passion or Addiction?

J

joe777

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
May 3, 2014
Total posts
2,694
Chips
0
In my opinion passion is a term applied to a very strong feeling about a person/something or in this case- poker. Passion in poker also can be describe as an intense emotion,with compelling enthusiasm or desire to win and excel .

In the other hand addiction is a state that is characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior, despite adverse consequences(gambling) that can also be relate to poker.





The question is how do you guys draw the fine line between Passion and Addiction in poker?
 
mange1234

mange1234

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Jan 25, 2014
Total posts
1,153
Chips
0
Too Boring

In my opinion passion is a term applied to a very strong feeling about a person/something or in this case- poker. Passion in poker also can be describe as an intense emotion,with compelling enthusiasm or desire to win and excel .

In the other hand addiction is a state that is characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior, despite adverse consequences(gambling) that can also be relate to poker.





The question is how do you guys draw the fine line between Passion and Addiction in poker?

It is too boring to be an addition.
 
gundacker

gundacker

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
May 15, 2013
Total posts
40
Chips
0
I bounce back and forth from Passion to Addiction..

Looking at my deposit history with Carbon a few years back.. I definitely think I had an addiction lol
 
tbdbitl

tbdbitl

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Mar 7, 2008
Total posts
1,048
Awards
1
Chips
0
To me . . .
Addiction is an uncontrollable act.
Passion is the want and need to get the most out of what you love.

So the real question is this . . .
Where do you draw your line with Sex?

:D
 
J

joe777

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
May 3, 2014
Total posts
2,694
Chips
0
The only thing that seem to come between these two things is the +EV,if you are losing-addiction but if you winning -passion.But this only simple explanation IMO.
 
G

goodhandluke

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Feb 18, 2013
Total posts
139
Chips
0
Its only an addiction if it negatively impacts your life over and over and you continue it
 
J

joe777

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
May 3, 2014
Total posts
2,694
Chips
0
Its only an addiction if it negatively impacts your life over and over and you continue it

This is one i aspect that i agree,but to be more elaborate,does people are willingly to lose money just for the sake of having fun or maybe we could find a whole range of others hobby that are more rewarding or didnt cost any or less money?There are still room for discussion here.
 
n3rv

n3rv

Visionary
Silver Level
Joined
Jul 29, 2013
Total posts
955
Chips
0
The question is how do you guys draw the fine line between Passion and Addiction in poker?

Firstly, you can be addicted to poker and not be addicted to gambling. You can also be addicted to neither or both and still play the game successfully or unsuccessfully with or without passion.

Basically any addiction comes out of pain and gives short term pleasure but has clear long term negative consequences. This can pretty much be anything. Poker is just one of the things that can fill the void but it is not the root cause of anyone's addiction issues.

For example, if you have a lack of dopamine levels because of x life issue and poker gives you a dopamine chase, then it might suit. But so might drugs, or intense exercise. It is hard to say exactly what "fix" will be more detrimental long term although we can make educated guesses as to what will probably eventually be more beneficial to the mind/body.

In an ideal world all people would be able to approach their issues with a level of compassionate inquiry and get through their pain instead of projecting upon others or finding outside distraction pieces. But any natural human reaction is pretty easily understandable. Generally people who develop any serious addictions have had the hardest lives, yet they often get further punished by society for their resultant life "choices".

Personally I don't believe any coping mechanism is a conscious decision. For example, if you have ever played when you are on tilt, the next day you can look back and realise none of your decisions or actions were that of your rational self. To "recover" from any addiction just means to recover yourself. Often people can tilt because their true self is tired or hungry or stressed about another life issue and the rage is a natural instinct that was suppressed.

If you are interested in more on addiction/psychology/philosophy/mind/body I would suggest looking into the works of Dr. Gabor Mate.
 
AlfieAA

AlfieAA

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Mar 17, 2012
Total posts
10,689
Awards
4
Chips
0
Firstly, you can be addicted to poker and not be addicted to gambling. You can also be addicted to neither or both and still play the game successfully or unsuccessfully with or without passion.

Basically any addiction comes out of pain and gives short term pleasure but has clear long term negative consequences. This can pretty much be anything. Poker is just one of the things that can fill the void but it is not the root cause of anyone's addiction issues.

For example, if you have a lack of dopamine levels because of x life issue and poker gives you a dopamine chase, then it might suit. But so might drugs, or intense exercise. It is hard to say exactly what "fix" will be more detrimental long term although we can make educated guesses as to what will probably eventually be more beneficial to the mind/body.

In an ideal world all people would be able to approach their issues with a level of compassionate inquiry and get through their pain instead of projecting upon others or finding outside distraction pieces. But any natural human reaction is pretty easily understandable. Generally people who develop any serious addictions have had the hardest lives, yet they often get further punished by society for their resultant life "choices".

Personally I don't believe any coping mechanism is a conscious decision. For example, if you have ever played when you are on tilt, the next day you can look back and realise none of your decisions or actions were that of your rational self. To "recover" from any addiction just means to recover yourself. Often people can tilt because their true self is tired or hungry or stressed about another life issue and the rage is a natural instinct that was suppressed.

If you are interested in more on addiction/psychology/philosophy/mind/body I would suggest looking into the works of Dr. Gabor Mate.

Excellent post man.
 
I

IronMount

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Dec 31, 2014
Total posts
30
Chips
0
From a outsiders view they may see a winning player being passionate about playing poker. Look at all of the time reading and researching to make there game better and having all of yhe time put in paying off. On the other hand if a player isnt as successful one might question why this person is devoting this much time energy and money into something that is not giving back, which in turn looks like an addiction.
 
J

joe777

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
May 3, 2014
Total posts
2,694
Chips
0
From a outsiders view they may see a winning player being passionate about playing poker. Look at all of the time reading and researching to make there game better and having all of yhe time put in paying off. On the other hand if a player isnt as successful one might question why this person is devoting this much time energy and money into something that is not giving back, which in turn looks like an addiction.


Yeah,i agree with this statement,its hard to say that passion/addiction has little or nothing to do with poker,if you want to become successful.Lets admit it without patient and perseverance(passion),its hard to become successful in anything,especially in poker where the variances play the key role and also,sooner or later its hard not to became addicted.And where else can you go to discuss this topic other than poker forum where its most suitable to share opinion among serious and ambitious card players.
 
N

nygmen2007

Visionary
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 23, 2014
Total posts
598
Chips
0
This is a fun topic... I will have to say that for me it is both.. I am addicted to this, I can not breathe without playing some sort of cards... for free or for money... I am also very passionate and dedicate alot of time to the practice.. I am no where near a professional. but I am setting a goal to go to the wsop this year and play in a smaller event.. the 565 colossul sounds good or if I grind up enough to play a 1500 event... we will see... Ultimately this game is fun for me... I am getting much better at not being rude at tables.. which I was known to do earlier.. EVerything happens to everyone at some point.. have to accept it...
 
J

joe777

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
May 3, 2014
Total posts
2,694
Chips
0
Whether we are willing to admit it or not,poker is related to gambling and like most other activities that involved taking risks for possible ultimate reward,gambling can only lead to excessive compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior and rather sooner than later it will become an addiction and produce adverse consequences.
While most people gamble for entertainment, a small number of people can become obsessed with the potential monetary gains the games offer. Even though studies suggest that only a very small percentage of the adult population encounters compulsive gambling problems.


a.Gambling/poker is a form of entertainment. It is not a way to get rich quickly and pay off your debts.
b.Gambling is a game of chance. There are no formulas that guarantee winnings because poker is not pure math,luck also play a role.
c.Make sure that the decision to gamble is your choice and you can afford to lose..
d.Never try to chase your losses.

"Problem gambling–or gambling addiction–includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. The essential features are increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, “chasing” losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide. For more information on the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for gambling addiction, please see the DSM 5 at www.psych.org."-NCPG(National Council on Problem Gambling)

Well thats all i got for you folks this time.Maybe we shall continue the discussion at some other time.
 
Poker Orifice

Poker Orifice

Fully Tilted
Platinum Level
Joined
Jan 19, 2008
Total posts
25,602
Awards
6
CA
Chips
968
The only thing that seem to come between these two things is the +EV,if you are losing-addiction but if you winning -passion.But this only simple explanation IMO.

You're joking.... right:confused:
 
Poker Orifice

Poker Orifice

Fully Tilted
Platinum Level
Joined
Jan 19, 2008
Total posts
25,602
Awards
6
CA
Chips
968
Firstly, you can be addicted to poker and not be addicted to gambling. You can also be addicted to neither or both and still play the game successfully or unsuccessfully with or without passion.

EXACTLY this ^

Some friends of mine are addicted to the money part of poker & tend to gamble it up a bit, not adhering to any BRM etc. etc. Others just play once in awhile, never playing for more than $1. Others are wired to the learning end of poker (reading books, watching vids., discussing poker, etc. etc.).

Personally I've always been fond of the game & have never been into the gambling end of it ... at least not since I was in my teens.

I'm sure there are many who are addicted & have a gambling problem. Only they themselves will know (you can try to tell them they have a problem but they won't know it until they believe it themselves).
If you're asking yourself, "Am I addicted?" ... then mostly likely 'you are'! (non-addicts don't ask themselves if they're addicted).

Addiction - the disease that tells you you don't have a disease.
 
Poker Orifice

Poker Orifice

Fully Tilted
Platinum Level
Joined
Jan 19, 2008
Total posts
25,602
Awards
6
CA
Chips
968
Whether we are willing to admit it or not,poker is related to gambling and like most other activities that involved taking risks for possible ultimate reward,gambling can only lead to excessive compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior and rather sooner than later it will become an addiction and produce adverse consequences.
While most people gamble for entertainment, a small number of people can become obsessed with the potential monetary gains the games offer. Even though studies suggest that only a very small percentage of the adult population encounters compulsive gambling problems.


a.Gambling/poker is a form of entertainment. It is not a way to get rich quickly and pay off your debts.
b.Gambling is a game of chance. There are no formulas that guarantee winnings because poker is not pure math,luck also play a role.
c.Make sure that the decision to gamble is your choice and you can afford to lose..
d.Never try to chase your losses.

"Problem gambling–or gambling addiction–includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. The essential features are increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, “chasing” losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide. For more information on the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for gambling addiction, please see the DSM 5 at www.psych.org."-NCPG(National Council on Problem Gambling)

Well thats all i got for you folks this time.Maybe we shall continue the discussion at some other time.

If you're quoting this material from somewhere, you should post that info.
 
Poker Orifice

Poker Orifice

Fully Tilted
Platinum Level
Joined
Jan 19, 2008
Total posts
25,602
Awards
6
CA
Chips
968
Whether we are willing to admit it or not,poker is related to gambling and like most other activities that involved taking risks for possible ultimate reward,gambling can only lead to excessive compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior and rather sooner than later it will become an addiction and produce adverse consequences.

this ^ isn't necessarily true at all. I know a gazillion people who have never had their poker playing lead to excessive compulsive engagement nor have they become addicted to it


b.Gambling is a game of chance. There are no formulas that guarantee winnings because poker is not pure math,luck also play a role.

Which are you referring to (or is this even your own statement here?).. 'gambling', or 'poker'? Poker is not merely a 'game of chance'. Surely being a member of a poker forum you're aware of that?

Actually there are many ways in which one can guarantee winnings over the longrun.
 
S

SBritt

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Dec 27, 2014
Total posts
156
Chips
0
I think to an insider a lot of it may be looked at as an addiction, especially if you are hemorrhaging money.

But I know it's a passion and its truly a game with so many different outcomes and can all be approached uniquely.
 
A

alexis8888

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Feb 3, 2015
Total posts
419
Chips
0
Usually I look for poker rooms with sportsbook. I love poker but sports betting to. Especially tennis live. I don think its addiction cause I don waste much money. Always deposit minimum and play for pleasure. Although my deposits are far more frequent than cashouts.
 
kabrouto22

kabrouto22

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Jan 24, 2015
Total posts
103
Chips
0
I can control myself and once i get the feeling that my addiction costs me a lot of money i quit for a short period.But other than that i can manage just fine!
 
veronica

veronica

Visionary
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 1, 2013
Total posts
571
Chips
0
Poker to me as i see a passion and not as an addiction when someone is either mental training as physically and study on a theme is because something happens to be able to improve fundamental.
 
D

DoctorDonLoL

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Jan 26, 2015
Total posts
78
Chips
0
i dont know if it is passion or addiction yet
i just love playing poker especially when i win
 
STL FAN

STL FAN

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 29, 2014
Total posts
115
Chips
0
The definition of passion a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything: for example playing or listening to music, watching or playing sports, reading, learning, and playing poker as some examples. This is the love of doing these examples from being passionate about these examples. In philosophy “being for itself” this can be applied to the acts of what we are passionate about because “being for itself” goes beyond the passion for reasons that are greater than the act or passion itself. When people are listening to music they are doing so for more than the reason of wanting to listen to a particular cd as an example; they are fulfilling a need that is greater than the act or passion.


Poker “being for itself” to get more out of poker than merely being passionate when playing because we like to play, “being for itself” goes beyond the play into learning, improving, being religious about poker to gain knowledge on the game, a true sense of “being for itself”; from being passionate or religious about the game.



The definition of addiction, the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma. When the feeling of having to do an act the passion is no longer a recognizable positive emotion but rather is replaced by a recognizable negative emotion dependent of having to do something that is out of our control. Philosophy the term “being in itself” is the very being of a thing it will never change for example a rock is a rock it will always be a rock. Addiction is the same way it will always be there it will not change. The feeling of dread or having to do something is always on the mind it does not change.



People can change but many addictions can be passed down to us and that also does not change. Psychology offers personality trait theories to support how our family’s history with different addictions can be passed to us. For example my family has a history of alcohol as example, and my mother has smoked her whole life; also when she was pregnant with me. I have an addictive personality but do not drink or smoke cigarettes however, it is in my DNA, poker for example when introduced to me I became obsessed with a new game. However, I understand addiction and gambling real well because of understanding my personality positive and negative.



Poker, “being in itself” being a rock at the table, the very existence of being of a “thing” it will never change, the feeling of having to perform the act without having conscious control of the decision but rather repeating an action because of the dreed of having to do so. Bad bankroll management chasing losses, chasing hands when a big underdog, overplaying hands because we cannot fold. “Being in itself” is the definition of this that comes from addiction or gambling that both are closely linked together. Bad habits, addictions, and gambling comes from “being in itself” at the poker table. Addiction can be traced passed the table into our DNA recognizing this will help from becoming “in itself” because when properly motivated from within the mind can overcome great mental obstacles.



In conclusion, I chose to explain my post this way to show how opposite the two terms, passion and addiction actually are because of how philosophy explains the terms of “being for itself” and “being in itself”. Recognizing this helps with playing at and learning away from the table. A broad difference between both passion and addiction lets me understand how I am actually religious about learning poker that is greater than the act of playing the game I love. I know to recognize when this crosses over towards addiction or gambling. Mentally this helps with understanding where I am at in my game with balance mentally at all times. This post is merely a list or post of mental triggers of recognition that helps me go beyond the act of playing the game to the mental state of “being for itself”.
 
Last edited:
W

wizkid44

Rising Star
Bronze Level
Joined
Jan 28, 2015
Total posts
7
Chips
0
I believe that the passion for poker leads to an addiction.
 
BigJamo

BigJamo

Aussie Elite
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 9, 2010
Total posts
2,088
Chips
0
For me its "Passion"

An "Addiction" of any sort can be dangerous & potentially ruin lives.
 
Top