For millions of people, gambling offers a harmless and entertaining diversion from everyday life. For others, however, gambling represents a moment of overwhelming compulsion. Gambling for these individuals is tied to their self-esteem. They rarely have non-gambling hobbies and many times they have experienced a "big win." The average compulsive gambler has an IQ of 120 and started gambling before age 14. They are risk takers, energetic, strong-willed, unreasonably optimistic, and frequently fall into financial ruin. As was the case with alcoholism 30 years ago, compulsive gambling is a misunderstood illness. Unlike alcoholism, compulsive gambling is a "drugless" addiction, although gamblers describe the sensations they experience as being quite similar to those experienced by chemically dependent persons. This gambling euphoria is related with endorphin release in the brain and withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of gambling arise from the accompanying endorphin deficiency. Compulsive gamblers can convincingly cover their illness. Their partners may question their own worth and break off ties with families and friends as they battle financial loss and depression. Frequently, the gambler also has some kind of chemical dependency and unless both addictions are treated, the potential for the posttreatment replacement of one dependency for another is high. (RJM)