Altoona, Pa. – Michael Larocco works with those suffering from gambling addiction. He says while money plays a roll … – WTAJ

Altoona, Pa. - Michael Larocco works with those suffering from gambling addiction. He says while money plays a roll, it may not be the driving force behind the addiction.

He explained,"It may very well appear to be about the money. The gambler may very well be trying to win back the money, ultimately to lose it again, but again it goes back to that obsession and compulsion where everything else really is irrelevant."

Larocco is a counselor as well as someone in long term recovery. He says other than the financial side, there are many warning signs for someone suffering from addiction.

He said, "There's probably going to missed time from work and missed time from activities and less time spent with family. You know, there's going to be disruptions in sleep, irritability, depression is a major one."

Larocco says patience is key when you have a loved one fighting addiction. Recovery is taken one day at a time. He explained,"You can't just hit a switch and make them stop. You can't lock them in a room and make them stop. When it comes to addiction, typically someone will be ready to stop when they feel like they've really had enough pain."

He believes that addicts are fighting a disease and that it does not define their character.

"These aren't moral deficiencies," He explained, "People who are addicts are not bad people. They are making bad decisions and participating in bad behavior but there's always that sense of remorse and it usually comes in moments of clarity for the person where they don't want to be hurting the people around them."

Larocco believes that anyone who is battling addiction can beat it and encourages anyone out there who may be struggling to go out and get help.

Read more:

Altoona, Pa. - Michael Larocco works with those suffering from gambling addiction. He says while money plays a roll ... - WTAJ