I was recently arguing with someone whom stated that MJ is a gambling addict, and I pushed back. I think we could probably all agree that being addicted to anything is never good, no matter what it is. Michael is famous for being a big gambler. However, it's not like that's the only thing he does in life. He's a billionaire with many companies and countless things to do each day. Gambling doesn't effect those important things in life.
He takes care of his family, far from broke and gambling brings him entertainment.. so my question, would MJ be considered an addict? I argue he's not. He just loves to do it, but any negative effects may be literally zero ..
Wiki Definition "Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to use a drug or engage in a behaviour that produces natural reward, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences. Repetitive drug use often alters brain function in ways that perpetuate craving, and weakens (but does not completely negate) self-control.[1] This phenomenon – drugs reshaping brain function – has led to an understanding of addiction as a brain disorder with a complex variety of psychosocial as well as neurobiological (and thus involuntary)[a] factors that are implicated in addiction's development.[2][3][4] Classic signs of addiction include compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, preoccupation with substances or behavior, and continued use despite negative consequences. Habits and patterns associated with addiction are typically characterized by immediate gratification (short-term reward),[5][6] coupled with delayed deleterious effects (long-term costs).[3][7]"
(sorry hilarious and cyrus, I know you see this same type of topic a trillion times a day but this is bit different and something I'm truly interested in discussing, being his situation is unique).
I would focus on the consequences of dependencies.
If an ordinary person, having a family or without a family, working a simple job, begins to become overly involved in gambling, then he will have problems with finances, in his personal life, probably with health and relationships with other people. I mean a person who cannot control his gambling passion. That is, the reason for everything is finances, that is, their absence. In the case of Michael Jordan, even if he is addicted to gambling, most likely he does not experience financial problems and will not experience them in the future.