Common Lies Told By Problem Gamblers

Gambling is a behavioural addiction and is characterised by persistent and compulsive engagement in gambling activities despite the gambling addict experiencing negative consequences. Similar to any other addiction, gambling addiction hijacks the brain’s reward system, leading the individual to seek gambling activities compulsively. There are a few common signs of gambling addiction that are visible in all problem gamblers.

Despite the detrimental effects of problem gambling on various aspects of the individual’s life, they keep indulging in gambling despite it being an addiction and subsequently avoid any help offered. For problem gamblers, seeking support for gambling addiction is essential to get them back on track in their lives.

Common lies gamblers might say

 

When individuals struggling with gambling addiction are presented with support options such as rehab, they often employ various tactics or lies to evade accepting the offered assistance..

 

1. Denial and minimisation: Problem gamblers frequently downplay the extent of their losses or debts, refusing to acknowledge the gravity of their finances and the amount of money they are losing to their addiction. This addiction psychology is one of the biggest reasons that people with an addiction never understand or acknowledge that they have an addiction and that they need to attend gambling addiction rehabs.
2. External blame: Problem gamblers tend to blame external factors or luck to evade accountability for their own ill actions. This behaviour encourages false psychology to take a greater hold of their minds, thinking they might win in their next bet. This initiates a continuous cycle of losing money while winning small bets which in turn results in financial ruin.
3. Concealment: Gambling addicts go to great lengths to conceal the extent of their gambling addiction. They tend to manipulate their financial records and withhold the information about their gambling sessions. This deceitful behaviour isolates problem gamblers, impeding their access to addiction rehab and support services. The reason this behavioural addiction is so difficult to come out of is that the people with addiction themselves don’t showcase the real loss they are causing, unlike physical addictions like smoking or drinking, which can be detected earlier.
4. False promises: Despite assuring their loved ones about how they will quit, they keep indulging in gambling sessions and further avoiding addiction support which makes the grip of the addiction on their minds even stronger. This insidious pattern of behaviour undermines relationships and perpetuates the destructive cycle of problem gambling. Many families have been ruined due to these false promises of quitting gambling one day, but that day never arrives.
5. Emotional manipulation: Problem gamblers resort to emotional manipulation tactics, such as gaslighting, to elicit sympathy and enable their addictive behaviour. They exploit the sympathy of their loved ones, leveraging emotional appeals to justify their addiction and deflect the criticism coming their way.  
6. The psychological underpinnings: The deceptive behaviours observed in problem gambling stem from a complex interplay of psychological factors. Cognitive distortions, impulsivity, and a relentless pursuit of immediate gratification drive individuals to practise deceit. These individuals often harbour skewed beliefs about probability and luck, fostering an unwavering optimism that closes their eyes to the true risks involved in gambling.

 

One telltale sign of gambling addiction is the tendency to maintain an overly optimistic outlook on winning while dismissing losses as inconsequential errors. Furthermore, feelings of shame, guilt, and the fear of societal judgement compound the issue, compelling addicts to conceal their struggles. In their desperate bid to maintain a facade of normalcy, they shy away from seeking help, fearing public condemnation and the stigma associated with their addiction.

This intricate overlap of psychological and emotional challenges underscores the difficulty problem gamblers face in acknowledging their addiction and reaching out for assistance.

Impact on relationships

 

Gambling often becomes a consuming force in an individual’s life, drawing them into a cycle of risk and reward that can strain even the strongest relationships. The allure of potential winnings can lead to compulsive behaviour, driving a wedge between the gambler and their loved ones. As the addiction progresses, trust erodes, communication breaks down, and emotional bonds fray. Financial instability compounds the issue, amplifying stress and creating a volatile environment. Ultimately, the toll of gambling extends far beyond the individual, impacting the dynamics of family, friendships, and romantic partnerships.

Here’s how gambling can affect relationships: 

• Mistrust: Continuous gambling can lead to breaches of trust, as the individual may lie or hide their activities from their loved ones.
• Financial strain: Losses from gambling can jeopardise the individual’s and their family’s financial stability, causing tension and conflict.
• Breakdown of communication: Open communication is crucial in any relationship, but gambling addiction can hinder honest dialogue, leading to misunderstandings and resentment.
• Isolation: Shame and embarrassment often accompany gambling addiction, leading individuals to isolate themselves from their loved ones rather than seek help.
• Increased stress: Dealing with the consequences of gambling addiction, such as debt and strained relationships, can significantly increase stress levels for both the individual and their loved ones.
• Self-imposed loneliness: The preoccupation with gambling often leads to emotional withdrawal from relationships, as the individual becomes increasingly focused on their next bet rather than nurturing connections.
• Loss of intimacy: Emotional and physical intimacy may suffer as the individual becomes more consumed by their gambling habits, leaving little room for connection with their partner.

Strategies for Recovery

 

Numerous strategies exist to help people suffering from problem gambling:

 

• Encouraging open communication: Create an environment of open and non-judgmental communication where problem gamblers will be able to discuss their issues safely and without the fear of any stigma. Encouraging discussions about gambling habits can help increase honest discussions and lead to sufferers accepting their addiction and attending addiction rehab.
• Seek professional help: Encourage your loved one suffering from gambling addiction to seek professional help through counselling and therapy, which provide them with the tools and support needed to address underlying issues and develop coping strategies. 
• Establish boundaries and consequences: Setting clear boundaries and consequences for continued deceptive behaviour due to problem gambling helps keep the person with the addiction accountable for his actions and decisions, which leads to them keeping their gambling activities at a minimum.
• Emphasise empathy and support: Emphasise the importance of empathy and understanding in facilitating recovery and helping problem gamblers throughout their journey by providing them with gambling addiction support and motivating them to quit this problem gambling addiction to lead a better and happy life.

We are here to help

 

If you or someone you care about is grappling with the devastating impact of gambling addiction, know that you’re not alone. It’s never too late to seek help and reclaim control of your life and relationships. 

We understand the complexities of addiction and the importance of finding the right support system. We’re here to guide you towards the help you need. Whether you’re seeking resources for yourself or assistance for a loved one, our compassionate team can provide referrals to reputable gambling addiction rehab centres tailored to your specific needs.

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