The thrill of the win is what keeps people coming to casinos, racetracks and other gambling establishments. For most people, the losses that also inevitably occur ensure that gambling will never be more than an occasional pastime. But a few people become locked into the notion that luck is on their side. They enter a cycle of gambling addiction, also believing that a bit more time and a few more bets will allow them to recoup their losses and come out far ahead.
Expert Insight
Gambling, writes New York psychologist Nando Pelusi, plays on the universal human desire to get something for nothing and on "the difficulty of giving up that dream, no matter how high the stakes or the odds against it." Evolutionary theory holds that in the early days of humankind, when conditions were harsh and lives were short, taking big risks in pursuit of prey or a mate was a sensible survival strategy. This ancient instinct to go for broke, Pelusi writes, lives on in people's subconscious minds. This sets the stage for gambling addiction to develop in some people.
Personality Characteristics
People with gambling addiction tend to share certain personality or psychological traits. Often they are unable or unwilling to accept reality and, thus, seek escape in gambling, according to Gamblers Anonymous. They also typically are emotionally insecure; only in the casino, at the track, or at a poker table do they feel a sense of comfort and belonging. They are frequently immature, seeking the "good life" without having to work for it, and may have an inner need to be a "big shot."
Warning Signs
Gambling addiction is not always obvious, even to the person doing the betting. One clue is that you become secretive about your gambling, lying to your close family members about where you are going or how much you are wagering. An inability to stop gambling once you start--possibly even losing all of your money or going into debt--is another strong sign, according to Helpguide, a mental health information website. If friends begin to worry about your gambling, that is also hint that you may have crossed the line into compulsive behavior.
Treatment
Several methods are available to help you conquer a gambling addiction. One example is Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step program in the same tradition as Alcoholics Anonymous. It involves group support and "admitting powerlessness over gambling and surrendering to a 'higher power,' which you can interpret according to your own beliefs," according to Helpguide. Another type of treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which entails working with a psychologist or other therapist to change your behavior and the way you think about gambling.
Maintaining Recovery
Just because you have achieved some success in recovery does not mean the hard work is over. Temptation can catch you off guard. One simple step is to fill your time with other activities you enjoy, such as a hobby or spending time with your family. Another strategy might be to temporarily cede control of your finances to someone else, such as a spouse, so that you do not have money to gamble. And stay away from places where you are likely to feel the urge to bet. Some people even inform the casinos or other establishments they used to frequent that they have a gambling problem and ask to be restricted from wagering there.
