Lies Gamblers Tell
Author:
Jonathan
Published:
Jun 19, 2024
Millions of Americans are problem gamblers. Only 10% of individuals seek treatment. Problem gambling is an uncontrollable urge to quit despite the negative fallout.
It causes financial, legal, occupational, social, and personal problems. Compulsive gambling can develop into a behavioral addiction. A single incident or a series of events can cause this addiction to happen.
Problem gambling is a behavioral disorder in which the individual is preoccupied with gambling. They become emotionally dependent on it and lose control of their finances.
The effects of this addiction are similar to that of alcohol or substance abuse. This emotional problem causes devastating consequences. However, the individual believes gambling is the only solution to their personal or financial problem.
Lies Gamblers Tell
There are many signs associated with problem gambling. The most common one is the ability to lie or cover up one’s gambling habits. Most individuals lie and claim they are gambling for fun or enjoyment.
They manipulate themselves into believing this lie. They hope that their family and friends will also believe them and go along with it.
Convincing themselves helps downplay the negative consequences. The denial causes them to engage in this destructive behavior without recognizing the fallout.
Do gamblers tell lies?
Any type of addiction includes a double life filled with half-truths and lies. Some individuals distort the facts to appear that they don’t have a problem. You might recognize this within yourself.
Compulsive gambling becomes a serious problem when it affects the individual and their inner circle. They cheat, steal, and lie to maintain their habit. These behaviors are otherwise known as deception, a mental health condition stemming from addiction.
It doesn’t matter whether the addiction is to alcohol, drugs, food, or sports betting. Every addict experiences this in some form.
What do compulsive gamblers say?
At this point, you might be wondering why compulsive gamblers lie to their friends and loved ones. It causes them nothing but a world of pain. There are several reasons for lying about gambling, such as:
Chasing thrills: Problem gamblers rely on this compulsive behavior to escape the stress and pressures of daily life. They gamble to handle their anxiety and depression. But it leads to the build-up of cortisol in the brain. The brain becomes accustomed to this chemical imbalance, which seeks dopamine and serotonin to counteract this response. Gambling triggers the brain’s reward system, which releases those feelings. This is why you feel good every time you gamble.
Denial: Another big reason why compulsive gamblers lie is because they’re in denial. They can’t admit it to themselves because it’s taboo and embarrassing. They hope the problem will eventually go away on its own. Most individuals believe it’s a passing phase.
Fear of rejection: Most individuals don’t want to lie to their loved ones. They only do it out of fear of abandonment or rejection. Others lie because of guilt or shame. They’re afraid of being found out by their family or employer. Admitting their addiction could lead to public shame.
Common Lies Gamblers Tell
Lying feels only good in the moment. Over time, however, it causes more stress and frustration. You struggle with the concept of lying as you try to to deceive your loved ones.
Sometimes it’s hard to break out of this pattern, causing you to spiral further into your addiction. Here are some of the most common lies:
“I gamble to have fun or make money.” Most compulsive gamblers justify their behavior. This makes it seem as if their habit is harmless and they have control over it. They downplay the harm and convince themselves that gambling brings them joy and winnings. They might justify their actions by promising their loved ones they’ll take them on a dream vacation.
“I can stop anytime.” Compulsive gamblers also convince themselves they can stop at any given time. They get more irritable or angry when they cut back or quit altogether. This causes them to slip back into their habits. Admitting they lost control is mortifying.
“I’m not hurting anyone.” Problem gamblers don’t understand the fallout of their addiction. They believe their habit isn’t hurting anyone. Gamblers tend to isolate themselves from their friends and family. Yet, they can’t see the fallout from their relationships.
“My gambling isn’t out of control.” The biggest lie that compulsive gamblers tell themselves or others is that they don’t have a problem. They think they’re in control of their gambling habits. They believe that they can break their gambling without treatment or intervention. They don’t realize the emotional, physical, and psychological toll that it can take on them.
“I won’t gamble again.” Problem gamblers believe they can quit anytime. What they don’t realize is that they mostly gamble when they suffer from anxiety or depression. They don’t tend to gamble when life is going well.
“I don’t have a gambling addiction.” Compulsive gamblers are afraid to admit they have a problem. This is why it can be hard to stage an intervention. They have to hit rock bottom. Sometimes it can happen before it’s too late.
Gambling Addiction Treatment From Birches Health
Noticing these common lies can help compulsive gamblers get the help they need. You need someone who can offer kindness, compassion, and support.
Birches Health offers virtual treatment options with licensed professionals educated in gambling addiction. Treatment is available for individuals and families. To learn more about our services, book an appointment today.
Sources:
Concerned About a Loved One's Gambling?
Millions of Americans are problem gamblers – so why do so few people ever seek treatment?
Exploring dopaminergic transmission in gambling addiction: A systematic translational review
