Why do gamblers lie

Below are some common lies gamblers tell that show they need gamblers rehab. Denial is a common thread that runs through all addictions. Alcoholics , drug addicts, and compulsive gamblers are often the last to admit that they have a problem, even when that problem is glaringly obvious to everyone else. In fact, anyone with a gambling problem needs gamblers rehab. Gamblers like to believe that they are in control of their actions and decisions.

They view their gambling as a choice that they make, rather than a compulsion that they need to satisfy. Gamblers often partake in their gambling activities on their own and with no close company. They feel that because they are the sole participants in the activity then they are not taking anything away from anybody else. The reality is that compulsive gamblers use funds that should be budgeted for basic needs including food and shelter.

Domino FJ. Overview of gambling disorder. What is gambling disorder? American Psychiatric Association. Help and treatment: Choosing a treatment facility. National Council on Problem Gambling. Hennessy G. Can medications help people with gambling disorder? Psychiatric News. Hall-Flavin DK expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Related Associated Procedures Cognitive behavioral therapy Psychotherapy.

Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Still, she covers for him by lying to others and trying to keep up a good front. She begs him to stop gambling, and wants to believe him when he says he promises to stop. For his part, the action compulsive gambler still believes and acts as if he is in complete control. He thinks others still buy his falsehoods. He wants his family life to go back to the way it was — because he does truly love them.

At this downward spiral of the desperation phase, the action compulsive gambler starts to think about ways of ending his misery. Suicidal thoughts or attempts to commit suicide become more commonplace.

It may take an arrest or a suicide attempt for the spouse of the action compulsive gambler to be galvanized into action — forcing the gambler to get treatment. Some action compulsive gamblers arrive at this conclusion on their own, but not many. They may make a call to a treatment facility or group, but only after someone else either strongly recommended it or gave him an ultimatum. Or, it could be a court-ordered recovery program or an employer-mandated step group. He thinks his family should rally around him and support him.

He goes through the motions, paying lip-service to the treatment. After only a few meetings or sessions, he believes he has all he needs from the program, and that he has again become a hero because he stopped gambling.

He stops going or quits treatment. His ego is again inflated. All too soon, he really is back gambling, and losing, and on an ever more progressive downward slide. He may go back into a treatment program or attend some more meetings, over and over again. Eventually, he may sincerely wish to end his compulsive gambling and take the program seriously. Often, however, the cycle of gambling has an end result of more criminal activity, jail time, or even death.

Stage 4 — Hopelessness There is yet another negative phase in the stages of compulsive gambling. And, yes, it does get worse. He just gives up, not caring any longer whether he lives or dies.

In fact, he wishes he were dead, and may make one or more attempts at suicide at this point, if he has not already done so. If not ending their actual life, many action compulsive gamblers in the final throes of stage four resort to activities that cause them to become incarcerated.

Having lost all hope, the action compulsive gambler believes that there is no hope left. No one cares and all is lost. For many action compulsive gamblers, the fourth phase is the final phase.