How Do People Who Suffer From Gambling Deceive Themselves?
Gambling addiction is classified as a mental disorder within addictions. In fact, after addiction disorders in which there is substance use, it is one of the most frequent. Although it is true that there is no harmful substance involved in gambling addiction, the addiction develops as a result of a pathological pattern of gambling.
In this article we will see How people who suffer from gambling deceive themselves. To do this, we will talk about self-deception and addiction, the usual mechanisms of self-deception that occur in gambling addiction and the consequences that this situation can entail. Finally, we will mention some strategies that may be helpful.
Self-deception has been a topic that has widely interested authors from various disciplines throughout history. Therefore, we can find various definitions with different nuances. The main aspect to highlight is that the person convinces himself of a distorted reality.
Broadly speaking, we define self-deception as the psychological mechanism by which a person avoids, either consciously or unconsciously, an uncomfortable reality or situation, unpleasant or that causes discomfort. The main objective is the avoidance of emotional suffering and, in many cases, the protection of one’s own self-image.
When we talk about addictions, self-deception plays an important role since it can contribute to its establishment and worsening. Initially, the person begins to deceive themselves to justify their behavior and feel a certain sense of control over their consumption. The negative consequences that are being experienced are usually minimized.
Common mechanisms of self-deception in gambling addiction
When talking about problem gambling, we can understand that self-deception is one of the defense mechanisms that our mind sets in motion to protect us. Acknowledging certain realities can be really complex and painful. It should not be easy for anyone to assume that they have a gambling addiction problem or that the way they are playing is considered pathological because it has serious consequences for the person themselves and even the environment.
Realizing this usually implies that the person begins to feel uncomfortable with the situation and the need to change some aspect of their reality. Fact that, in turn, can be really difficult. And if that was not enough, It is likely that, by recognizing the problem, the person also becomes aware of the stigma that usually accompanies them socially.
There are various mechanisms that are considered self-deception and that occur recurrently in this type of situation. Some of them are briefly mentioned below.
Denial
We said previously that self-deception is, in some way, the denial of reality to convince oneself of a distorted alternative. In this sense, the person usually denies, both to others and to himself/herself, the seriousness and complexity of the situation.
Rationalization
Our mind tends, on many occasions, to rationalize. That is, to generate seemingly logical justifications or with meaning and validity for the person. The creation of these arguments is a way for the person to justify and validate certain behaviors.
Minimization
Another very common form of self-deception is minimization. Through this mechanism, the person tends to downplay the importance, gravity or seriousness of the situation they are experiencing and the consequences that are being unleashed.
Optimism can be a driving force that, in difficult times, helps us move forward. However, when we talk about problem gambling, we usually find that this optimism is irrational and worsens people’s reality since it can perpetuate the addiction.
Blame external factors
As part of self-deception, another tendency that is frequently observed is the inability of people to take responsibility for their own actions, decisions and consequences. In general terms They often blame external factors for their own problems and responsibilities.
Consequences of self-deception in gambling addiction
Self-deception, as previously mentioned, can be a factor that promotes addiction and, over time, helps it perpetuate itself. Until the person is aware of their real situation and its seriousness, it will be really difficult to begin to address and treat it.
Thus, the consequences that can be triggered are usually reflected at the individual level, generating consequences on the physical and emotional health of the person. Furthermore, also can hinder relational patterns. Without a doubt, problem gambling can harm people’s work environment and, without a doubt, generate economic difficulties.
Tools to confront self-deception
As we have seen so far, the essential thing to be able to deal with self-deception is to become aware of one’s own reality. Only then can work to accept it and treat the problem begin.
While it is true that environmental support can become a crucial aspect of treatment, When talking about addiction disorders, it is important to go to mental health professionals specialized and experienced in this type of psychopathology.
Today there are various treatment proposals that can be found. Precisely for this reason, it is interesting that people inform themselves about the various proposals and can choose the professional based on their needs.
