The Relationship Between Impulsivity and Gambling

Gambling involves risking something of value on an activity whose outcome is largely determined by chance, with the hope of winning a prize. It is common for people to engage in multiple types of gambling, such as lotteries, sports betting and casino games. Regardless of the type of gambling, all forms of gambling share certain characteristics that increase the risk of problem gambling.

Some people develop an addiction to gambling because it gives them a false sense of control over their life, while others find it difficult to stop even when they’re losing money. They may hide their gambling habits from loved ones and lie to them when asked about their spending. In addition, many people secretly gamble in order to self-soothe unpleasant feelings, such as stress or boredom. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can cause problems later in life.

What is the relationship between impulsivity and gambling?

The more impulsive you are, the more likely you are to gamble. A person’s personality and genetics can also influence how easily they develop a gambling disorder. People who start gambling at a younger age are more likely to develop an addiction.

Identify your triggers and avoid them. People who struggle with compulsive gambling often experience emotional or behavioral triggers, such as stress, anxiety and depression. You can reduce these triggers by avoiding things that make you want to gamble, such as taking an alternative route to work if your regular one passes a casino or by changing the channel if watching sports makes you think about placing a bet.

Learn healthier ways to relieve unpleasant emotions. If you’re tempted to gamble to soothe unpleasant feelings, try exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques. You can also replace harmful coping behaviors with positive ones, such as volunteering, setting goals and tasks, or listing all the things you’re grateful for each day.

Set a limit for how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Casinos are designed to distract you, with flashing lights and music that can entice you to stay longer than you planned. Before you step foot in a casino, decide how much you’re willing to lose and don’t exceed that amount. You should also never chase your losses, thinking you’re due for a big win or that you can recoup the money you’ve lost by playing a little bit more.

Gambling is not an effective way to make money, and the odds of losing are high. Moreover, it can be addictive because you might be thinking about it all the time, causing you to have negative thoughts that contribute to your gambling addiction. To prevent this, you should focus on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns like the illusion of control, irrational beliefs and the gambler’s fallacy, which can increase your vulnerability to problem gambling. Moreover, it’s crucial to know the warning signs and seek help when needed. This is why it’s important to connect with a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which offers a 12-step program for recovery.