Gambling Addiction and Deception in Mental Health

Lying and gambling?

I'm sorry to hear about your situation.
It sounds very challenging and complex.
If you have any specific questions or need assistance, please let me know how I can help.

Lao Da, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/14

Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry

Based on your description, your brother's issue seems to be pathological gambling.
Addiction to gambling is similar to addiction to drugs; it is his habitual way of relieving stress and seeking pleasure.
He is actually quite aware, and those strange behaviors are merely defenses against facing reality.
Without motivation, it is nearly impossible for him to change.
He is already an adult, and it is time for him to learn self-responsibility.
You can help him now, but it should be in a way that provides immediate assistance rather than enabling his ongoing issues.
The real moment to help him will come when he decides he wants to change.
What you should assist him with is funding for psychological therapy, not paying off his debts or supporting him financially.
Perhaps this will make him face some hardships, but ultimately, the only person who can truly help him is himself.
Offer him a door—one that is always open to help him, a door that will open during truly difficult times, but not one that allows him to dictate the terms.

Reply Date: 2016/12/14

More Info

Gambling addiction is a complex issue that often intertwines with various mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. Your brother's situation reflects a common trajectory seen in individuals struggling with gambling addiction, where the compulsive behavior leads to significant financial and emotional distress. The symptoms you describe, such as his avoidance of basic self-care (not eating or using the restroom), lying about his whereabouts, and his erratic behavior, could indeed suggest underlying mental health issues, including depression.

Understanding Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction, or compulsive gambling, is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite the negative consequences it brings. This addiction can lead to severe financial problems, strained relationships, and mental health issues. The cycle of gambling often involves periods of winning, which can reinforce the behavior, followed by losses that lead to feelings of despair and a desire to gamble even more to recover lost money. This cycle can create a sense of hopelessness, which may explain your brother's current state of mind.

Signs of Depression
The behaviors you've observed in your brother—such as withdrawing from social interactions, neglecting personal hygiene, and exhibiting a lack of motivation—are often indicative of depression. Depression can manifest in various ways, including:
1. Anhedonia: A loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.

2. Social Withdrawal: Avoiding friends and family, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation.

3. Cognitive Distortions: Engaging in self-deception or lying to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths.

Your brother's tendency to fabricate stories about his whereabouts and financial situation may be a coping mechanism to avoid facing the reality of his gambling addiction and its consequences.

How to Help
1. Open Communication: While it’s essential to approach your brother with empathy, it’s also crucial to be honest about your concerns. Express your worries without judgment. Let him know that you care about his well-being and are there to support him.

2. Encourage Professional Help: Suggest that he seek professional help, such as counseling or therapy focused on gambling addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating gambling addiction by helping individuals understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors.

3. Support Groups: Encourage him to attend support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, where he can connect with others who understand his struggles. Sharing experiences with peers can provide a sense of community and accountability.

4. Set Boundaries: While it’s important to support your brother, it’s equally vital to set boundaries to protect your own mental health. If his behavior is causing you distress, it’s okay to limit your involvement or to seek support for yourself.

5. Educate Yourself: Understanding gambling addiction and its psychological underpinnings can help you approach the situation with more compassion and insight. Resources from reputable organizations can provide valuable information.

Conclusion
Your brother's situation is undoubtedly challenging, and it’s understandable that you feel overwhelmed. Gambling addiction is a serious condition that often requires professional intervention. While your support is crucial, it’s important to recognize that ultimately, he must take responsibility for his recovery. Encourage him to seek help, and remember to take care of your own mental health in the process. If you feel comfortable, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional for yourself as well, as navigating a loved one’s addiction can be emotionally taxing.

Similar Q&A

Addressing Gambling Addiction and Deception in Family Members

Hello Dr. Song! My mother has been regularly visiting your clinic at the Taoyuan Nursing Home, but recently we discovered that she has become addicted to gambling. After losing money, she has been stealing money from home to gamble again. When we ask her why she takes the money, ...

Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, online user: I’m not sure which patient you are referring to. Do you have a medical record number? Most of my patients are children and adolescents under 19 years old, so I’m unclear about the patient you mentioned. Sincerely, Dr. Song.

Understanding Gambling Addiction and Impulse Control Issues

Hello Doctor, I am a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder, but today's issue may not be closely related to it. Here's the situation: Recently, I came across a foreign website related to an online game I usually play. The website allows users to use credit cards t...

Dr. Wang Yaoting reply Psychiatry
Hello: Your situation does not seem to reach the level of "gambling addiction." Gambling addiction is characterized by a persistent need to gamble, where individuals continue despite being aware of the negative consequences. They may feel restless, depressed, or irritab...

Impact of Video Game Addiction on Mental Health and Cognition

Is it true that video game addiction can affect cognition or have other impacts? I've heard it has been classified as a mental disorder, especially since people spend several hours online every day. Cognitive issues can affect many aspects of life, even throughout one's...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. The addiction to video games or the internet is an increasingly pressing issue that indeed affects cognitive and emotional management as well as work and academic performance. Regardless of whether it qualifies as a mental disorder, I recommend engaging in general leisure ...

Understanding Mental Health: A Teen's Struggle with Anxiety and Gaming

Hello doctor, I am a third-year junior high school student. I often feel unwell and want to go home or don’t want to go to school; I just want to sleep and rest. However, every time I’m at home, I only think about playing video games. Every morning before class, I try to find way...

Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, junior high school student. Your analysis of the psychological motivations behind your refusal to attend school and your obsession with video games is quite insightful. However, you mentioned that you do not want to bring up the issue of seeking medical help because you do...