subject: Is a Gambling Addiction Bleeding You Dry? [print this page] One phrase I have often heard from gamblers who were out of control and couldn't stop was that the gambling problem was bleeding them dry. That is an interesting choice of words. If you have ever felt that way about your own gambling problem or someone who has a problem with compulsive gambling, here are some thoughts. Part of the solution to the problem may be in that phrase.
When someone is bleeding it is because he or she has a wound, an opening. What caused the wound and how do we stop the bleeding? Is the gambler gambling because he or she is in pain? Was the wound caused by the gambling problem itself, or is there another problem, hidden below the surface, that the gambler hasn't faced or perhaps isn't even aware of.
One of the effective methods to get to the root of the problem is to use hypnosis to question the subconscious. The subconscious is very powerful and controls behavior. It is a literal translator, meaning that it may not understand a figure of speech. The best way to understand the subconscious is to think of it as child-like. It doesn't always do the rational thing, that is the job of the conscious mind.
During a hypnosis session, the conscious mind is distracted and the subconscious becomes more accessible. A well trained and qualified hypnotherapist can ask questions and help the client get to the heart of the matter. If you have a gambling problem but don't understand why you can't stop gambling, it may be that there is something from you childhood or past that has lodged in your subconscious mind and is causing the problem.
Gambling, however, can be the cause and it may not be complicated. Gambling is very addictive for some people. It may just be as simple as that. But if you suspect that something else is triggering your behavior, it is a good idea to seek some help uncovering the truth. Beware, however, that using the past or subconscious desires is not an excuse to continue gambling. If you are aware there may be a hidden problem there are ways to uncover and then deal with the problem. It is never a good idea to use the subconscious as an excuse to continue gambling.
If there is an emotional wound that needs healing, hypnosis may help to start that process. Just as the subconscious is powerful enough to make you gamble despite the devastating effect upon your life, it is also powerful enough to help you stop gambling. A good hypnotherapist who specializes in problem gambling can help you to program your subconscious to deal with the gambling addiction and the other effects of the problem.
