Why do so many relapses happen precisely when life gets hard?
When something overwhelms us — debt, a family conflict, unemployment — the brain goes into survival mode. It seeks a quick route to relief, and gambling promises exactly that: distraction, hope for a magic solution, or simply a moment to "forget our problems."
But that relief is temporary. And the problem is still there.
Worse: most of the time, gambling makes the situation worse.
The solution: face it, don't run from it
Instead of reacting on impulse, this session invites you to practice a coping strategy based on problem-solving — one of the most effective approaches in behavioral psychology for dealing with stress, relapses, and addiction.
The method consists of 5 simple steps:
- Clearly define the problem (e.g., credit card debt, argument with your spouse, job loss)
- Think of several possible solutions (brainstorm without judgment, even small ideas)
- Evaluate the pros and cons of each option (e.g., cost, feasibility, impact)
- Choose the best idea and create a plan
- Execute and review the results
This process helps you realize that, even in difficult situations, there is something that can be done — and this generates real relief, not illusory relief.
Practical example
Imagine someone drowning in debt. Instead of trying to solve it with a "lucky bet," they could use this method to:
- Renegotiate installments with the bank
- Cut non-essential expenses
- Ask family for temporary help
- Look for extra income with something simple
Each action taken restores the feeling of control, reduces desperation, and takes gambling out of the equation.
What does science say?
Studies show that structured problem-solving:
- Reduces relapses in addictive disorders by promoting active coping【1】
- Decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression【2】
- Increases feelings of self-efficacy and hope【3】
This technique is used in proven treatment protocols for gambling addiction, such as the CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) model and Marlatt's Relapse Prevention model【4】.
Running away makes it worse. Facing it sets you free.
You don't need to have a perfect answer. You just need to start with one step.
Solving a problem, no matter how small, takes your brain out of desperation mode. And this reduces the urgency to seek escape through gambling.
The next time you feel tempted, stop and think:
What problem am I trying to escape from right now? What can I do about it?
The answer could be the beginning of a turnaround.
Scientific references:
[1] Daughters, S. B. et al. (2008). Distress Tolerance and Early Treatment Dropout in a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility. Journal of Abnormal Psychology.
[2] Nezu, A. M., & Nezu, C. M. (2001). Problem-Solving Therapy: A Positive Approach to Clinical Intervention. Springer Publishing Company.
[3] Kazantzis, N. et al. (2010). Meta-analysis of homework effects in cognitive and behavioral therapy. Clinical Psychology Review.
[4] Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (2005). Relapse Prevention: Maintenance Strategies in the Treatment of Addictive Behaviors. Guilford Press.