Operant conditioning

Hi

Yes a great post and I know we are very easily conditioned and hooked by slot machines.

The designers know all about this and they employ psychologists to ensure maximum addiction. 60% or more comes from addicted gamblers and they know this. No time limit on the activity is also a crucial factor. Infact they want gamblers on for long periods because the chasing and chemicals are on overload and the trance sets in. I can now prove I was chasing a bonus feeling. If money came sooner than a "bonus game" I felt deflated.

They caught me young and Im still trying to fathom how I had a forty year addiction to them. I read your words and I still don't fully understand how my mind was so susceptible...why I couldn't control myself around them and why the reality that its best to leave them alone didnt sink in.  As  you say I could not walk away

Thinking about my first times it was a massive drug hit more than anything. I dont talk about fun or entertainment because it was different to that....more than that. I just had to have a go! I had never felt so alive. so high as a kite.....so up on something that it drove me with a passion. These are feelings I hear associated with hard drugs

I realise now that the hit was always in the act...in the expectation or even lack of it...it wasnt really about the money...there were greater rewards of feeling good or even feeling cheated...they were feelings that surged chemicals. I never realised dopamine, seretonin adrenaline or whatever it is could be powerful enough to crave at all costs

I would like to see accurate statistics whether it most affects people who are lost or depressed. I dont think stats like that exist and Ive seen some very upbeat looking gamblers so I think it affects people of all personalities.

Its an addiction so complex that I was just gambling to lose...gambling to punish myself...gambling to escape anxiety attacks or bad news...an escape that made my life worse just like any alcoholic or substance addict 

I am ashamed that I used to look down on other addictions as if I didnt have one. Now I am beginning to understand the power of conditioning and addicted craving...I dont look down on anybody now.

Best wishes to everyone on the forum

Hi.

Thank you for your feedback. I can relate to all you are saying as I have lived a similar life.

Best thoughts I have ever had in my 35 year addiction is this

The only thing that can be considered real is

The air you breathe.

The smell you smell

The touch you feel

And the sights that you see.

Everything else needs to be processed first and could be corrupted.

I don't know if you can relate to that but for me, it makes a whole lot of sense right now.

Best

C