Breaking the Chains of Problem Gambling: How False Beliefs Lead to Repeated Mistakes

Ever find yourself asking, “Why am I back in the same place I swore I’d move past?” It’s easy to fall into familiar patterns, hoping for different results without changing what drives them. But our beliefs shape our behaviors—and those behaviors shape our outcomes. When you recognize that cycle, you can start to see how your thoughts and choices may be reinforcing the very situations you want to escape. Whether it’s problem gambling or another area of life that feels stuck, exploring these patterns might reveal insights that help you shift toward something better.

If the results of your behavior do not meet your need, then you may be taking an ineffective course of action.

• Real change takes time—results don’t show up overnight.
• Growth begins when you start shifting the beliefs that shape your actions.
• If your sense of self depends only on outside rewards—like winning—you’re overlooking something deeper.
• True peace comes when your behaviors consistently meet your real needs—not just once, but over time.

The Galileo Reality Model offers a framework to help uncover the beliefs behind behaviors that lead to negative outcomes – at its core, it is just a way to help you figure out why you do the things that sometimes lead to bad outcomes. It starts with a simple idea: the way you think shapes how you act, and that can lead to results you either want—or don’t. If you’re trying to change something in your life, like gambling habits, ask yourself:

• What do I believe about this?
• How does that belief make me behave?
• And what usually happens because of it?

It’s like tracing your steps backward so you can change the path forward—especially if you’re hoping for a change that actually sticks long-term. For example:

1. Belief: “Gambling wins me free money.”
2. If/So: “If gambling wins me free money, then I will definitely be able to win back today the money I lost by gambling yesterday, so I can get myself out of the hole.”
3. Behavior: You go and gamble.
4. Results: “I not only lost the money I took with me today, but I didn’t win back my losses from yesterday, and now I’m worried about paying my bills.”

This process isn’t easy to navigate, but with understanding and practice, you can learn to listen to your inner voice and beliefs. Over time, you’ll begin to recognize the path you’re about to take—and anticipate the likely outcomes—before you even set out on it. What beliefs do you have that are taking you to an end result with negative consequences? Do you continue to do the same thing over and over again?

Reaching out to the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine can be a powerful first step toward regaining control. Whether you’re struggling with problem gambling, feeling overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle that’s hard to break, the HelpLine offers free, confidential support 24/7. Trained professionals listen without judgment, provide resources tailored to your situation, and help you navigate a path forward—at your pace, in your own words. A simple call or text can open the door to clarity, healing, and hope. Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT today.