Intervention 2 originated from an in-depth interview with an expert and sought to address the challenge of reducing gamblers’ dependence on divination. The primary goal was to introduce a therapeutic approach involving mental therapy as a means of guiding individuals away from reliance on fortune-telling practices.
Interview with Psychologist – Dr Wang who focuses on the addictive treatment.
Interviewer: Good afternoon, Dr. Zhang. Today, we’d like to delve into the fascinating realm of gambling psychology and understand why some individuals turn to divination. Can you share your insights on this phenomenon?
Dr. Wang: Of course. Gambling often involves an element of uncertainty, and individuals may resort to divination as a way to gain a sense of control or predictability in an otherwise unpredictable activity. The act of seeking guidance through divination can provide a perceived advantage or insight into the outcome of their bets.
Interviewer: Interesting. How does this reliance on divination contribute to the cycle of addictive gambling behavior?
Dr. Wang: When individuals consistently turn to divination, it becomes a ritualized behavior that reinforces the belief that they can influence or predict the outcome of their gambling activities. This sense of control, even if illusory, can be psychologically rewarding and contribute to the development of addictive patterns.
Interviewer: So, how can mental therapy, specifically metal therapy, be introduced to break this cycle?
Dr. Wang: Metal therapy, as we’ve explored in our research, targets the emotional and cognitive aspects of addictive gambling behavior. By incorporating elements like copper and zinc, we aim to provide individuals with alternative coping mechanisms. This therapy helps them manage the emotional highs and lows associated with gambling, reducing the need to seek external guidance through divination.
Interviewer: Can you walk us through how metal therapy addresses the emotional aspects of gambling addiction?
Dr. Wang: Certainly. Metals like copper have been associated with emotional regulation. By integrating these elements into therapy, we provide individuals with tools to better regulate their emotions, diminishing the emotional volatility that often accompanies gambling. This, in turn, reduces the reliance on external sources, such as divination, for emotional stability.
Interviewer: It sounds like a comprehensive approach. How receptive have individuals been to incorporating metal therapy into their treatment?
Dr. Wang: We’ve observed positive responses in our pilot studies. Participants have reported a greater sense of emotional balance and reduced impulsivity in their decision-making. By addressing the emotional triggers that lead to divination reliance, we hope to create a more sustainable path toward recovery from gambling addiction.
Interviewer: Fascinating insights, Dr. Zhang. In summary, it seems that understanding the psychological motivations behind divination reliance and implementing targeted therapies like metal therapy can offer a promising avenue for breaking the cycle of addictive gambling behavior.
Dr. Wang: Absolutely. It’s about addressing the root causes and providing individuals with effective tools to regain control over their impulses and emotions in a healthier way.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Wang, for shedding light on this important aspect of gambling psychology and the potential for innovative interventions.
The intervention 2 was thus designed:
In my interview with Dr. Wang, a psychologist specializing in addiction studies, he shared insights gained from extensive research on the connection between gambling and superstition. Dr. Wang’s findings indicate a prevalent development of superstitions among gamblers, serving as a foundation for subsequent gambling behavior. Whether experiencing a winning streak or facing losses, players tend to attribute outcomes to specific factors during their gambling sessions. The belief in luck associated with certain clothing or engaging in activities like divination may arise during successful runs, while losses lead players to scrutinize potential causes, such as interactions with specific dealers. It is crucial to note that problematic gambling can result in adverse effects on mental health, including low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, and depression.
From a broader perspective, the literature emphasizes that gambling can evolve into an addiction, akin to substances like drugs or alcohol, especially when practiced compulsively or with a sense of loss of control. The impact on the brain’s dopamine release, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is particularly noteworthy. Winning a bet triggers a surge in dopamine, creating a pleasurable experience(Mental Health Foundation, 2023). However, in cases of gambling addiction, other enjoyable activities may lose their appeal, leading individuals to chase the same thrill through continued gambling(Birberick, 2020).
To address this issue, a proposed intervention involves utilizing a mental therapy approach to mitigate negative emotions associated with gambling and redirect individuals toward engaging in real-life activities that naturally release dopamine(Lévy-Bruhl, 2020). The Turnable Help Gambler APP represents a comprehensive and interactive tool designed to aid individuals in resisting the urge to gamble during moments of emotional distress. Figure 1 illustrates the user interface, resembling a casino turntable, allowing users to input their mood percentages into the system. The system generates a dialogue based on the input, providing emotional support and practical reminders. For instance, if a user inputs 80% sadness and 20% fear, the system transitions to the second interface (Figure 2), continually prompting the user to step away from gambling.
In the initial user test, insights were gathered from an individual with a history of gambling, revealing that her inclination to gamble often originated from feelings of loneliness and a lack of purpose. While recognizing the app’s efficacy in alleviating anxiety, she provided constructive feedback, underscoring the importance of enhancing the system’s ability to closely simulate human interaction. Notably, she recommended integrating a social dimension into the app, envisioning a supportive community where users could connect, partake in activities, and offer mutual encouragement, particularly during emotionally challenging periods. This user-centric input underscores the imperative of ongoing refinement in the app’s functionality to meet the nuanced needs of those contending with gambling addiction.
Furthermore, I presented this feedback and the proposed intervention to Dr. Wang, who noted its alignment with the burgeoning trend of online counseling. Dr. Wang emphasized the increasing number of individuals seeking help through internet-based platforms. He suggested that the app could extend its reach by connecting users with professional psychologists, providing free treatment options, and aiding them in managing their moods independently of relying on divination outcomes to decide whether to engage in gambling. This recommendation marks the second enhancement sought for the intervention, reflecting a broader ambition to integrate professional support and foster a more comprehensive approach to addressing gambling addiction.
