Ep. 34 - Tuning in to Your Permission Giving Thoughts
Permission giving thoughts come up to justify, rationalize and allow gambling to happen when part of you isn’t so sure about it. Similar to putting grease on a slide, these thoughts can lead to a quick slip into gambling. Noticing permission giving thoughts as they come up helps you to slow things down and have more control of gambling choices.
In episode 34 of our podcast, Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems, hear a former gambler share her examples of permission giving thoughts. Jackie Jankovic, a counsellor specializing in gambling problems, offers tips to help you notice and manage your thoughts.
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When you have an urge to gamble, your mind thinks of reasons why it’s ok to make that bet.
Learn more about how permission giving thoughts impact us and tools to help you have more control in the moment.
What Are Permission Giving Thoughts?
We all have impulses. For example, to spend money on something we want or eat something we crave. We all strive to manage these impulses. Sometime we say “yes” and sometimes we say “no” or “later”.
Our impulses can have a really strong pull in the moment. Permission giving thoughts show up to help us to feel ok about saying “yes” to impulses - even when part of you is not okay with it.
In this episode of Fold em, Sue gives examples of permission giving thoughts that came up for her before gambling:
Today I’ll win big
I’ll feel better when I’m at the casino. I need a break from sadness and grief
It’s good to be out and around people
Jackie Jankovic, a counsellor specializing in gambling problems, shares other examples of permission giving thoughts:
I’ve worked hard this week so I deserve to celebrate by gambling
I haven’t gambled in a month so it’s ok to gamble tonight
I’m going to stop tomorrow, so tonight will be my last time gambling
Why Should I Pay Attention to Permission Giving Thoughts if I Gamble?
Permission giving thoughts typically show up before you gamble - when you are deciding whether to gamble or planning it out. They also come up after you have started to gamble and are making decisions about whether to gamble longer or bet more.
During these times, there are other changes going on in your body, including a release of neurotransmitters in your brain and an activation in your autonomic nervous system. These changes mean that you often feel more exited, nervous, agitated and that you are more likely to take risks. As a result, it can be harder to think clearly.
After gambling, people sometimes look back at their permission giving thoughts and say to themselves, “what was I thinking?”
It can be helpful to slow things down, notice your permission giving thoughts and remind yourself that these thoughts are being influenced by your impulses and emotions. Jackie offers six tips for doing this in episode 34 of Fold em.
If You Have Decided to Stop Gambling - Why it is Helpful to Pay Attention to Permission Giving Thoughts
If you have decided to stop gambling because it got out of control, noticing permission giving thoughts is a useful tool for preventing a relapse.
These thoughts are like a red flag that tells you, “hey, you are thinking about gambling and probably having a craving to gamble.” You then have an opportunity to pause, remind yourself of your reasons for stopping gambling, and do something different such as distracting yourself or connecting with a supportive person. This isn’t easy to do so be kind to yourself if you’re not always able to resist gambling.
Tune in to episode 34 of Fold em to hear Jackie share six tips for what to do in the moment when you notice permission giving thoughts.
Listen now by clicking on the green play button at the top of this blog. Or, tune in directly from Apple or Google podcasts by clicking on the red button below.
Check out other episodes of Fold em and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out when new ones are released.
Learn More About a UBC Research Project on Permission Giving Thoughts
Raymond Wu with the Centre for Gambling Research, at University of British Columbia, is launching a new research project on permission giving thoughts. To find out more, contact Raymond at: rwu@psych.ubc.ca
Want to Connect With Support and Counselling in British Columbia?
If you live in British Columbia and would like to learn more about free, confidential support and counselling services from Gambling Support BC, click on the red “Connect with Support in BC” button below. Or, go to the Gambling Support BC website. You can also access our services through the Gambling Support Line. It is available 24/7 at 1-888-795-6111.
Gambling Support BC services are available to residents of British Columbia who are concerned about their own or a loved one’s gambling.
Fold em is a podcast hosted by Adrienne Cossom and her colleagues at Gambling Support BC. Whether you are looking at stopping or scaling back your own gambling or supporting a family member with a problem, this podcast will help you take back control. Hear from gamblers who have been through it and get tips from counsellors. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.
To learn more about gambling concerns and how to access resources and support, go to the home page of this website, click on the red “Learn More” button below, or connect with us through Facebook.