Situation · Money and survival

“I keep chasing my losses”

What could be going on

Gambling disorder: Fits if chasing losses comes with lying, borrowing and failed attempts to stop. It can be treated.

Loss aversion: Could be that a loss feels unbearable until it's undone. Check whether you take bets you'd normally refuse.

Sunk cost fallacy: Fits if what's already lost has become the reason to keep going.

Illusion of control: Check whether you believe a system, a hunch or a lucky streak will turn it around.

Intermittent reinforcement: Fits if the odd win keeps you hooked more than steady wins would.

Behavioural addiction: Check whether betting has taken over your time, mood and money despite the harm.

Questions to carry

  1. After the last loss, what did I tell myself just before the next bet?
  2. What would it mean to me to accept that the money is gone?

Also said as

  • can't stop betting to win it back
  • lost money gambling and keep trying to win it back
  • chasing losses on sports betting
  • i double my bets after losing
  • lost my savings trading and keep going
  • my husband keeps gambling to get back what he lost

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