The problem of excessive gambling can happen to anyone despite age or social status. Sometimes the game quickly crosses the line from a fun and harmless to an unhealthy obsession with serious consequences. Addiction can occur no matter what form of gambling. This can cause problems at home or work and even lead to behaviors that are unusual for someone, such as stealing and accumulating large debts. Because of that we made a list of ways that can be help overcome gambling addiction.
Limit your approach to gambling
Online casinos and bookmakers, as well as some local brands, offer various responsible gambling options that can help you in this situation, such as:
-Self-exclusion option
-Deposit restriction
-Bet amount limit
In addition to these options, there are “global” websites and blocking tools that try to prevent you from accessing online casinos or websites that provide any gambling-related services—offered by gamblers of internet games.
It is undoubtedly a good idea to use these tools, but you should keep in mind that they will not solve the problem you have with gambling on their own. A person who wants to gamble will always find a way to get around the tools and restrictions and keep playing.
Self-exclusion, deposit restriction, blocking tools, and other tools will not help you stop gambling altogether. This can help you limit the possibility of gambling addiction and the negative impact of gambling on your life. That’s why it’s essential to focus on other aspects of overcoming gambling instead of relying solely on these tools to do the job for you.
More extreme measures can be helpful in certain situations. You may want to consider getting rid of your computer, cell phone, or tablet, so you don’t have access to online gambling. Of course, this may not be possible due to your lifestyle and profession, but it should be considered. It is also recommended that you stop visiting bars, pubs, and other places that offer gambling services.
Go for activities that will replace gambling in your life
For many troubled gamblers, gambling has become a necessary part of their lives whether they realize it or not, and it is likely a painful truth for you as well. Whenever you are bored, it is very likely that gambling will be the first thing that comes to your mind and that it is difficult for you to resist that urge.
When fighting gambling addiction, it is important to fill your days with healthy activities that will keep you busy, making you not think about gambling all the time. If you have something to do all the time, your chances of winning the fight against gambling addiction will be much higher.
Take a walk, try a new sport, go to the gym and start spending more time with your family and friends.
Gambling doesn’t make money
Trying to gain big wins and making up for lost money are some of the main symptoms of gambling addiction. While you are waiting for a significant gain and hope to recoup your existing losses and even make a little money. But that big moment never really comes, and you keep digging an even deeper hole for yourself. Gaining money, or at least getting lost, is probably one of the reasons why you gamble. But, as many experts agree, the real reasons for gambling go much deeper than that, and when it comes to gambling addiction, it’s often not just about money. It’s about “feeding” the habit, and money is a necessary ingredient for that. Many troubled gamblers don’t stop when they win but keep playing until they lose everything or recognize they have a gambling problem.
Learn to fight the urge to gamble
It is assured that you will get the urge to play slots, roulette, or some other game once again. But it would help if you tried to resist that urge.
Whenever you want to play, do everything in your power to force yourself to wait a couple of minutes, or an hour, maybe a day before you do. As time goes on, you may realize that gambling is a mistake and stop doing it yourself. Ideally, it would be perfect for postponing the urge forever, but this is only the first step.
Try to imagine the way you feel after losing everything, including how you feel about yourself and how other people may think about you at that moment. It’s also great to surround yourself with people and try not to be alone because others can help you not think about gambling and support you. Do sports, find new hobbies, and spend as much time as possible with other people.
Don’t be too strict with yourself and ask for help
You may not be able to resist your cravings, and you may start betting again. It is essential to understand that this can happen to anyone. Don’t use this as a reason to give up working just because it happened once. Learn from your mistakes and keep fighting. Although we have said this, it is also important not to take the mistake too lightly but to realize that you have made a mistake. If this happens more than once, it might be a good idea to seek professional help.
You can seek help through support lines or groups. It would help if you also considered talking to a therapist who will help you overcome this problem with the right therapy.
