- What is problem gambling (gambling addiction)?
- Some doubts about gambling
- Symptoms of compulsive gambling
- How to get out of gambling?
- Accept that you have gambling problems
- Make decisions and resist temptation
- Control your money
- Plan your time
- Avoid gambling-related places
- Look for other activities instead of the game
- Practice cognitive behavioral therapy
- Keep recovery
- Seek help from associations or organizations in your country
Has gambling become the main concern of your life? Have you forgotten other aspects such as family, work or social relationships? As you can imagine, none of that is going to bring something positive into your life.
In this article I will explain 7 steps to overcome and get out of gambling, return to your previous life and stop wasting your money. On the other hand, you have to keep in mind that you can do it, although you will have to persevere and be strong.
What is problem gambling (gambling addiction)?
Gambling addiction or gambling is the psychopathological tendency to gambling, in which the affected person cannot resist the urge to continue playing.
Typically, this addiction developed in three stages:
- Stage 1: Seemingly Easy Profits Are Generated
- Stage 2: You lose money and try to earn it with unrealistic optimism.
- Stage 3: destabilization of gambling behavior, frustration.
Often this addiction occurs alongside mental disorders such as anxiety, depression or alcoholism and today it has increased due to technology; the rise of smartphones and the internet.
Some doubts about gambling
I would like to clarify some doubts that are usually had with the problem of the game.
-You don't have to play every day to have problems with the game. You have gambling problems if it causes problems for you.
-The problem is not only economic. Gambling can cause a relationship to break down or lose important personal relationships.
-The cause of playing does not belong to others. Some gambling addicts blame their partners for their behavior. Doing so is avoiding responsibility for your actions, including doing what is necessary to overcome the problem.
-The problem with gambling is not overcome by paying debts, but by overcoming addictive behavior.
Symptoms of compulsive gambling
In gambling there are no obvious physical signs as there are in drug or alcohol addiction. Furthermore, gambling addicts often hide their addiction from others: they travel long distances to gamble and hide it from their close people.
You may have a gambling problem if:
-You play even when you have no money: you bet until you have lost all the money, later you want to get it back using card money or borrowed money.
-Your family or friends care about you: it is because the game is affecting your life.
-You want to hide it: you bet in secret and lie about what you bet or what you win.
-You lose control: you are not able to leave the playing area when you are losing.
How to get out of gambling?
Accept that you have gambling problems
The biggest step to take in treating gambling is accepting that you have gambling problems.
It takes courage and strength to do so, especially when a great deal of money has been lost or relationships have been lost along the way.
However, it is a necessary step, and many people who have overcome this problem have had to take it.
Overcoming the problem is not easy, although it can be done if you seek support and follow the treatment.
Make decisions and resist temptation
Before starting the game, the decision has been made to do so.
If you have the urge to gamble, stop what you are doing and call someone or think about the consequences of your actions. Pay no attention to thoughts about the game and do something else immediately.
On the other hand, remember that the odds are against you. The normal thing is that you lose. Don't see gambling as an opportunity to get out of your financial problems.
Some ways to control momentum are:
- Ask the casino to block you.
- If you are addicted to online games, install a web page blocker of this type. In extreme cases, temporarily get rid of the laptop / computer or the smartpgone, until you overcome the problem.
- Postpone the game: Tell yourself that you will play 5, 15 or 60 minutes later, depending on how long you think you can control. As you wait, the urge to play may pass
- Seeking support: calling family, friends or going to meeting groups with people with the same problem
- Do something else: clean, go to the gym, watch a movie…
- Avoid isolation: find new ways to build personal relationships
- Think about the consequences and how you will feel if you succumb to temptation
Control your money
You can't play without money - get rid of credit cards, save and don't borrow money.
Let other people take care of your money, let the bank make automatic payments, and put a limit on the amount of cash you can withdraw.
Plan your time
If you don't have time to play, you won't.
Plan healthy leisure activities that have nothing to do with gambling.
Avoid gambling-related places
Minimize the possibility of playing by avoiding places near or that remind you of the places where you play.
You can also tell the establishment that you have a gambling problem and ask them to restrict your entry.
Also, it blocks your entry to betting websites. In google extensions you have extensions that do it.
Look for other activities instead of the game
The different ways you try to deal with stressful or irritating situations are worth reflecting on.
Stress, depression, loneliness, or anxiety can trigger or make gambling worse.
To unwind from work or family life there are many other activities that you can have fun with.
Much healthier activities that will have positive consequences on your health are.
- Spend time with friends
- Find new hobbies
- Exercise
- Relaxation techniques
- Read books
Practice cognitive behavioral therapy
This therapy focuses on changing unhealthy thoughts and behaviors related to gambling, such as rationalizations or limiting beliefs.
It also helps gamblers to:
- Fight urges to play
- Treat relational problems that arise after addiction
- Dealing with financial or work problems
Visiting a psychologist does not mean that you are weak or that you cannot control your problems, but that you are smart and responsible enough to realize that you need help.
Keep recovery
When you can overcome the addiction, you may relapse again.
To do this, it is essential that you establish certain healthy habits that replace gambling:
- To relax: sports, relaxation techniques, meditation or massages.
- To socialize: learn social skills, find new friends, go to an NGO, sign up for classes in an activity…
- Loneliness or boredom: finding a new passion such as sports, music, art, books…
Seek help from associations or organizations in your country
It is very likely that in your country or city there are organizations specialized in helping people who have problems with gambling. They have experience and will know how to advise you.
Don't be ashamed to call them, they have hundreds of cases like yours and their will is to help people overcome gambling and rebuild their lives.
What are your gambling problems? Are you a gambler or do you want to help someone? I am interested in your opinion. Thank you!