How to Overcome an Addiction to Gambling
Gambling is a fun and entertaining activity, but it can be harmful to your physical and mental health as well as your relationships. It can also leave you in debt and vulnerable to a criminal record. It is important to know the signs of gambling addiction, and to help a friend or loved one who has a problem with it.
Addiction to gambling can be treated effectively with the help of a trained counselor and other people in the recovery community. A support group, such as Gam-Anon, can be a great place to meet other people with similar problems and find resources for treatment.
Having an open and honest conversation with someone you trust is the most effective way to address your gambling issues. Talking about them in a supportive and concerned way is likely to be more effective than deceptive, judgmental or aggressive approaches, which can trigger an argument.
If you have an underlying mood disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, it may be triggering your gambling. Treating these problems will help you quit for good.
You can also change the things that make you feel tempted to gamble. This includes finding alternative ways to spend your time, such as a hobby, an exercise program, or volunteering. It is also helpful to learn about the negative consequences of gambling and how they affect your life.
The most successful form of treatment for gambling is residential treatment. This is especially important for people with serious gambling problems because they often have a difficult time stopping on their own.
There are also self-help groups that can provide valuable assistance in addressing the root causes of their gambling habits. These include Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous.
Avoiding triggers is the most important step in overcoming an addiction to gambling. Triggers are situations that trigger gambling cravings, such as seeing a casino or watching sports.
Identifying and avoiding your triggers can be hard, but it is an essential part of quitting for good. Create a list of all the places, people, and events that cause you to crave gambling, and work to avoid them.
If you do want to gamble, try to delay it for an hour or two until the urge passes. The longer the urge to gamble lasts, the more likely you are to succumb to it and lose money or other assets.
When a craving hits, it is a good idea to do something that can help you postpone gambling, such as deep breathing, calling a friend, or going for a walk. This will give you a chance to think about what is happening and what you can do to overcome it.
It is also a good idea to avoid people who are known to gamble excessively, or those with whom you have a history of a gambling addiction. If you are unsure about who to turn to, a counselor can help you decide which support network is right for you.