How to deal with gambling addiction

Gambling addiction is generally recognized as a form of behaviour whereby an individual is unable to resist the urge to gamble, thus resulting in serious effects either on their personal, financial, or social lives. Millions of people in the United States constantly battle gambling problems. To avoid gambling temptations and triggers, it is vital to understand why you gamble. Overcoming a gambling problem is challenging but once it is overcome, the ongoing goal is to keep the person from gambling again.

For many problem gamblers, if not all, a recovery-based abstinence approach is necessary to prevent relapse. Consider these nine tips to avoid gambling addiction if you or someone close to you needs support to achieve a full and wholesome quality of life while gambling at the best online casinos in 2022.

1. Prevent boredom by planning

Since ex-gamblers are used to the extremes of active addiction, they often struggle with periods of boredom in their lives. If you want to avoid filling the gaps in your life with gambling, plan your days to avoid being tempted. Recent research shows that problem gamblers have a very low tolerance for boredom. So when assigned an uninteresting task, they will often avoid or refrain from doing it.

2. Identify and understand the problem

To break free from unhealthy gambling addiction, you must educate yourself and identify you already have an addiction to gambling. According to the American Psychiatric Association, gambling is a mental health condition similar to drug and alcohol abuse. If you are considering the symptoms of gambling disorder or if you are asking a loved one about their opinion of your gambling, you're more likely to grasp the serious consequences gambling has. Stop denying and begin recognizing the damage gambling can cause.

3. Revitalize an old hobby

Often, gambling addicts lose interest in their hobbies as they become increasingly addicted to their gambling. Once you've stopped gambling, it's a good idea to get back into older hobbies, as this will not only lead to a boost in self-esteem but will also remind you of the positive changes you have made. To overcome negative addiction, one must find a more positive activity to substitute for it. This will keep you focussed on the benefits of your new life, rather than on what you are missing.

4. Take each day as it comes

The key to living life day by day is not to get emotional about what happened yesterday, especially about your gambling losses, and being too focused on getting back at the bookies or casinos will inhibit your ability to stay focused on your recovery. Keeping a steadfast focus on what you can do today to help your ongoing recovery from addiction is an essential part of taking life one day at a time. You can then explore fun, beneficial alternatives with the extra money you will have from not gambling.

5. Get involved with a support group

Now that you recognize you have an addiction problem, another wise move is to look for a support group close to you and be a member. Support groups are a community of people with similar struggles that make your recovery easier, for example, alcohol anonymous. Support groups do not offer professional interventions, but members are free to talk to them in person or over the internet. There is a national hotline at the National Council on Problem Gambling where you can get information on support groups for gamblers. They offer support over chat and call centers and can give you directions to help you cope with the challenges of gambling addiction.

6. Reflect on the Consequences

Those in recovery from addiction can easily drown in feelings of disappointment and guilt which can cause a person to relapse. However, healthy levels of shame are required to motivate you to maintain the course of recovery.

Also, it also helps to remember the consequences of gambling addiction of the past to avoid it. It's important to reflect on the negative effects that your actions have caused. For example, the deplorable state of your finances, the heartache your family felt as a result of your gambling debt and so more. Try not to dwell on the past, and instead use it as a source of motivation to avoid gambling in the future.

7. Consult a professional

Consider seeking professional help immediately if your gambling is extreme. Psychotherapy and counselling can teach you methods to stay away from gambling and refine the skills you already possess. One confidential telephone call for a personal assessment can potentially change your life for the better. Experts who can help you are easily accessible, so the only thing you need to do is make the first move and contact a professional near you.

8. Put gambling on hold

Another move you can make in your desire to beat gambling addiction is to take a break. The temptation to take a quick to the casino or place a quick bet with your favourite bookie may linger. One way to beat this temptation successfully is to put a complete hold on any gambling activities you may formerly indulge in.

. So remaining in recovery means remaining in a state of nongambling. If you can study your cravings and device a way to take your control of the situation. Once you gain a deep understanding of this problem, you can create a list of thoughts or actions to distract you from gambling. For example, you can engage in outdoor activities when you feel the urge to resume gambling.

9. Stay away from temptation

When you view gambling as an addiction, you can use skills from recovery and relapse prevention to prevent setbacks. For someone recovering from addiction, it would be best to note the triggers that might cause a setback. For instance, an environment or a location might put you in a gambling mood and it will be in your best interest to avoid such places. Take an alternative route home if you're tempted to gamble at a racecourse or casino after work. Also, you can watch a different sport if you notice your favourite sport might tempt you to gamble uncontrollably.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes