How to Overcome a Gambling Addiction
Gambling is a fun pastime that most of us indulge in on occasion. The problem comes when gambling begins to take over our lives and affect our work, relationships and financial health. Luckily, it’s possible to overcome a gambling addiction. There are steps you can take to get started and tips to help you keep your gambling addiction in check.
One of the most important steps you can take is to recognize that you have a problem with gambling. You can’t control your urge to participate, but you can take steps to stop. It’s best to set up boundaries around your gambling. If you’re concerned about your gambling, you should seek professional assistance.
There are many organizations out there that specialize in providing support for people with gambling problems. These organizations offer free or low-cost counseling and peer groups that can help you to work through your issues. Some organizations also offer family support services.
Addiction is a tricky thing to fight. When it begins to take over your life, you may lose money, damage your relationships, or worse, go into debt. Aside from losing your money, gambling can also negatively impact your mental and physical health. Research has shown that compulsive gambling can worsen mood disorders such as depression. However, there are ways to overcome a gambling addiction and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
Cognitive-behavior therapy is a proven way to combat your gambling obsession. This type of therapy teaches you to resist unwanted thoughts and habits. For example, you might learn that playing a game of bingo is not the most exciting thing you can do. Instead, you can try a different activity.
Getting your family and friends on board is a great first step. You can also make sure you don’t have any debts or credit cards. To avoid temptation, you might want to close your online betting accounts. And if you haven’t already done so, make sure you have someone else manage your finances.
Other options include practicing relaxation techniques, taking up a new hobby, or spending time with non-gambling friends. Boredom is a common trigger for gambling, so these activities can help relieve it.
Choosing to have a gambling-related emergency plan is another good idea. In case your favorite games go down or you need to bail out your spouse, you’ll have a better chance of making it through the situation if you have a plan in place.
Admitting you have a gambling problem is the first step to recovery. The next step is to find out how you can stay in recovery and maintain your financial health. Keep in mind that a gambling problem can be a symptom of another mental health issue, so speak to a counselor or doctor if you need help.
In addition to reaching out to friends and family, you might consider enrolling in a program like Gamblers Anonymous. This is an organization patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous that provides support for people suffering from a gambling addiction.