How to Stop Gambling For Good
The first step to stopping gambling is admitting that you have a problem. It can be
hard to admit to yourself that you are a compulsive gambler, but it’s vital to your
recovery epubg2. You should also acknowledge how much gambling has cost you in terms of
personal relationships, job security and money lost. Taking stock of these costs can
help you make the decision to quit gambling for good.
Once you have made the decision to stop, it’s important to seek help. Addiction
specialists can help you identify and avoid triggers that lead to gambling. You may
also benefit from psychotherapy, such as behavioral therapy and cognitive behavior
therapy. Medications, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers, can also be
effective. You can find a gambling addiction specialist online, by searching your
insurance provider or through the National Council on Problem Gambling for a
referral.
When gambling urges arise, you should try to distract yourself by focusing on an
activity that requires your full attention, such as reading, exercising or practicing
mindfulness techniques like deep breathing. You can also spend time with family
and friends or engage in a hobby that you enjoyed before gambling became a
problem. Avoid high-risk situations, such as using credit cards, carrying large
amounts of cash, socializing in casino venues or betting on sports games.
Stress and anxiety are common triggers for gambling, so it’s important to practice
healthy coping strategies. These include exercise, spending time with loved ones
and engaging in spiritual activities. You can also try keeping a journal and writing
about your accomplishments to boost self-esteem. Practicing gratitude by listing
things you’re grateful for can also improve your outlook and shift negative thoughts
away from gambling.
Getting support from loved ones can be helpful, but it’s essential to confide in
people who will not encourage gambling. You should also join a support group of
individuals who have overcome gambling addictions to gain insight and
encouragement from those who have gone through the same struggles as you.
When you feel an urge to gamble, remind yourself that gambling equals losing and
that it is not worth the risk. Eventually, you will see how much happier your life is
without gambling. You will have more personal freedom and be able to spend your
hard-earned money on things that matter. Your loved ones will benefit, too, as they
will no longer have to worry about your financial stability and the emotional turmoil
caused by your gambling habit.