Gambling is a game of chance where two or more people agree to bet on an event that has an uncertain outcome. The winning party receives a reward for the bet, which can be money or other goods such as tickets to a show.
If you are gambling in a way that is harmful to your health, or that is impacting on your relationships and other aspects of your life, you need to seek help. This could be a counsellor, or a support group that specialises in helping with gambling problems.
Talk about your gambling problem with someone you trust who will not judge you. This could be a family member, friend or professional counsellor. Keep a gambling diary to help you better understand your gambling behaviour.
Admitting you have a problem with gambling is one of the most important steps in recovery. It can be daunting, but it will also give you confidence that you are doing something about your problem and that the addiction is not your fault.
Avoid triggers
If you often find yourself tempted to gamble, try to avoid the things that make you want to do so. This can be as simple as changing the channel if you are watching sports or taking a different route to work when you see a casino on the way.
Reprogram yourself
If gambling is causing negative impacts on your life, you need to change it. You can do this by avoiding the temptation, reducing the amount of money you spend on it and replacing it with other activities that are more fulfilling.
Getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet can also be helpful, as they help to regulate your blood pressure and boost your immune system. These activities can also reduce stress and improve your mental health.
Meditation and yoga can also be useful. They can help you to focus on the present and slow down your thoughts, so you are less likely to feel the urge to gamble.
Stopping a gambling addiction can be a long process, but it can be worth the effort if it helps you to lead a more fulfilled life. There are many ways to cope with gambling problems and if you follow these tips, you will be able to enjoy your life again without the need for self-destructive gambling behaviours.
Rekindle old hobbies
If you have found yourself spending too much time gambling, rekindling an old hobby can help to reduce the time that you spend on the activity. It can also help you to replace gambling with more fulfilling activities that are less likely to cause the same levels of stress or negative consequences.
Reducing your exposure to gambling
When you are struggling with a gambling addiction, it can be tempting to hide it from others. This is a dangerous mistake as it can increase your chances of developing a new addiction. You can minimise this risk by talking about your situation with a trusted friend or family member and by keeping a gambling diary to record when you are feeling the urge to gamble.