What Can I Do To Stop Gambling
It might not stop you from gambling, only you can do that, but it's free, it takes an hour to read, and you will be able to empathize with everything in it. My thoughts are with you and good luck I wish I could really help you to quit playing Texas hold'em.
- What Can I Do To Stop Gambling Money
- What Can I Do To Stop Gambling Losses
- What Can I Do To Stop Gambling
- The problem however is when you start gambling a lot. So much that you can’t actually stop gambling. Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling, is a type of impulse-control disorder. When someone has this disorder, they honestly can’t control their impulse to gamble.
- Gambling addiction is one of the hardest problems to stop. It can be an all-consuming behavior that can result in some very bad consequences. Here are ten ways to stop gambling forever.
From our knowledge of gambling addiction’s triggers, we know that some people choose to gamble to fill time when they’re bored. Others gamble to avoid problems and frustration. Other problem gamblers choose to gamble as a method of relaxation or a way to celebrate good news.
For a problem gambler in recovery, it is very important to identify other activities that can be done instead of gambling. Below, we look at a few healthy options for individuals looking to avoid gambling.
Boredom & Gambling Addiction Recovery
Many people start gambling to fill up free time they have. Gambling might sound like a good way to pass 30 minutes or an hour, but for people at-risk for problem gambling, this can turn into a serious issue. For recovering problem gamblers, free time and boredom can make them more likely to consider gambling again.
How can you avoid gambling when you have free time or feel bored?
- Consider creative hobbies you can do instead. Maybe you’ve always wanted to start painting or gardening. Maybe you’ve had a project you’ve wanted to finish in your garage or basement for many years. Find a way to devote your energy to something productive that will result in a creative piece you can share with family members or friends.
- Consider fitness activities that require your time frequently. Join a local softball team or running club. Even if you’re not very fit now, you can begin training for small community runs or walks, such as charity 5ks.
- Study. Learn a skill you’ve always wanted to master or study a topic you’ve wanted to understand better. You don’t have to go back to school – see what books you can check out from your local library to educate yourself.
Relaxation, Frustration & Gambling Addiction Recovery
It’s well known that many people gamble to escape frustrating problems at home and at work. By playing repetitive games for long periods of time, people are able to block out thoughts of issues that require their attention and consideration.
Trying to escape and ignore problems often creates even bigger problems. We must be prepared to handle issues that come our way, even when frustration, disappointment or stress threaten to make our days very difficult.
How can you keep frustration or stress from making you want to escape? What relaxation techniques can make you better prepared to handle stress?
- Write. Start a journal that allows you to jot down your fears, your stresses and your problems. Your journal can also allow you to reflect on good days, progress in your gambling addiction recovery, and memories you want to keep a record of. A few minutes of writing every day is therapeutic for many people.
- Meditate. Whether you meditate at home alone or join a class in your community that teaches relaxation techniques (such as a beginner’s yoga class), learn how to clear your mind and use breathing techniques to relax your body and refresh yourself.
- Walk. Fitness activities aren’t just great ways to pass time – low-impact exercises such as walking can help you relax, as well. Get outside and enjoy fresh air. Deep breathes and a short walk around the block can release tension. Physical activity during the day can also help you sleep better at night.
Celebration & Gambling Addiction Recovery
People gambling to do more than escape problems – some are gambling on good days, as well. Many people choose to go to casinos, buy lottery tickets or do other gambling activities when they’re in a good mood and looking to continue enjoying their day. Unfortunately, people at-risk for problem gambling and people in recovery can’t gamble as a method of celebration or as a way to spend the day with family members and friends.
What are some positive activities that can be done, instead?
- Enjoy a trip to a local recreational venue. You might not go to a casino or bar – but what about a family-friendly park or zoo?
- Volunteer. Find a local organization you can encourage your family members or friends to support with you, and enjoy that time spent with loved ones and strangers while supporting the community.
- Explore. Where can you hike on a sunny afternoon? Where’s the best place in the city to see the stars at night? Get to know the region you live in better.
Surround yourself with people supportive of your recovery. These people will understand when you can’t go to the casino, won’t bet in an office pool or don’t want to go to the sports bar to watch the game. These people will be able identify many, many ways to spend days and nights without putting your problem gambling recovery in jeopardy.
What Can I Do To Stop Gambling Money
Are you a recovering problem gambler or professional who works with gambling addiction? What activities do you recommend?
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This Year It Will Be Different
It’s that time of year again, the Holiday Season.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably already begun to tell yourself, “This year it will be different!” The ghosts of past holiday horrors taunt you as you vow that this year you will succeed in having that picture perfect holiday you’ve always imagined. So you begin making those same promises to yourself that you’ve made every year before…
“This year I will serve the most scrumptious feast and take photos of my family gathered around the table like a Norman Rockwell painting.”
“This year I will not succumb to the commercialism, the tension, the last minute frantic spending, the irritation of disgruntled shoppers, nor the foolish notion that anyone is ever really as happy as they look seem on social media!”
“Because this year it will be different….”
Many have said those words about the holiday season, time and time again, only to discover like the rest of us that there really is no such thing as “perfect”.
In the same manner, many have promised themselves that “…this time I will control my gambling”, only to find themselves once again unable to walk away.
Just know that you are not alone.
Gambling is an Emotional Behavior
No matter how hard you try, the Holidays can be a very stressful time, and stress can be a serious trigger for anyone with an addiction to gambling. Problem gamblers often use gambling to relieve stress and avoid uncomfortable feelings. Their gambling is more about emotion than money, yet the end result can be financial devastation.
For the husband, wife, mom or dad who loses it all, the emotional devastation can far outweigh the money, leading to serious depression and potentially even thoughts of suicide.
So, how can you identify a problem with gambling?
More importantly, what do you do about it?
Here are some of the warning signs of Problem Gambling:
For the Gambler:
- Being preoccupied with thoughts of gambling.
- Borrowing money to pay gambling debts.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or quit gambling.
- Gambling to escape worry or trouble.
- Losing time from work or school due to gambling.
- Lying about time and money spent gambling.
- Neglecting family because of gambling.
- Unable to stop playing regardless of winning or losing.
For the Family:
- Emotional distress, anger, depression.
- Family members working overtime or taking a second job to make ends meet.
- Items of value lost or missing.
- Lack of communication among family members.
- One member (gambler) noticeably absent from or disinterested in normal family activities.
- Reduced involvement in social/group activities outside the home.
- Unexplained financial problems.
The good news is that gambling addiction is a treatable disorder.
People can, and DO recover!
If you are facing the Holidays with the fear, guilt and pain caused by a gambling problem, give yourself and your family the most important gift of all: the Gift of Hope!
Call the Problem Gamblers Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
What Can I Do To Stop Gambling Losses
Use the information and support that is freely offered, and this year it really can be different!