10 Proven Ways to Stop Gambling and Take Back Control

In this article we will discuss some of the proven ways that help one on how to stop gambling and have control over their life.

First of all gambling is not all about money, it is also a coping mechanism for both the deep emotions and psychological issues. It is therefore important for one to understand what drives one into gambling before handling the addiction itself. Many people get into gambling to get away from depression, anxiety, loneliness, trauma or boredom. The excitement that comes with winning or rather taking the risk can mask these feelings and later on the behaviour keeps on creating a destructive cycle of emotional dependency.

Reflecting on the real life issues that lead you to gambling is the first action one can take towards recovery. Acknowledge the times that you are most likely to find yourself gambling. Could it be after an argument, when you’re stressed or when you feel lonely? Being able to understand your personal triggers that bring about the urge to gamble will really help in knowing how to make more conscious decisions onwards.

‘I firmly hold the opinion that gambling has to be fun but accountable,’ says Emily Dudensing, an experienced gambler herself who committed her blog GambleSophy.com to provide both starters and experienced gamblers with practical advice for thriving in digital online gambling.

Recognizing the early warning signs of gambling addiction is not easy most especially when you are already in denial. The sooner the problem is noted the easier it becomes to address it. The following are some of the common red flags, they include:

● Failing to fulfill responsibilities like family,work or finances

● Feeling uneasy or distressed while they are not gambling

● Being dishonest about the gambling habit

● Spending a lot of money while chasing losses

● Selling off possessions or acquiring a loan to gamble

Recognizing the above red flags at someone you love or even yourself can really help to create space for change.

Below are some of the strategies that one has to consider that will help one to stop gambling addiction.

One of the ways is to be able to accept the challenges you face while gambling. Admitting that you have a problem makes it simple for one to explore solutions and be able to take responsibility. When someone approaches you with concerns of them being worried, give them an ear. Open up to someone close to you in which they can be a close friend, relative or even a mentor. They can help you with accountability and emotional comfort as it is never too late to make a change.

Walk away from gambling by taking some time off. Several gambling platforms offer tools that help one with gambling. One of the tools includes self exclusion where one can take the desired time off gambling. This will not only help to have controllable gambling but also it will help to avoid overspending.

Set a clear budget that you will spend while gambling. Ensure that you do not exceed the budget spending or even in order to stop gambling, get to celebrate winnings by rewarding yourself a long period from gambling. The best thing here is, each forward step counts. Reach out for assistance whenever a relapse happens or when you are ready to stop gambling and save money.

One can get professional help whereby they will get therapy and get to understand the unhealthy patterns and get help with gambling addiction. Attending support groups like GamblersAnonymous will help to know how people in the same situation as you got to recover and move on with life. This idea can be very motivating.

In order to stop online gambling, avoid the apps that trigger the urge to gamble. Go ahead and uninstall the gambling apps and block the websites.

Tools and resources that can help

There are various helpful resources that one can keep in use to stop gambling and save money. These tools and resources are financial tools,support organizations and mobile apps. They get to help you to stay on track. The financial tools include the budgeting apps and Nonprofit organizations.

They aid in making a financial recovery plan and manage the debts. They also manage one’s income,expenses and debts. There are support organization groups that one could also join. They are peer-led groups for recovery.

Some of them include GamblersAnonymous, BeGambleware and others. They aim to offer free counsel and practical support. They also provide confidential help and also referrals. One can also get to download mobile apps that will help one to track their urges, moods and habits and also get to block the gambling websites and apps.

This way they will be able to create barriers that prevent them from meeting themselves in gambling activities.

When one quits gambling, there is a probability that they will in one way or the other go back to gambling. Therefore to avoid relapsing here are some of the things that will help you to stay on track. One may consider changing their way of living or doing things. Keeping a journal for example.

Noting down your feelings,progress and urges is one of the ways to achieve emotional release. It also builds self awareness. Another way to stay on track is through focusing on life goals. Try and save up on achieving goals like buying a house, rebuilding relationships with your family members or people that matter to you or even going back to school.

Any goal you need to achieve use it as a motivation. Have a healthy routine. Ensure that you get to have a schedule that has rewarding activities. This will make you have less boredom and idleness. Finally in case of relapse ensure that you seek help and support immediately.

The above strategies are proven to work. They do not only stop you from gambling but instead they help one to have their life back. It is important to concentrate on things that do not give you a chance to think about gambling. Always remember that even though there is always a chance or possibility to change, every decision you make determines the kind of life you truly want to live.