How to Quit Gambling

The Effects of Gambling on Your Life

Playing casino games, placing a wager on sporting events and putting money on a lottery- people see as funny and relaxing activity. However, there is a thin line between having fun and developing habit with disastrous consequences. Excessive gambling has 3 negative effects in lives of excessive gamblers:

• Financial problems: spending more than can be afforded, borrowing money and paying out loans to cover gambling debts

• Problems in private life: spending less time with family and friends and conflicts that arise due to spending and loosing money have devastating impact on relationships in social environment.

• Problems at workplace: preoccupation with gambling and difficulties in focusing on tasks have impact on workload and cause end of work activities.

For gambling addiction, 4 types of help are available:

• psychotherapy

• medications

• support groups

• treatment centers.

Therapy

Behavioural and cognitive therapy are proven types of psychological help with gambling addictions. These types of therapy are provided individually or in a group of people with the same problem.

Medications

Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, inhibitors and beta-blockers are used to help gambling addicts deal with the symptoms and conditions that often exist among compulsive gamblers like substance abuse problems, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, digestive and cardiac issues.

Support Groups

People with gambling disorders confirm that talking with recovered gamblers- helps them in their journey to recovery.

Treatment Centers

Inpatient rehabilitation program

Gambling addicts often join rehabilitation programs provided in asylums so they can isolate themselves from the existing social setting where they developed and lead addictive life. Treatment centres with inpatient rehabilitation programmes provide 24/7 care, catering to patients' needs, and along with the necessary medical treatments- represent best combination for physical and mental rehabilitation and resocialization.

How to Deal with Cravings and Urges to Gamble

Feeling the urge to gamble is normal on the road to recovery. But when quitting gambling is a goal and building strong support system is set, it is easier to resist the urge to gamble. When the craving starts to come up, following 3 actions are required:

• Avoid Isolation: When being alone, falling for gambling habit is easy. So, when you feel the urge, contact trusted person or a support group.

• Think of the consequences: When feeling the urge to gamble, visualizing what happens if you give up is possible. Quick pleasure you get from gambling is not worth disappointing both yourself and the people who support you.

• Distract yourself with another activity: Going to the gym, theatre, sports with family and friends or travelling or any other relaxing and creative activity- prevent from thinking about gambling.

How to Deal with Setbacks and Relapses

Setbacks and occasional periods of relapse are possible in recovery process. When it happens, it is important not to despair, as this can also be part of the recovery process.

How to Rebuild your Life after Quitting Gambling

Rebuilding life after quitting gambling is possible with 4 following steps:

• Commit yourself to your relationship with others and yourself with consistency, compassion, and honesty.

• Find a balanced routine to approach daily activities and avoid doing anything in excess.

• Start rebuilding your finances.

• Continue counselling to avoid relapse and reoccurrence of your precarious situation.