If you are struggling with gambling problems, there are a number of things that you can do to help yourself. These include:
Relate to your emotions in healthy ways
Gambling can be used as a way to self-soothe negative feelings, but it is important to remember that this doesn’t always work. There are healthier ways to relieve stress, anxiety, and boredom, such as exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques.
Learn to set limits
Often people who are addicted to gambling are not sure how much they are losing, so it’s important to set a limit. This can be a set amount of money you will lose each week, or a limit on how long you will gamble.
Keep in mind that gambling should be a low-risk activity and not something you expect to win. This will reduce your chances of becoming addicted to it and may also decrease the amount of harm that you cause yourself.
Avoid mixing your gambling with other activities that you enjoy such as drinking or taking drugs. These can lead to addiction or a co-occurring mental health problem.
Get the support you need to break the cycle of gambling
It’s easy to develop a gambling addiction, especially when you haven’t tried it before or don’t know how to resist the urge. This is why it’s so important to find a support network, such as friends, family members or professional counselors who can provide you with information and guidance.
Reach out to others who have been through similar situations and share your experiences with them. This can help you cope with your gambling addiction and give you a fresh perspective on your situation.
Join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous. These groups offer a chance to meet with other people in recovery from a similar problem and receive invaluable support from a trained sponsor.
Be honest with yourself and your family about your gambling habits. This can help you understand the impact it has on your life and make it easier to decide to stop.
Educate yourself about the risks and rewards of gambling
Gambling can be a lot of fun, but it can also have serious consequences. It can damage your health and relationships, and it can get you into trouble with the law and put you in debt.
It can also affect your ability to study or work, and you could be in danger of homelessness if you don’t have the financial resources to pay for treatment.
There are a number of options for treatment and rehab, including inpatient and outpatient programs. Inpatient and residential treatment facilities offer around-the-clock care and can be a great option for those with severe gambling addictions.
Counseling is a valuable tool for addressing gambling issues and laying the foundations for repairing your relationships and finances. Depending on your specific needs, counseling can focus on a variety of issues, including family therapy and marriage, career, and credit counseling.