How to Stop Gambling

 

A gambling addiction can damage your relationships, health and financial well-
being. It can also cause stress, depression and anxiety Victory6666. Recognizing you have a

problem is the first step toward recovery, but you must be willing to make major
changes to your life.

It is important to find a strong reason to stop. The reasons can vary, but they may
include the desire to improve your finances, your relationship or your health, or you
might want to escape from your problems by gambling. A strong desire to change
will help you resist temptation and maintain your resolve when urges to gamble
arise.
When you feel an urge to gamble, remember that gambling is harmful and only
causes losses. Write down this reminder on a post-it note and place it somewhere
visible in your home, such as on your bathroom mirror. The more you read this
reminder, the more it will help you remember that you’re not in control of your
decisions when you gamble and that gambling is a waste of money.
You can also create a plan to overcome your gambling problems by identifying and
avoiding triggers. For example, if you find that watching sports triggers the urge to
gamble, consider taking an alternate route to work or turning off the television at
times when you usually watch sports. You might also consider limiting the amount of
cash you carry and getting rid of credit cards. You can also challenge negative
thought patterns like the illusion of control and the gambler’s fallacy, which can
increase compulsive gambling.

Another way to avoid triggers is to fill the void that gambling leaves in your life with
new activities and hobbies. For example, you could volunteer at a hospital or animal
shelter, take up a new sport or find another social activity with non-gambling friends.
You can also use gratitude exercises, such as keeping a daily journal or listing the
things you are thankful for, to release negativity and shift your mindset away from
risky gambling behaviors.
If you or someone you love has a gambling problem, it’s important to get help. Men’s
Health has partnered with Kindbridge Behavioral Health to offer readers 20 percent
off their first therapy session when you book an appointment online using the code
“MensHealth20.” To learn more about how to stop gambling, visit our expert advice
page or contact 1-800-GAMBLER. We’ve also teamed up with the National Council on
Problem Gambling to help you identify a professional counselor in your area. For a
list of centers, click here. You can also text GAMBLER to 247422 to be connected to
a counselor now.