1. Get Counseling
Counseling is very effective at helping people beat gambling addictions. Regular visits with counselors help gambling addicts discover their own uniquely personal reasons for being addicted. More importantly, the counselor then gives the addict the tools he needs to raise his self-esteem and establish greater self-control, both of which are necessary to avoid gambling in the future. Most gambling addicts become addicted to the adrenaline rush and sense of excitement that come with gambling. A counselor will help an addict discover alternative, non-destructive ways to obtain pleasure and help him be able to cope with periods of downtime in his life without growing restless.
2. Attend Group Meetings
Gamblers Anonymous is a good resource for anyone who has a gambling addiction. This group meets regularly in most communities and is free to join. People who have gambling problems or who have overcome them go to these meetings on a regular basis to exchange personal stories with other group members and to offer advice and support to those currently struggling with the addiction. Hearing the stories of others who have had the problem and overcame it is extremely helpful in battling the ongoing temptation to go out and gamble. Many people develop a feeling of accountability to other members of the group and dread the prospect of having to explain to the group why a relapse occurred. This is another deterrent against future gambling.
3. Try Hypnosis
Hypnosis is very effective as a treatment for gambling for many people. In hypnosis, you are put into a deep state of relaxation, which induces a trance. During the trance, you either listen to a hypnosis CD or to a certified hypnotherapist. The CD or hypnotherapist will walk you through your addiction, discovering its origins and the reasons you keep gambling, and leading you to solutions to break the hold it has over you and develop the willpower to avoid gambling in the future. Success with hypnosis depends on your openness to the technique, and usually takes several days to several weeks to bring about a permanent change in your habits.
