Like alcoholism and drug addiction, gambling can completely take over your life, both personally and financially. People addicted to gambling get an emotional high from winning at the slots, the poker table or at the racetrack, just as a drug addict gets high from injecting heroin. Solving a gambling problem takes a tremendous amount of willpower, but that's not the only solution available.
Gamblers Anonymous
Just as Alcoholics Anonymous helps people confront their addiction demons, Gamblers Anonymous groups exist all over the world to help people suffering with serious gambling addiction. And, much like Alcoholics Anonymous, this program provides a group setting for gambling addicts to talk about their problems and learn from others in an environment where they won't feel judged. Most Gamblers Anonymous groups use the same 12 steps program as other addiction groups.
Counseling And Therapy
Some compulsive gamblers may opt for counseling or therapy. Personalized therapy helps gamblers get down to the psychological reasons for their addiction, which may help them find unique ways to overcome it and stop gambling. A therapist will usually prescribe certain activities or assignments designed to help gamblers deal with their problem as well as help come up with ways to exercise self-control when they feel the urge to gamble.
Finding A Mentor
Many Gamblers Anonymous groups also offer a mentor program, where a person with a gambling addiction can call on a fellow gambling addict---albeit a recovering one who has maintained control over his addiction---for advice and support on a moment's notice. Mentors have the unique ability to understand a gambler's problems and viewpoints better than a counselor or therapist could.
Relinquishing Control Of Money
In the end, gambling is always centered around money. Without money, you can't gamble. So having someone take control of your money may be a viable solution in addition to seeking help from groups or counseling. A friend or family member can legally be given control over your money in order to pay your bills, eliminating your access to money for the most part. While this approach requires a lot of effort and a serious commitment by both parties involved, it may help curb the desire to gamble long enough to get help and reduce the desire to gamble over time.
