Commercial gambling is a $92 billion dollar industry, says the American Gaming Association, and the glamor and excitement can easily persuade you to visit a casino or race track now and again. But if your occasional gambling soon becomes a way of life and you have slowly seen gambling damage your relationships and threaten your financial stability, it's time to stop. Fighting gambling addiction isn't easy, but reforming your behavior and substituting activities, with the help of family and friends, can see you on the path to recovery.
Set Short-Term Goals
Setting short-term goals for yourself can give you small, easy-to-reach milestones that give you the confidence and courage to carry on, says the Better Health Channel. For instance, you might make a goal to get to the weekend without gambling. Once you reach that goal, set another and another as you slowly distance yourself away from the world of gambling. If you don't reach a goal, don't use it to justify more gambling. Instead, recommit yourself to the procedure and try again.
Find Support
Joining a community of recovering gamblers can give you the resources and support you need to end your habit. Gamblers Anonymous is available in every state, according to the GA website. There, you'll talk to other gamblers and learn strategies that have worked for them. Finding support can also help you to feel accountable to someone for your habit. If you aren't comfortable with a formal group setting, try an online community, or ask your family for help; you shouldn't have to battle your addiction alone.
Hand Over the Money
Cutting yourself off from the funds that you use to gamble can siphon off your ability to go to the casino. Ask someone that you trust to monitor your money for you by getting rid of bank and credit cards and allowing only the person you trust access to the account. Giving someone else the responsibility takes it out of your hands, says HelpGuide.org, so that when you feel weak and threaten to relapse, you simply don't have the money to accomplish it. When you do recover, you can slowly regain access to your funds.
Plan Alternatives
Spending time with your family and planning alternative activities can keep you far away from the casino and make it nearly impossible to find ways to gamble via phone or Internet. Distract yourself by spending time with those who don't gamble and promote better pastimes, like family trips and outdoor activities. Your family can help remind you why you're recovering from your gambling addiction and help you see that gambling isn't the only way to enjoy your time.
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