How to Get Rid of a Gambling Problem

Overview

Gambling becomes a problem when it interferes with other areas of your life, report researchers at the National Council on Problem Gambling. Also referred to as compulsive gambling, a gambling problem is an addiction that affects your mental and physical health, finances, work and relationships. The condition is characterized by an increasing desire to spend time gambling, taking more and more of your resources. When not gambling, the gambler becomes irritable and restless and continues with the behavior despite the consequences. There are a number of steps you can take to get rid of a gambling problem.

Step 1

Admit that you have a problem. Doctors at the American Academy of Family Physicians report that the first step to recovery is to bring your secret out in the open and tell your family and friends about your behaviors and how they are affecting you. Friends can be supportive and find their own support groups if necessary to deal with the ramifications of your disease.

Step 2

Consider going into outpatient or inpatient treatment for the problem. There are trained counselors, certified through the state certification boards, who work exclusively with gamblers and are available through a number of treatment programs, which can be accessed through the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Step 3

Join a local support group such as Gamblers Anonymous where other recovering gamblers support each other at regular meetings. They learn how to control their impulses and to cope with the urge to gamble. At meetings, members share their own experiences, which can help new members find ways to beat the addiction.