How to Stop Gambling

Overview

Gambling is enjoyable as an occasional pastime, but when it controls your finances, your family and your life, gambling becomes dangerous. Gambling addiction is an illness as dangerous as any other addiction, and may require time, willpower and professional help to stop. Get a handle on your gambling and learn to stop before it controls you.

Step 1

Determine whether you have a gambling problem or a gambling addiction. If you are secretive about your gambling and how much you spend, can't walk away from a gambling table unless you've spent all your money, gamble although you have no money, or your family or friends have mentioned they are worried about your gambling, you have a gambling problem. The sooner you admit your problem, the sooner you can take the steps to fix it.

Step 2

Call the National Council on Problem Gambling at (800) 522-4700, or another gambling hotline you trust. The representatives can talk you away from the gambling table, give you a referral for specialists to see in your area, and discuss financial problems with you.

Step 3

Get therapy for compulsive gambling. A therapist who specializes in gambling addiction can help you understand why you choose to gamble and why gambling has such a power over you. He can help you make the right choices in order to gain control of your addiction and keep from gambling in the future.

Step 4

Join Gambler's Anonymous. Gambler's Anonymous is a support group for individuals coping with gambling addictions. To find out where the support group meets in your area, call Gambler's Anonymous (see Resources).

Step 5

Watch TV, go out with friends, see a movie or do chores when you're feeling a gambling craving. As you avoid your urges, they will become easier to ignore. Eventually, the urge to gamble will not occur on an everyday basis.