Gambling is an activity that many people enjoy as a fun way to spend their spare time. However, it can also become a problem that can take over a person’s life if it is not dealt with quickly.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help a loved one overcome gambling addiction and get back on track. Here are a few tips to consider:
1. Talk about the problem with someone you trust, like a family member or friend who will not judge your actions.
2. Write your thoughts and feelings down in a gambling diary (a daily log of the times you gamble). It will help you understand your behaviour better and help you decide how to change it next time.
3. Ask for help from a professional.
A gambling therapist can provide you with a range of support and treatments. They can help you manage your thoughts, behaviour and emotions so that you are no longer affected by the urge to gamble.
4. Strengthen your support network, including friends and family members.
Getting help from a gambling therapist can be particularly helpful for someone who has tried to stop and failed. They can help you find a sponsor, a former gambling addict who has experience of remaining free from the habit and can give you invaluable guidance and support during your recovery process.
5. Find a new hobby to keep you busy and give you something to look forward to.
Having a hobby is a great way to fill the gap that gambling has left in your life, and it can also help you to boost your self-esteem.
It will also keep you mentally active and stimulate your brain in a different way. Moreover, a new hobby can also make you feel less guilty about your gambling habits if you are currently struggling with them.
6. Seek help for an underlying mood disorder
Depression, stress and substance abuse can all trigger gambling problems and make it worse. These underlying issues need to be addressed before you can start a recovery program.
7. Rekindle a hobby
If you have a passion for a particular type of music, sport or art, try to find a way to rekindle it. Similarly, if you have a hobby that involves reading or learning, you can try to revive it.
8. Build a new lifestyle
When you are trying to break your gambling habit, you may need to do a lot of work to find a new, healthier way of living. This means that you will need to make changes in your day-to-day lifestyle, and it is important to do so gradually and with patience.
You should start by putting aside money for your new lifestyle, and making sure you don’t spend it all at once. This will reduce your chance of losing all the money you have and ensure you are not tempted to gamble.
10. Control your money and expenses
It is crucial to control your finances, especially if you are a gambling addict. This can be done by limiting your credit card spending, making automatic payments with your bank account, and keeping a limited amount of cash on you at all times.