There are people who are able to stay on top of their gambling passions, without letting it get out of control. But a person can very easily fall down a slippery slope into addiction when gambling. Some people just can’t resist the urge, so they compulsively spend money on gambling every day, or go on binges. They want to stop, but the temptation is just too overwhelming, so they keep falling back into gambling.
Most problem gamblers won’t admit that they have a problem. In fact, people who suffer from gambling addictions often lie about their habits or try to hide them from others. They fall into debts, neglect or mistreat their families, and lose their jobs. These are the most common warning signs of gambling addiction, and it’s important to identify them, so you can take the necessary steps towards recovery. Gambling addiction is very treatable once the problem has been identified. Professional counselling can help solve this destructive habit and help individuals regain control over their lives.
Seek Professional Help
The first step in the recovery process from gambling addiction is seeking professional help. Help from a professional counsellor will help to determine which level of care is appropriate for the individual, and which recovery services should be used in the treatment program.
A therapist will let the patient know that they have a gambling problem which needs to be addressed, rather than taking the condemnatory approach which would only alienate the patient. Regardless of whether the patient is being honest about its gambling addictions, they still need professional help in the form of concrete solutions presented in a friendly and open way.
Check-In for Rehab
Rehabilitation is the best way to overcome problem gambling. These programs are usually aimed towards those with a severe gambling addiction who are unable to resist the urge without round-the-clock support. Many people who have been suffering from gambling addiction for years and were unable to fix the issue can get the help they need in rehab and learn how to manage their compulsive behavior. Having a 24-hour supervisor can be useful, as these professionals can help you get back on track by giving you constant support in your efforts to stop gambling.
It has been proven that psychological and pharmacological treatment is effective with compulsive gamblers. Group therapy sessions could also prove helpful, as you would be working alongside supportive peers who are struggling to overcome the same issues.
There are also numerous support groups which can be found through national and third-party helplines such as GamStop, GamCare, Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous (UK), and NHS Choices. Compulsive gamblers respond positively to the cognitive-behavioral therapy, as it teaches the patient how to change habits through some relapse prevention skills, as well as how to identify the underlying cause of addiction.
Some compulsive gamblers respond well to narcotic antagonists — drugs used to treat drug addiction. Certain anti-gambling specialists also recommend mood stabilizer medications and antidepressants. Some mental illnesses and gambling frequently co-occur. Individuals with problem gambling habits frequently develop depression, ADHD, OCD, or bipolar disorder. So, therapy or medication which is used to treat these conditions may help you overcome the addiction.
The majority of problem gamblers fall deeper and deeper into the addiction, thinking that their disorder is untreatable. All gamblers must realize that there are preventive measures that can be taken to avoid getting to that point. By gambling responsibly, gambling addiction and all the associated problems can be easily avoided.
Here are some tips for gambling safely and responsibly.
Bankroll Management
Gambling can be fun, but if it becomes compulsive, things could quickly get out of control. The situation gets worse when you start chasing the money you lost, as chasing losses almost always results in more losses. Consequently, this leads to more chasing, and the vicious circle may be impossible to break. You must come up with a budget plan and always stick to it. No matter how compelled you may get to recover the losses, you should stop immediately once you reach your average gambling budget. You can always come back another day, once you get your mind straight. Playing with lower deposit amounts can also help in achieving a balance with finances.
Play With Cash Only
Using cash for gambling will come in handy, as you gain control over your finances. Take only the amount of cash you can handle losing, and leave your bank cards at home. The more money you have at your disposal, the bigger the temptation to chase down losses will be. However, the moment you realize that the cash you brought with yourself for gambling is spent, you’ll be forced to stop. Read this page for advice on how to prolong your gameplay.
Get Familiarized with the Games You’re Playing
Sometimes, gamblers keep losing money on games they don’t even understand, desperately trying to get better at them. The more you know about the game, the higher the chances you’ll have of winning something. By learning the gameplay, you’ll turn from a person who relies purely on luck into someone who makes informed gambling decisions.
Bring Your Pals with You
When playing at a casino, it’s advisable to bring your friends to keep your company on your gambling adventures. That way, you’ll have someone who will tell you when you step out of boundaries and help you resist the urge to spend more money.
Know When It’s Time to Take a Break
One of the fundamentals of controlled casino gaming is knowing when to quit. I cannot emphasize enough just how significant this ability to be self-aware about your gambling is. All the casino professionals are able to recognize when it’s time to take a complete break away from the table. You can use the break productively and re-evaluate your spending and your limits.