How to Stop Gambling
Gambling is an activity that involves taking a risk and a chance to win something of value. It can be an exciting way to pass the time, but it should never be used as a substitute for financial planning or savings. There are several types of gambling: – ‘Chance’-based (such as playing the lottery, roulette or bingo) where there is a random outcome and you can’t influence it. Often you can bet large amounts of money, and there’s no guarantee you’ll win.
‘Harmful’ or ‘problem’ gamblers are those who engage in gambling to the extent that it negatively impacts their health, social lives and family relationships. They may also have co-morbidities such as depression or alcohol abuse that increase their vulnerability to problem gambling and may need help.
If you or someone you know is having problems with gambling, there are a number of things you can do to get help. Seek support from family members and professionals. This will make you more aware of the problems gambling can cause and help you take steps to stop it.
Use a structured plan to reduce the amount you spend and keep track of what you’ve won. Don’t go overboard, and don’t take out more than you can afford to lose – it’s better to lose than to get into debt.
Create boundaries for yourself and your finances
If you’re a gambler, it can be difficult to set boundaries around money. You might find yourself tempted to take out more money than you can afford, or worse yet, start borrowing from family and friends in order to fund your gambling habit. Getting a financial coach or debt counselor can help you manage your spending and make sound decisions about where to spend your hard-earned cash.
Be honest about your feelings and behaviours
Having an awareness of what you are doing is the first step to breaking the cycle. You should be honest about the risks, your reasons for gambling, and the impact it has on you and your family. Becoming open about gambling can also help you to identify underlying mood disorders such as anxiety or depression, which might be contributing to your problem gambling.
Be sure to seek help for these issues if they are causing you significant harm. Seeing a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist can help you work through your underlying mood disorders and build coping mechanisms that will prevent the problem from returning.
Consider setting limits for yourself and your family
When a loved one has a problem with gambling, it can feel overwhelming to try to handle it on your own. It’s important to recognise that many people in your life have experienced similar problems and reach out for support. It will give you a greater sense of compassion and understanding for the person who is struggling.
Resolve to quit
When you have a gambling problem, it can be difficult to break the cycle. But, with some hard work and dedication, you can overcome the addiction and get back on your feet.
Gambling is an activity that involves taking a risk and a chance to win something of value. It can be an exciting way to pass the time, but it should never be used as a substitute for financial planning or savings. There are several types of gambling: – ‘Chance’-based (such as playing the lottery, roulette…