Beating Gambling Addiction by Yourself

Also referred to as compulsive gambling, gambling addiction is considered to be a form of impulse-control disorder. Currently, this problem is affecting between 2 and 4 percent of the population. Gamblers affected by this problem continue betting whether they are broke or flush, down or up, depressed or happy. They will continue gambling, even when the odds are against them or even when they cannot afford to lose the bet.

Do I Have a Gambling Addiction?

How do you know that you are addicted to gambling? If the following conditions apply to you, then you are probably addicted to gambling.

• If you take off time from work to gamble
• If you are in debt and are afraid of the debt collectors coming to your house
• If you spend most of your time gambling rather than doing other things
• If you prioritize gambling above other things, including work, hobbies, friends and family
• If you lie to your friends regarding your financial situation
• If you spend more time at the gambling point than your home
• If you are borrowing money to gamble
• If you stole money to gamble
• If you lie about betting online or visiting betting shops
• If you constantly think about betting
• If you still want to go on gambling, even after you have lost the bet
• If you find those close to you start asking whether you were gambling or stop trusting you with money
• If you feel aggressive or agitated when you lose a bet
• If you are thrilled by taking huge gambling risks or you're increasingly taking larger gambling risks
• If you use gambling to escape from feelings of depression, guilt and helplessness or problems
• If you feel remorse and guilt after gambling

If more than six of these conditions apply to you, then you are most likely addicted to gambling.

Basically, gambling addiction kicks in after repeated gambling over a considerable period. However, on rare occasions, the vice will creep in after the first bet. Many people enjoy social gambling for a long period without experiencing any problem, but increased frequency of gambling, coupled with life stresses can turn an otherwise casual gambling into an addiction.

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Is There Any Treatment Available for Gambling Addiction?

Dealing with gambling addiction can be an uphill task as most of the addicts have difficulty admitting their addiction to the vice. Since most of the solution lies in admitting that you are addicted, failing to acknowledge that would make the treatment complicated. Basically, there're two main approaches to combat the addiction.

1. Psychotherapy

Psychological treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and behavior therapy may be used to treat this compulsive betting. With behavior therapy, you make use of systematic exposure to the vice you would like to get rid of–gambling, and learn various skills on how to minimize the urge to gamble. Cognitive behavioral therapy, on the other hand, capitalizes on identifying the negative, irrational and unhealthy beliefs and replacing them with positive and healthy ones.

2. Medications

To treat problems associated with compulsive gambling, you may need to use medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These medications play a major role in dealing with problems like the obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD and depression, associated with gambling addiction. However, medications cannot be used to cure the compulsive gambling itself. Other medications, such as narcotic antagonists, that have been proven to treat substance abuse may also be of help.

What Else Can I Do to Beat a Gambling Addiction?

There're times when you can beat the addiction by yourself if you're really determined to get rid of it. All you have to do is make up your mind, find some distractions and stick to your plan.

1. Find Alternative Ways to Cope With Negative Feelings

Negative feelings, including loneliness, depression, stress and anxiety can either trigger or worsen compulsive gambling. Following an argument with your spouse or a stressful day at work, many people think that an evening at the casino or the track can help them alleviate the negative feelings. There are various considerably cheaper and healthy ways of keeping these negative feelings at bay, such as meditating, exercising, practicing new hobbies, exploring relaxation techniques or meeting with friends. Even after gambling, the problem that drove you to gamble will still remain. As such, it is better to find healthy ways of dealing with stressful situations, rather than gambling.

2. Eliminate Harmful Elements in Your Life

The best way to deal with gambling addiction is to identify the elements of your life that drive you into gambling and replacing them with healthier choices. Some of the elements that may lead you into gambling include:

• Decision: Prior to gambling, you must have made the decision to gamble. If you experience the urge to gamble, you should try to avoid it by stopping what you are doing and maybe calling a friend. Additionally, you should also think of the consequences of gambling.
• Money: Betting cannot happen without money. If you are addicted to the vice, allow someone else to manage your money, including credit cards and always have limited amount of money on you.
• Time: You should also keep yourself occupied to avoid getting free time to gamble.
• Environment: Without a game, there is no bet. Therefore, avoid visiting gambling establishments and locations to avoid the temptation to gamble.

3. Deal With Gambling Cravings

The urge to gamble is normal, as you try to alleviate the vice. This will make it even harder for you as you try to adjust to healthier choices. The following strategies can help you deal with the challenge:

• Get help: If you have the craving, call a trusted friend or family member and meet for coffee or something else.
• Find some diversions: Distract yourself from the thoughts by maybe going to the gym or cleaning the house.
• Postpone gambling: Convince your body that you will go for gambling after some time, as time passes, the urge may disappear.
• Avoid isolation: If loneliness drives you to gamble, create healthy social networks by connecting with old friends and finding new ones.

Although the urge may be hard to overcome, do not be too hard on yourself. Overcoming the addiction is a gradual process. Continue working on these strategies and you will gradually recover.

For more facts on gambling addiction, watch this video