How to Stop Gambling for Good

Compulsive gambling is a serious addiction that may require professional help. Considering that the addiction involves losing a lot of money, residual damage may include the loss of close personal relationships and material belongings. Recovering from gambling addiction is a lifelong process. In order to ensure that individuals don't relapse, take several precautions through therapy, new habits and activities.

Instructions

• 1

  Seek professional treatment for gambling addiction. Depending on the severity of the gambling addiction, one method of treatment may be more sufficient than another. In extreme cases, enter a residential treatment program. The program provides an environment with specialized personnel that will assist you with your gambling problem. With interdisciplinary services available 24 hours a day, the residential program will provide the most troubled gamblers with the assistance they need to overcome addiction. Troubled gamblers not ready to commit to entering a residential facility should instead participate an impatient treatment program. Impatient treatment programs 24 hour coordinated and integrated services in hospitals. The protective environment allows specialists to deliver a specialized approach to recovery. The approach may include medical stabilization and support, treatment for psychiatric or addictive disorders, and supervision. Visit the National Council on Problem Gambling's website for a comprehensive list of resources available to individuals per state (see Resources). To receive additional advice or treatment referrals, call the Council's confidential hot line at 1-800-522-4700.

• 2

  Avoid opportunities to gamble. In order to minimize the possibility of relapsing into a state of compulsive gambling, reduce the chances of getting involved in gambling activities. If the majority of your gambling occurred from online betting and game play, cancel your Internet subscription indefinitely--until you and your specialist feel comfortable about your recovery progress. Living in an area that permits legal gambling may also provide strong urges to participate. If possible, relocate to a state or area that prohibits gambling. Also alert friends and family members of your decision to seek help. Do not attend social gatherings with them if they center around gambling, in order to reduce your exposure to those activities.

• 3

  Replace gambling with healthy activities. Gambling usually serves as a vital function in a compulsive gambler's life. Some individuals gamble to relieve stress or boredom, while others do it for excitement or as a general hobby. Reconnect with activities you enjoyed in the past, or attempt new things to help preoccupy your mind. Recreational activities such as exercising and sports are good and healthy distractions that contain several physical benefits. Learning to cook, reading books, and taking up arts and crafts are other activities that should be considered to replace gambling activity. Make sure that you put forward the same effort into your replacement activities as you did to your gambling play.

• 4

  Limit your access to money. If your finances are readily available, you may face significant losses in the event of a relapse. Take steps to block access to money, in order to successfully limit the possibility of gambling again. Voluntarily give financial control to your spouse or guardian to provide protection for your money. On a daily basis, only carry a small of money, suitable for minor purchases. In severe cases, cancel credit cards to remove the temptation to gamble.