What Can You Do To Stop Gambling

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From our knowledge of gambling addiction’s triggers, we know that some people choose to gamble to fill time when they’re bored. Others gamble to avoid problems and frustration. Other problem gamblers choose to gamble as a method of relaxation or a way to celebrate good news.

For a problem gambler in recovery, it is very important to identify other activities that can be done instead of gambling. Below, we look at a few healthy options for individuals looking to avoid gambling.

Heather Berlin, a neuroscientist at Mt. Sinai, says that like drug addicts, problem gamblers are unable to stop gambling even when the behavior becomes destructive. 'They'll do it at the cost of. Think of it this way, $20,000 may seem like a lot to some, it may seem like a lot to you. You don't know what hole you can dig. If you suck at gambling, if you don't understand how. When the compulsion to gamble comes upon you, it makes you forget the reality of how you'll feel when you've lost (and wasted so much time and money). This is a temporary illusion. How hypnosis can help you stop gambling. Overcome Gambling Addiction is an advanced audio hypnosis session that will take the compulsion out of gambling for good.

Boredom & Gambling Addiction Recovery

Many people start gambling to fill up free time they have. Gambling might sound like a good way to pass 30 minutes or an hour, but for people at-risk for problem gambling, this can turn into a serious issue. For recovering problem gamblers, free time and boredom can make them more likely to consider gambling again.

How can you avoid gambling when you have free time or feel bored?

  • Consider creative hobbies you can do instead. Maybe you’ve always wanted to start painting or gardening. Maybe you’ve had a project you’ve wanted to finish in your garage or basement for many years. Find a way to devote your energy to something productive that will result in a creative piece you can share with family members or friends.
  • Consider fitness activities that require your time frequently. Join a local softball team or running club. Even if you’re not very fit now, you can begin training for small community runs or walks, such as charity 5ks.
  • Study. Learn a skill you’ve always wanted to master or study a topic you’ve wanted to understand better. You don’t have to go back to school – see what books you can check out from your local library to educate yourself.

Relaxation, Frustration & Gambling Addiction Recovery

It’s well known that many people gamble to escape frustrating problems at home and at work. By playing repetitive games for long periods of time, people are able to block out thoughts of issues that require their attention and consideration.

What Can You Do To Stop Gambling Money

Trying to escape and ignore problems often creates even bigger problems. We must be prepared to handle issues that come our way, even when frustration, disappointment or stress threaten to make our days very difficult.

How can you keep frustration or stress from making you want to escape? What relaxation techniques can make you better prepared to handle stress?

  • Write. Start a journal that allows you to jot down your fears, your stresses and your problems. Your journal can also allow you to reflect on good days, progress in your gambling addiction recovery, and memories you want to keep a record of. A few minutes of writing every day is therapeutic for many people.
  • Meditate. Whether you meditate at home alone or join a class in your community that teaches relaxation techniques (such as a beginner’s yoga class), learn how to clear your mind and use breathing techniques to relax your body and refresh yourself.
  • Walk. Fitness activities aren’t just great ways to pass time – low-impact exercises such as walking can help you relax, as well. Get outside and enjoy fresh air. Deep breathes and a short walk around the block can release tension. Physical activity during the day can also help you sleep better at night.

Celebration & Gambling Addiction Recovery

People gambling to do more than escape problems – some are gambling on good days, as well. Many people choose to go to casinos, buy lottery tickets or do other gambling activities when they’re in a good mood and looking to continue enjoying their day. Unfortunately, people at-risk for problem gambling and people in recovery can’t gamble as a method of celebration or as a way to spend the day with family members and friends.

What are some positive activities that can be done, instead?

  • Enjoy a trip to a local recreational venue. You might not go to a casino or bar – but what about a family-friendly park or zoo?
  • Volunteer. Find a local organization you can encourage your family members or friends to support with you, and enjoy that time spent with loved ones and strangers while supporting the community.
  • Explore. Where can you hike on a sunny afternoon? Where’s the best place in the city to see the stars at night? Get to know the region you live in better.

Surround yourself with people supportive of your recovery. These people will understand when you can’t go to the casino, won’t bet in an office pool or don’t want to go to the sports bar to watch the game. These people will be able identify many, many ways to spend days and nights without putting your problem gambling recovery in jeopardy.

Are you a recovering problem gambler or professional who works with gambling addiction? What activities do you recommend?

Related Posts

Like other addictions, gambling can be quite compulsive if not checked in time, and can go on to ruin your life. You can lose your job, home, business or family if you are not strong enough to control your impulses.Some people are addicted to sports betting while others are more into brick-and-mortar casinos or online gaming sites. Considered as an impulsive behavioral disorder, gambling addiction is something that is hard to overcome. Part of your mind says “stop,” but as always, the dominant aspect urges you to go on.This, however, must be addressed as soon as possible to prevent any future life crises as a consequence. One way to do so is through self hypnosis. But before you get to the treatment aspect of the problem, you need to get to its root cause.

Top Reasons Why People Gamble

Why do people gamble? Are there certain brain impulses that drive them to bet on a card game or a sports event? While everyone has their own reason to gamble, almost all of them can be traced back to two main causes that account for the urge to gamble.

Biological Impulses

The human brain is responsible for the production of quite a few chemicals. And there is one that stands out – Dopamine! Studies reveal that this very chemical works behind people’s most “sinful” behaviors. Talk about secret cravings, lust, and addiction. It is, indeed, the busiest neurotransmitter of a human brain and the most volatile, too. That is why there are dopamine-inhibiting receptors to balance its presence.

What Can You Do To Stop Gambling

When you have an excess of dopamine, this could easily trigger a chemical imbalance leading to an increased inclination to take risks over and over again. Eventually, this leads to an addictive behavior that is harder to get rid of.

Emotional Responses

It is human nature to take risks. We are born curious, always questioning what lies ahead. We thrive on excitement, anticipation and trepidation. In some way, a person’s emotional responses fuel him to live, to be motivated, and to have a sense of purpose. However, these feelings can become a problem when they go out of control.

Gambling addiction feeds on your emotional responses, or should we say, lack thereof. When you are feeling low or depressed or anxious, winning on a card game or playing slots can give you a high. It induces a sense of achievement and self-worth.

To others, especially those who are living stressful lives, gambling can be their escape route or ticket to enjoyment. It can help ‘mask’ life’s problems hounding them. For people who are craving for success, winning can be perceived as success making them vulnerable to repeat the process over and over again.

What Can You Do To Stop Gambling Losses

An occasional game of roulette is okay, but you need to watch out for the signs which tell you that your penchant for gambling is turning into an addiction.

Signs that Spell Gambling Addiction

The initial part of your therapy should begin with identification. Realizing that you have a gambling addiction will give you a sense of direction in terms of treatment. Here are some signs to look out for:

  • you cannot stop
  • you place bets, losing which puts you in a further sticky situation
  • when you lose, you bet more to the point of selling personal items or avoiding paying bills
  • you become belligerent or defensive about money
  • you isolate yourself from the rest
  • you lose interest in other hobbies or any form of socializing
  • you have incessant thoughts pertaining to gambling
  • you lie and hide it from others
  • you feel elated when risking larger amounts of money
  • you shirk away from responsibilities or relationships
  • you feel depressed and miserable when you can’t gamble
  • you have suicidal thoughts when you cannot gamble

What Can You Do To Stop Gambling Winnings

Indeed, one can effectively stop gambling through self hypnosis. But like any other addiction treatment, it cannot give you results overnight. There will be times that resistance to gambling cravings can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Do not push too hard. Just go with the flow and continue working towards recovery with constant practice of self-hypnosis. By and by, your brain will be ‘rewired’ leading to a much productive life free of any gambling addiction.