How to Stop Gambling

Gambling Problem

Gambling is as addictive as any other compulsive behavior. It can also be just as destructive to your finances, your work and your relationships. Stopping means breaking the habit, and there are a few ways to make it easier.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Instructions on How To Stop Gambling

1. Admit that you have a serious problem and that you are unable to stop yourself. Ask for help from friends, family members and counseling services.

2. Remove yourself from situations where you feel tempted to gamble. Don’t hang out with people who encourage you to gamble or attend events where gambling is allowed.

3. Turn over your finances to a trusted third party, and have them receive monies and pay bills on your behalf. Make them promise not to give you money you can use for gambling.

4. Take away anything that makes it possible for you to gamble. If you have lines of credit, cancel them. Have your computer disconnected from the internet if you have fallen into online gambling.

5. Attend a class for people with gambling problems. Support groups can help immensely; try to make a pact to call a friend if you feel the urge to begin gambling again.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a list of all the money you have lost, and post it where you have to look at it daily. This will remind you how bad gambling can be for you, and deter you from returning to your old habits.

• Don’t fool yourself that you can just place one bet. If you have a gambling addiction, one slip can open the door to repeating your past behavior.