How to Prevent a Gambling Problem

Gambling at casinos is just one form of addiction.

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 1 percent of the U.S. population fit the description of a pathological gambler in any given year, and 2 to 3 percent have problems stemming from gambling behavior. An increasing preoccupation with gambling and the need to gamble more money, more often are both signs that gambling has become a problem. A gambling addiction doesn't just affect the addict and his finances, it also affects his relationship with family and friends and interferes with responsibilities at home and at work.

Instructions

1. Accept the fact that you have a gambling problem. According to the "Gamblers Anonymous" website, the first step toward overcoming a gambling illness is admitting it. If you start noticing the increasing urge to gamble, you should catch and treat it early to prevent it becoming a bigger problem.

2. Avoid locations and environments that can tempt you to gamble. Avoiding casinos will keep you from gambling. Avoid friends that encourage you to gamble. Stay away from the Internet, because online gambling can also become habit forming.

3. Put someone else in charge of your money and get rid of your credit cards. If you don't have any money, you cannot gamble. Keep a limited amount of money on you at all times and instruct your bank to make automated bill payments, if necessary.

4. Distract yourself by occupying yourself with other activities. Whenever the urge comes up to gamble, focus on doing other things. You can clean the house or go work out at the gym. You cannot gamble if you don't have the time to gamble.

5. Think about your actions before going gambling. Visualize how you feel afterward, when all your money is gone. Think of the consequences and all the people you will disappoint, including yourself.

6. Seek professional help as soon as you notice that gambling is becoming problematic. Treatment centers and programs for gambling addicts can be found nationwide (See Resources). According to the "Treatment Centers" website, gambling addictions are best treated when addressed during the winning stage -- when gambling is still fun and not experienced as problematic.

References

• National Council On Problematic Gambling: FAQ - Problem Gamblers
• Gamblers Anonymous: Questions And Answers
• Help Guide: Gambling Addiction And Problem Gambling
• Treatment Centers: Gambling Addiction Treatment

Resources

• Treatment Centers: Treatment Center Directory