In this digital age, it’s very easy to engage in gambling due to the emergence of reputable online casinos. Many people from all walks of life now prefer visiting casinos like Moon Games casino on their smartphones to a brick and mortar casino.
There is hardly anyone that starts playing games with a plan to encounter gambling problems later on. It happens gradually and can even affect a gambler’s finances, career, health or lead to legal issues when left unchecked.
Signs of gambling addiction
Apart from investing more money and time into gambling, here are other signs which indicate that you or your loved one has a serious gambling disorder.
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Gambling is now a priority
Pathological gamblers usually engage in gambling to the point where it starts affecting their relationship with friends and family members. As time goes on, they may start losing interest in their favorite activities and will rarely spend precious time with their loved ones.
Most of them have tried to stop at one time or the other but find it difficult. An addict can gamble with his life savings or funds set aside for other important things like tuition, mortgage and food. In fact, he may resort to borrowing money from others or stealing.
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You’re secretive about gambling
It’s quite common for people with gambling disorders to have the urge to hide certain things or lie about their gambling activities. However, those who gamble for fun are always honest about their gambling habits and rarely play online casino games in secret.
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It has become a quick fix for problems
Many gamblers constantly turn to gambling in order to escape from unpleasant situations and emotions. Truth be told, some of them engage in this act unconsciously. It goes without saying that pathological gambling only complicates issues.
Ways to stop gambling addiction
Just like any other addiction, it’s possible for problem gamblers to stop totally. Let’s take a look at how to overcome gambling addiction.
Start treatment on time
The first step to gaining freedom from gambling disorders is to accept that you have an issue. This is the aspect that most addicts often find daunting. As a result, it prevents them from seeking help promptly. According to experts, treatment may be ineffective if the addict is still in denial. You are ready to start your recovery journey as soon as you take this bold step.
Get in touch with a therapist
Although your doctor can provide information about different treatment options that include rehab programs and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you still need therapy. Working with a therapist is the surest way to speed up the recovery process and have a lasting solution. During the sessions, he will help you to discover any underlying issue and the root cause of the addiction such as stress, anxiety or depression.
Different problems such as broken relationships often accompany gambling addiction. Going for therapy is an effective way to solve these issues. In addition, therapists assist in developing coping skills for avoiding relapses. The certified ones are aware that each patient is unique. Therefore, they make sure that a personalized recovery program is provided for each patient.
Join a support group
Battling addiction on your own can be very difficult. The good thing is that there are different support groups online and offline. These groups usually comprise of people who are already free from addiction and recovering addicts. As they share their stories, you will be able to learn a thing or two and you won’t feel alone.
Aside from the physical aspect of healing, you can also get emotional assistance from others. Endeavor to participate actively in the groups.
Develop healthy habits
It’s necessary to replace gambling with healthy habits and activities that you’re really interested in. Engaging in exercise, volunteering, listening to music or participating in a sports team are just some of the ways to become stronger. Perhaps you have passion for art, put your energy into it. Once the urge to start gambling sets in, remind yourself about the consequences of the act.
You can also create a flexible schedule that excludes gambling. Acquiring valuable resources that include books on gambling addiction can expose you to different types of gambling and how to cope. It’s advisable to take advantage of websites, blogs and forums that are designed for gambling addicts too. The bottom line is to understand what works for you and stick to it.
Recognize triggers
Each addict has a peculiar set of factors that triggers gambling. Try as much as possible to stay away from environments and friends that can drive you to engage in the act. Stress is another thing that must be handled adequately.
Gamblers are often advised against taking drugs or alcohol when playing online casino games. This is because it can impair their judgment and result in making poor decisions that they may regret in the future.
Maximize online tools
A great number of online casinos make provisions for problem gamblers, especially the ones that adhere strictly to local gambling laws. You can contact the casino for assistance and most of them will be willing to help. They won’t allow you to gain access into any of their gambling services for a specific period of time. There is also free software that can be installed on your PC or mobile device to block blacklisted sites.
Enlist the help of family members or friends
Asking for assistance from your friends and family members can really go a long way during the recovery process. They will be enlightened on the best ways to help you overcome the addiction instead of encouraging it during family therapy sessions.
More so, they are often advised on the right ways to keep triggers at bay. You can even decide to entrust your funds into the hands of a trusted friend or advisor for a while. This approach can minimize the chances of squandering your hard-earned money on impulsive gambling.
