How To Avoid Gambling Addiction: A Useful Guide
The act of gambling is entertaining and could be a money-making venture if you do it right. Many gamblers have made money from this pastime, and while many have been lucky, most players have lost more than they have earned.
This hope of winning big makes it easier for players to slip into gambling addiction while squandering their money away on games that’ll not bring them profit. For instance, while there is a chance to make money from NFL bets or playing online casino games, there are also apparent risks that you could lose big. Things could even get worse if you end up becoming addicted to gambling.
According to the Gambling Addiction Facts and Statistics, about 10 million Americans are addicted to gambling. Although many don’t recognize this problem, it does exist. This article will explain gambling addiction and how you can tackle it.
Table of Contents
What Does Gambling Addiction Mean?
This is a situation that happens when an individual can’t control their gambling activities. It’s normal to enjoy spending money on games that could earn you profit, but it’s dangerous if your pastime slowly transitions to an unhealthy obsession. Gambling becomes unhealthy when you can’t do without it. It affects your relationships, interferes with your job, and lunges you into an unhealthy financial life.
This addiction is a compulsive disorder, meaning it leaves you little to no control over when and how you want to bet. It doesn’t only increase your urge to gamble; it also affects you psychologically. Some of its symptoms include migraine, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, and distress, which may lead to a sense of dependency, and bankruptcy.
However, while it might seem like a never-ending cycle, you can break the loop through some of these tips as long as you discipline yourself to stick by them.
How To Know You Are Addicted To Gambling
It’s difficult coming to terms with a gambling addiction. You may find yourself denying it and arguing it’s just a general love for betting. You can cross-check with these few signs to know if you are addicted:
- You are Ashamed About it
When your casinos’ visit becomes too frequent, and you can’t do without them, you stop talking to others about it. This is because you know it’s terrible and sometimes wishes you could stop. It makes you feel secretive about your gambling activities, leading you to lie to others.
- You Do not Regard Your Financial Status
Suppose you can’t stop wagering, even at the expense of your financial health, you are probably addicted to gambling. This could push you to dig into your family’s savings account, break your daughter’s piggy bank, borrow, and sell your properties.
It’s really an unhealthy situation, and when you notice this pattern, you should try to get help as soon as possible.
- When Everybody Starts Worrying
A gambling addiction hurts everyone around you. Your partner is constantly afraid of you betting away everything you have, your parents will fear you stealing their things, and your friends will get tired of lending you money since you never pay back. When you notice these, it’s probably an indication to start looking for solutions.
- You Can’t Walk Away from a Game
You probably suffer from gambling addiction if you have difficulty throwing the towel in after a severe losing streak. This can make you angry enough to fall prey to the gambler’s fallacy. You can avoid This by playing without emotions. See them as a pastime and nothing more.
Tips To Avoid Gambling Addiction
These are some practical ways to avoid falling into the trap of gambling addiction:
1. Engage in Alternative Activities
There are several activities you can do instead of gambling. Make a list of your favorite things in the world and devote your attention to them. You can engage in any of these activities to stop betting.
You should go to this list when you feel the urge to visit a betting site. Remember that it doesn’t have to be something big; your reasons can be as simple as cooking with your partner, watching TV with your kids, and hanging out with your friends.
2. Join a Support Group
Support groups are an association of people who have overcome their obsession. While they aren’t a medical intervention team, they help you deal with your feelings by talking about them. It also brings you closer to people who fight their urges daily with strong will and dedication, giving you the strength to do the same.
You can consider several support teams, such as the Gamblers Anonymous, and Gordon Moody Therapy Groups. You can join any of these to get support for your healing journey.
3. Enact the Self-Exclusion Gambling Law
The Self-exclusion law allows you to ban yourself from gambling centers. You can ask casinos to exclude you from their establishments and instruct sportsbooks to prevent you from doing business with them.
Self-exclusion can go on for as long as you want, even if you never want to set foot in a gambling house again. This is a crucial attempt at overcoming your addiction as it rids you of any form of distraction. This law also holds legal punishment, like a fine if you breach them. You can even report houses if they let you in to play.
Final Notes
Like any psychological condition, reaching out to family and friends will help prevent or overcome gambling addictions. Family and acquaintances can help you look over your finances, dedicate time to spend with you, and help you walk through your healing process.
Asking for their support doesn’t mean you’re weak, and it doesn’t mean they’ll hate you. It will only help you avoid or get out of the nasty situation. After all, your addiction won’t last forever; as long as you stay dedicated to healing.
