Unhealthy craving for gambling has become a real problem for modern society. The wide opportunities that the Internet gives us help in studying and working, communication, but at the same time they make available many temptations, one of which is betting.
Moderation is good for everything, and sports betting is no exception. An excessive craving for a game, despite the possible negative consequences for a person, is called a gambling addiction or a gaming disorder. And this term is familiar to medical specialists in many countries.
Uncontrolled gambling can lead to a number of unfortunate consequences:
- complete waste of personal, and sometimes other people’s money;
- arising debts;
- crisis in relationships with a partner or spouse, acquaintances and friends;
- emotional distress, up to deep depression.
In general, the problem exists, and it can ruin the life of those who cannot control their craving for the game. In this short article, we will talk about ways to eliminate a gambling disorder and return the course of your life to a normal and healthy course.
To get rid of gambling addiction, you need to go through a path consisting of several important stages, we will consider them in order.
Understanding Addiction
Like many other addicts, over-gamblers deny the very existence of this problem. In their hearts, many of them understand that the matter has long gone beyond the usual hobby, but publicly they furiously continue to deny this problem, they react sharply to possible criticism from others.
There are markers of gambling addiction that clearly indicate its presence in a person’s life, for example:
- you spend more time gambling than you originally intended;
- having to lie to family or friends who are worried about you;
- some of your responsibilities are already suffering because of the passion for the game;
- you have to borrow money to play games or cover other debts.
If at least one of these points can be applied to you, there is a problem. And it can only develop if the addiction is not eliminated in time. It is rightly said that understanding the problem is the beginning of the right path to its solution. Once you recognize your addiction, it’s time to take the next step.
Closing access to gambling
It is important not only to remove applications from your smartphone and block certain sites, but also to highlight the triggers that become (including) a reason to play. For example, many people start playing out of boredom or in the hope of overcoming financial problems, and as a result they significantly exacerbate them.
Do not visit gambling establishments
Not everything in our world has gone online yet, and many bettors play the old fashioned way by filling out paper coupons at bookmakers. Just forbid yourself to appear in these institutions, even for some of the limited time that you have allocated for healing therapy. For example, for three months.
Limit your social circle
It is necessary to exclude communication with friends and acquaintances who also play. Ask not to be invited to events related to betting, do not enter into a dialogue with them about the game and betting results. If it is impossible to stick to the blocking of this topic, just temporarily stop communicating with them.
Financial control
Strict adherence to the budget is the key to success. Perhaps you should involve a trusted person in managing your finances. Share your budget plans with a loved one, give him the funds and ask him to give them back only to cover important and agreed expenses.
Replacing the game with other activities
Finding new hobbies can be a great help in dealing with addiction. Switching attention to something else, radically different from gambling, often becomes a real salvation.
Among such “novelties” there are: practicing certain sports, yoga, walking in the fresh air, incl. hiking, creativity (participation in circles, drawing, singing, writing), involvement in social projects.
Seeking help in a timely manner
The tips we give are good, but sometimes it is very difficult to follow them on your own. You may want to see an addiction specialist for extra motivation and strength to fight.
Participation in specialized support groups also becomes an effective means of healing. Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a great form of group therapy. Support from people with the same problem who are trying to get rid of it is an important and effective factor in your victory over addiction.
Conclusion
In general, this is a short list of points on the path to getting rid of a gaming disorder. Of course, it can be expanded and supplemented, because each case is unique in its own way and there is definitely no single universal recipe.
We have shown only important landmarks, and only a person who will follow this road will be able to specify them. We believe that at the end of the journey you will return to a healthy and normal family environment, finances and a joyful life without gambling addiction.