M
Mike_25
Guest
Kicking a gambling habit ain't easy, but it can be done. If losing money and time to the casinos has gotten out of control, here are some thoughts on how to walk away from the tables and machines for good:
Avoid temptation by staying away from any place that triggers the urge to gamble. If casinos are in your regular hangouts, find new places to go have fun with friends that don't revolve around gambling. Out of sight is out of mind, so eliminate anything that sparks the desire to gamble whenever possible.
Fill your time with other rewarding stuff. When you'd normally gamble, occupy yourself with hobbies, sports, hanging out with family, volunteering—anything you enjoy that ain't gambling. Keep busy and you won't dwell on cravings or think as much about what you're missing.
Deal with the root causes that drive you to gamble. If you gamble to escape stress, anxiety, or depression, find healthier ways to cope like exercise or meditation. Seek professional help if emotional or mental health issues are ongoing struggles. Solving underlying problems can cut down temptations.
Let friends and family support your goal to quit. Tell people close to you that you want to stop gambling so they can check-in on your progress and be there to encourage you. Consider joining a support group to stay accountable too. Having help makes stopping easier versus trying alone.
Use barriers to avoid slip-ups. If willpower alone is challenging, block access to money or gambling websites/apps and other practical steps. The more you can put between you and gambling, the better. While staying committed to your goal is key, additional boundaries help avoid relapsing in weak moments.
Keep your eye on the prize of a gamble-free life. Remember how much better things will be without gambling issues and losses. Achieving a life where gambling's no longer in the picture and its impacts are in the past can be powerful motivation to persist against cravings or setbacks. Freedom from gambling is worth fighting for, and committing to stop can lead to success.
Avoid temptation by staying away from any place that triggers the urge to gamble. If casinos are in your regular hangouts, find new places to go have fun with friends that don't revolve around gambling. Out of sight is out of mind, so eliminate anything that sparks the desire to gamble whenever possible.
Fill your time with other rewarding stuff. When you'd normally gamble, occupy yourself with hobbies, sports, hanging out with family, volunteering—anything you enjoy that ain't gambling. Keep busy and you won't dwell on cravings or think as much about what you're missing.
Deal with the root causes that drive you to gamble. If you gamble to escape stress, anxiety, or depression, find healthier ways to cope like exercise or meditation. Seek professional help if emotional or mental health issues are ongoing struggles. Solving underlying problems can cut down temptations.
Let friends and family support your goal to quit. Tell people close to you that you want to stop gambling so they can check-in on your progress and be there to encourage you. Consider joining a support group to stay accountable too. Having help makes stopping easier versus trying alone.
Use barriers to avoid slip-ups. If willpower alone is challenging, block access to money or gambling websites/apps and other practical steps. The more you can put between you and gambling, the better. While staying committed to your goal is key, additional boundaries help avoid relapsing in weak moments.
Keep your eye on the prize of a gamble-free life. Remember how much better things will be without gambling issues and losses. Achieving a life where gambling's no longer in the picture and its impacts are in the past can be powerful motivation to persist against cravings or setbacks. Freedom from gambling is worth fighting for, and committing to stop can lead to success.
