dging your bets on a card game or at the horse track can compromise your financial stability and even ruin your relationships.If you put measures in place to reduce the time and money you spend on gambling, you can free yourself from your gambling habit.Think outside the box to find healthier activities.You will have kicked the habit before you know it, and you will be relieved about your newfound money.
Step 1: There are reasons you need to stop gambling.
You have to decide if quitting gambling will improve your life.When the urge strikes, write down your reasons for wanting to stop.Good reasons to stop include freeing up time with your children, getting out of debt, or saving your marriage or relationships.
Step 2: The urge should be stopped for 15 minutes.
If you get the urge, put your gambling down for a while.After 15 minutes, tell yourself you can do it.You can distract yourself by playing a game on your phone.The urge will likely have passed once your delay period ends.Set a new 15-minute delay if you still want to gamble after the time has elapsed.You will get better at controlling your urge to gamble over time.
Step 3: You can call for support or accountability.
Don't give in to the urge and reach out to a loved one.Ask this person to remind you that gambling is not a good idea.I'm trying to stop gambling.Will you hold me accountable?Some people might be designated to hold you accountable.Agree on times when you can contact them for support, so you don't intrude on any one person's life too much.You can find alternative ideas on how to get support and hold yourself accountable at http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/ if you prefer not to involve your loved ones too much.
Step 4: Put someone else in charge of your money.
If you let go of your financial reins, you won't be able to gamble.Your finances should be in the hands of a partner, parent, or close friend until you get a handle on your gambling problem.Automatic drafts might be set up to pay bills and block spending to gambling sites.
Step 5: It's a good idea to block websites
Deleting the apps and blocking websites will limit your access to gambling opportunities.It's a good idea to avoid forums and social media groups where you can interact with other gamblers.A list of URLs is needed to block sites on your computer.To add blocked sites to your local C drive block list, you must have administrative privileges on the computer.
Step 6: Don't go to the gambling establishments.
Don't visit casinos, tracks, or any other places that cater to gambling.If you don't trust yourself to stay away, tell the operators that you have a problem with gambling and ask them to restrict your entry.If you want your name added to a restricted entry list, you can call the gambling establishment's 1-800 number.You won't be able to receive email and snail mail advertisements.
Step 7: Don't let friends and family members gamble.
If you don't associate with people who you typically gamble with, it will be easier to stop.Spending time with these people can lead to temptation if they aren't trying to stop.It is a good idea to spend time with friends and family who are not interested in gambling to keep it out of your mind.
Step 8: Free time is spent with family and friends.
Someone in your life might feel neglected if you gamble a lot.Don't forget to cultivate your relationships with family and friends.A date with your spouse is one of the things you can do during the time you normally spend gambling.
Step 9: You can do physical activities that will give you a rush.
You can find healthy behaviors that are just as exciting if the thrill makes you gamble.Consider sports like running, basketball, or rock climbing.New exercise routines such as weight- lifting or high-intensity interval training will challenge you.This approach will allow you to experience an endorphin rush while also supporting your health.
Step 10: To cope with boredom, pick up an old hobby.
Is it possible that you stopped enjoying an activity?During your free time, reignite your hobbies to keep yourself busy.Hobbies like gardening, painting, writing, sailing, and restoring furniture can fill your hours.You can use your hobbies to connect with other people.If many of your old friends still gamble, you can link up with people who aren't connected to gambling.Get into a new hobby if you don't want to get back into an old one.It is possible to try something new that you have never tried before.
Step 11: Fight stress with exercises.
A need to escape everyday life stress may have led to your tendency to gamble.Instead of placing bets, start doing relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation.You can keep stress at bay by doing these exercises daily.
Step 12: Put your money to good use.
Think of ways to use your money in a more meaningful way.Automatic drafts from your paycheck will make sure your money goes to savings or investments.You could save or invest for an exciting vacation, retirement, or your child's education.
Step 13: There is a trained addiction specialist.
If you can't quit on your own, see a professional.If you have a problem with gambling, you may benefit from seeing an addiction counselor.You can find an addiction counselor in your area by visiting the counselor directory on the National Council on Problem gambling website.Changing thought patterns that drive you to gamble can be done in therapy.
Step 14: Take medication to address underlying issues.
Gambling may be helping with depression, anxiety, and impulse control disorders.You may be able to make better choices if you take certain medications.If the medications are right for you, talk to your doctor.
Step 15: There is a support group.
A support group like Gamblers Anonymous can help you stop gambling.You can commit to attending meetings as often as you can by looking for groups in your area.Gamblers Anonymous has a website where you can find groups in your area.
Step 16: You can get resources that can help you stop gambling.
The National Council on Problem Gambling can help you overcome your gambling habit.You can find treatment centers for problem gambling in your area on the site.You can learn more at http://www.ncpgambling.org.If you need assistance in the United States or Canada, you can call the NCAP helpline.