Gambling addiction, also called compulsive gambling, is a behaviour that is affected nearly 2.6 per cent that is 10 million of the US population alone.
Compulsive gambling or gambling addiction in pro gamblers is a behaviour that leads to problematic gambling that causes stress and other underlying behaviours in people. Although many online, as well as offline casinos, have taken necessary measures to help people suffering from a gambling addiction, there is still an ocean of them who are suffering daily. Here are some useful tips to prevent gambling addiction.
Understanding the problem
If you cannot understand what is going wrong, within or around you, then you will not be able to fix it. Hence, understanding the gambling problem is of utmost importance, especially learning and admitting to your friends and family about gambling problems. Some of the sure-shot signs of gambling addiction are:
- Gambling every day with more massive amounts of money with the greed of winning big
- Restlessness or irritability when you do not gamble
- An increased behaviour of lying when you have to gamble
- Need for financial support
- Loss of interest in any normal activities
Support groups
If you happen to predict or witness any of the signs mentioned above, in your day-to-day life and witness it hampering your activities, then it is time to seek help from professionals. Support groups are the best way to find help. You can either visit them personally or join online platforms and chat rooms that help in the interaction with the necessary professionals and also people suffering from the same behaviours.
Avoiding temptation
Gambling is not an activity; it is a temptation. For instance, If you love sugar, then you’re always tempted to eat something that contains sugar and as the days pass by, you find yourself craving for more sugar until you realize you have diabetes. In the same way, gambling is a temptation and craving that increases every passing day, if not controlled in the right way. Although it might be difficult in the initial phases, avoiding, people, places, images and videos of gambling can significantly affect your behaviour in the positive direction and help you curb these temptations. Find an activity that you love and replace your gambling time by doing this activity that can bring peace and sanity to mind.
Think about the consequences
Every act has its consequences. Shame and guilt of addiction are two of the primary emotions that have triggered people in the past to return to their compulsive behaviour. However, on the right levels, they can also motivate you into turning into a completely new and different person. Thinking about the consequences can prevent this act of repulsive behaviour and also help in avoiding gambling in the future. Think about:
- The times you’ve lied to people to spend time gambling
- The precious time you’ve lost in gambling
- Financial hardships and the concern for future
