Welcome to our blog post on “Gambling – how to regain control”. Gambling is a popular pastime that offers the chance to win big, but it can also become an addiction that leads to financial ruin and other negative consequences. If you or someone you know has lost control of their gambling habits, this post is for you.

We’ll explore effective strategies for regaining control and overcoming problem gambling. So buckle up and get ready to learn how to take back your life from the grip of gambling addiction!

Strategies for change

When it comes to gambling, making changes can be difficult. However, it is possible to regain control of your gambling habits. Here are some strategies for change:

Set limits on how much you’re willing to spend and stick to them. This may involve setting a budget for yourself or using a pre-paid card that only allows you to spend a certain amount of money.

Choose activities that don’t involve gambling. If you’re used to gambling as a form of entertainment, find other things to do instead. This could include going for walks, seeing friends, or taking up a new hobby.

Talk to someone about your gambling. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor. Talking about your problem can help you better understand it and find ways to overcome it.

Self-exclusion

If you find that you can no longer control your gambling, self-exclusion might be the best option for you. Self-exclusion is a process where you voluntarily ban yourself from gambling establishments and online gambling sites. This means that you will not be able to gamble at all during the self-exclusion period.

Self-exclusion can be a difficult decision to make, but it is often the best choice for people who have lost control of their gambling. If you are ready to take this step, there are a few things you need to do in order to get started.

First, you need to contact the customer support team of the gambling establishment or online gambling site that you want to be excluded from. They will help you set up your self-exclusion account and provide you with information on how long the exclusion period will last.

Next, you need to make sure that you do not have any money in your account with the gambling establishment or online gambling site. This means withdrawing any funds that you have and closing your account.

Finally, you need to make sure that you do not access any other gambling accounts during your self-exclusion period. This includes accounts at other establishments or sites, as well as any friends’ or family members’ accounts that you might have access to.

Self-exclusion is a serious decision, but it can be very helpful for people who have lost control of their gambling.

Gambling – how to regain control

Gambler’s Help

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there is help available.

There are a number of organizations that can offer help and support to those affected by gambling problems. These include:

Gamblers Anonymous UK: A 12-step recovery program for people who have a gambling problem.

The National Problem Gambling Clinic: A specialist NHS service for people with severe gambling problems.

GamCare: Provides free information, support, and counseling for anyone affected by gambling problems in the UK. It also runs the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.

Gordon Moody Association: A charity that provides residential treatment programs for people with gambling problems, as well as support and advice for their families and friends.

Talk about lying

While it may be difficult to admit, lying is a common occurrence in gambling. Whether it’s telling yourself you can afford to lose more money than you actually can, or hiding your gambling behaviors from loved ones, lying is often used as a coping mechanism for gambling addiction.

If you’re struggling with lying in relation to your gambling, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can assist you in exploring the root causes of your lying and help you develop healthy coping mechanisms. In addition, support groups like Gamblers Anonymous offer accountability and peer support that can be invaluable in overcoming gambling addiction.

Relax and look after yourself

It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of gambling, especially when you’re winning. But it’s important to remember that gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. So, if you find yourself losing more than you can afford to, or if gambling is causing you stress or anxiety, it’s time to take a break.

There are plenty of other ways to have fun and relax, so don’t feel like you have to gamble. Take some time for yourself – go for a walk, read a book, or watch a movie. And if you’re feeling really stressed out, talk to someone who can help, like a friend or family member, or a counselor.

Prepare for a lapse

Most people who gamble do so without experiencing any problems. However, for some people gambling can become a serious problem. If you feel that you are losing control of your gambling, there are a number of things that you can do to regain control.

The first step is to recognize that you have a problem. This can be difficult, as gambling is often seen as a fun and harmless activity. However, if it is impacting your life in a negative way, then it is time to take action.

Once you have recognized that you have a problem, the next step is to seek help. There are many organizations out there that can provide support and advice. Gamblers Anonymous is one such organization, and they offer confidential meetings where you can share your experiences with others who understand what you are going through.

If you want to stop gambling altogether, then there are a number of things that you can do to help yourself. You could set up some financial limits for yourself, such as only spending what you can afford to lose. It can also be helpful to close down any accounts that you have with online gambling sites.

Finally, it is important to remember that relapses happen. If you do relapse after taking steps to regain control, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just pick yourself up and carry on with your journey to recovery.

What to do if you feel like gambling

If you feel like gambling, the best thing to do is to take a step back and reassess your relationship with gambling. Are you gambling for fun or are you gambling to make money? If you find that you’re gambling to make money, then it’s time to step back and reassess your priorities. Gambling should be a fun activity, not a way to make money.

If you’re gambling for fun, then there’s no need to worry. However, if you find that you’re starting to spend more money on gambling than you can afford, then it’s time to cut back. Start by setting a budget for your gambling activities and stick to it. Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose. If you find yourself getting too emotionally attached to your winnings or losses, then it’s time to walk away.

Gambling can be a fun way to pass the time, but it’s important to stay in control of your spending. If you have any concerns about your gambling habits, please seek professional help.

Final Notes

If gambling has become a problem for you, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. There are many organizations that can offer support and advice, including Gamblers Anonymous, National Gambling Helpline, and Gamcare.

It is also important to take action to regain control of your finances. This may include speaking to your bank or creditors and making a budget.

If you are struggling to stop gambling, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Help is available, and with the right support, you can overcome this problem.