Tips on How to Manage Gambling Addiction an Open Discussion.

[BitcoinPanther]

Gambling is one of the best ways for relaxation but the after-effects of exposure to gambling might turn out to be a disaster.  People who are hooked on gambling might develop a compulsive gambling disorder and might find it difficult to recover from it. Luckily an article[1] I stumbled while surfing the internet have some tips on how to Manage Gambling addiction if not recover from it.  This is an open discussion so it would be great if you will also give personal input or tips on how to recover from gambling addiction.

Btw, here are some of the list of the Gambling Addiction Thread in this Forum, feel free to visit the thread discussion.

• Recognizing Gambling Disorders, Symptoms of Severe Gambling Addiction
• Where to seek help if you need; concerned with gambling addiction.
• Right time for gambling addicts to come out of addiction?
• Gambling Addiction at its Worst!
• Assess your gambling addiction level.
• Helpful books for gambling addiction treatment

Now back to the topic,  before we go on we should first define what is gambling addiction.  So from the definition:

What is Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a progressive addiction[2] that can have many negative psychological, physical, and social repercussions. It is classed as an impulse-control disorder.[3]

Another definition is:
Gambling addiction—also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling or gambling disorder—is an impulse-control disorder. If you’re a compulsive gambler, you can’t control the impulse to gamble, even when it has negative consequences for you or your loved ones. You’ll gamble whether you’re up or down, broke or flush, and you’ll keep gambling regardless of the consequences—even when you know that the odds are against you or you can’t afford to lose.[1]

In order to address gambling addiction, the player must identify if he has the signs of the gambling addiction.  He can then check if he experiences any on the list of the sign of gambling addiction.  It was stated that if ever a player experience at least 4 of the symptoms, he might have a compulsive gambling disorder.

Signs of Gambling Addiction:

Diagnosis
A diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during the past year:

• Need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the desired excitement.
• Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling.
• Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling or planning future gambling).
• Often gambling when feeling distressed.
• After losing money gambling, often returning to get even. (This is referred to as "chasing" one's losses.)
• Lying to hide gambling activity.
• Risking or losing a close relationship, a job, or a school or job opportunity because of gambling.
• Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling

source: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder

Here is the process of treating Gambling Problems or at least Manage the Gambling addiction:

Admit to Have a Gambling Problem
Once we identify that we had those signs, we must admit that we have a gambling problem so that it will be easier to process a recovery therapy.  Denial won't help because it will only block all the medications needed to recover from gambling addiction.  One we admit the problem, it is the best time to seek help from professionals who specialized in this kind of addiction.

Remember That Gambling Addiction Can Be Cured

In the past, gambling addiction would be associated with down-on-their-luck no-goods who would waste their money and time. However, today we all know that gambling addiction can be cured, or at the very least -managed.
This means that there is no reason for you not to seek help when you need it. Acknowledging that you have a problem is your way out. But why seek professional help? We now have research that offers proof that we can quit gambling addiction only if we have a controlled environment.
While the therapies that gambling addicts are put through are never invasive, they are extremely helpful. Most of them are based on the idea that your “passion” for gambling can be channeled in a new, more constructive direction.
Addicts do not get fully well throughout their entire lifetime, but with consistent oversight, self-restraint, and even at the cost of small relapses, addiction can be treated, and eventually minimized or completely remedied. So, the answer to the question of can gambling addiction be cured is a resounding yes!
Seek gambling addiction treatment in your area and know that the money you would potentially spend on a good clinic will be worth it and you will walk away from a changed person

Do Not Quit Gambling Cold Turkey
If you are planning to quit gambling, don't do it in an instant.  It is best to quit gambling slowly like making less and less time for gambling until we are ready to stop full time.  Quitting in an instant won't help because there is psychologist behind it.  It is said that altering behavior in a whim is a very hard thing to do unless a person have strong wil to do it.  People who don't will have more problem than usual because stopping on anything a person is fond with won't happen overnight.  It will be a better thing if a person who wanted to stop to go through a process. This way, family and friends can help.

Use an App to stop Gambling

The power of modernity is at your fingertips and using a stop gambling app could help you not only stop gambling but also get better and even help others. Such gambling apps are proving to be useful and they may help you monitor and exclude yourself from gambling.
Depending on where you are, you will definitely benefit from using dedicated software that will communicate with licensed operators that you are at risk of excessive gambling spending, and therefore not permitted to access gambling – or even not gamble beyond a certain limit.
There are some excellent solutions that will work here, such as the Gambling Therapy app available on Google Play and Apple Store. The use of such apps is still in its nascence as consumers are only now becoming aware that they can use them to monitor and even improve their gambling behavior.
Such apps usually provide you with tools to set limits, both financially and in terms of time, and benefit from more balanced gambling overall.

Remind Yourself that Gamblers Change
It was a thing of the pass that gambler don't change.  Many people speculate that once a person is addicted to gambling, they will forever a gambling addict.  But this thing has been proven wrong.  Many gambling addicts who gone through medical treatments are able to recover and avoid gambling all in all.

While we acknowledge that the compulsion to do things excessively is difficult to overcome, there are still many good examples that demonstrate how gambling addiction can be controlled and how gamblers can, over time and with the right help, change for the better.

Assume Responsibility for Your Actions
If there is a will there is a way.  We should take responsibility on every fault we do during our gambling addiction.  It is the most important  parts of tackling the problem, it maybe hard and may take a long period to admit, but it is a healthy thing to do.[1]

People are by nature defensive and often seek to excuse and project their own mistakes onto others. Like gambling addicts, we are no different, if not even worse. However, our mistakes can quickly turn too costly, and this is why we need to act on time and nip them in the bud if and when possible – admitting fault is a good way to start.

Read Gambling Addiction Stories on Reddit

There are many reasons to quit gambling addiction. But if you really want to quit, you need to see what others have gone through and are doing. There are many stories on how to quit gambling on Reddit, and you can read through those personal anonymous testimonies and see if that will inspire you to fight the issue yourself.
Of course, simply reading about someone else’s gambling addiction is not a way to tackle your own problem, but it’s definitely a good way to see that there are people just like yourself who come from various backgrounds and they go through the same challenging emotional turbulences you do.

Get Help Online If You Can’t Afford Clinic
If treatment for you is too expensive, there are lots of online gambling addiction help sites that are ready to help us.

Organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous are trusted and reliable organizations that will get you help. While some issues with their funding remain, there are many opportunities to take advantage to ensure that you are coping with the problem.

Find a Hobby and Pour Your Passion into It

It’s not entirely accurate to say that your gambling addiction is just a hobby. There is a well-documented physiological response that happens in your brain when you win or even lose money. Endorphin is released and elation is felt. It’s a powerful emotion that quickly can become an addiction.

The best way to divert attention from gambling is to look for another interests that requires both physical and mental activities.  This will occupy our idle time and if we put our passion to it, it may replace the urge to gamble by the passion to do more helpful things.

Hobbies are fairly similar. They are pleasurable activities that “take your mind off things” but also generate endorphin. This is what makes them a great outlet and a way to relax. Of course, gambling is also a form of entertainment but it has its downsides as well. It can get you in financial trouble.

Don’t Go Cold Turkey, But Limit Temptation

It’s true that living in a “safe environment” will definitely help. There are many lawmakers out there who are right now pushing for the right set of regulatory changes to ensure that you are not exposed to gambling ads unnecessarily. There is a proven link between how many ads you see and how inclined you are to gamble, so it’s good to avoid temptation.

For starters, though, you can restrict your own exposure. Google now allows you to actually opt out of seeing gambling and alcohol ads on YouTube, which is just one of the ways to control your gambling. National self-exclusion programs also do exist such as GamStop in the United Kingdom, for example. Exclusion is done on a state-by-state basis in the United States, though.

Talk with your family or friends[4]

they can help you and stay near to you until you'll be free from any form of addiction

I feel like the most important part is not to be alone with it. Have people who are trying to help you, watch you, support you while you're fighting it. It's even better if you have a friend who is a former addict that made it through. A bit of strong will wouldn't be a bad thing either.
My mother was a smoker and she had a friend who was also trying to quit and they managed to do it together by watching each other. Each of them did not want to be the weaker one who breaks first so none of them did. They made it into a competition and it worked.

cold turkey

Definition of cold turkey (Entry 1 of 2)
1: abrupt complete cessation of the use of an addictive drug
also : the symptoms experienced by a person undergoing withdrawal from a drug
2: unrelieved blunt language or procedure
3: a cold aloof person
cold turkey adverb
Definition of cold turkey (Entry 2 of 2)
: all at once : ABRUPTLY: such as
a: without a period of gradual adjustment, adaptation, or withdrawal
quit smoking cold turkey
b: without preparation
a new player who started the season cold turkey

source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20turkey

How did you find these tips? Do you think it will help gambling addicts to manage their addiction?  Any additional input on how manage or cure addiction is welcome.

Source:
[1] Top 10 Tips on How to Stop Gambling (and Save Money)
[2] What is addiction?
[3] What's to know about gambling addiction
[4] Tips on How to Manage Gambling Addiction an Open Discussion Reply

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[robelneo]

Admit to Have a Gambling Problem
Once we identify that we had those signs, we must admit that we have a gambling problem so that it will be easier to process a recovery therapy.  Denial won't help because it will only block all the medications needed to recover from gambling addiction.  One we admit the problem, it is the best time to seek help from professionals who specialized in this kind of addiction.


How did you find these tips? Do you think it will help gambling addicts to manage their addiction?  Any additional input on how manage or cure addiction is welcome.

Excellent thread covers a lot of things that haunt every gambler and that is an addiction I need not add more but emphasize that one point I quote and that admitting you have a gambling problem is the first road to curing yourself, the longer you do not admit the longer it will take for you to the road to curing yourself to gambling, everything starts with yourself with the help of your family, without being honest with yourself cure will not come.

[Slow death]

addiction is a disease, being a disease only a doctor can treat this disease, reading articles on the internet will not help at all. the person needs to look in the mirror and say to himself: "I am addicted and I need medical treatment and I will seek medical treatment", this is the only way a person needs to go to get treated. In my family, there have been many addicted people who died due to addiction, that's why I know how addiction can destroy a person. and something sad!

[Gianluca95]

Sent to you 2 merit   

This is one of the most good thread opened in this section. Gambling addiction is a very big problem if you aren't able to manage it, and it is good if someone can read this sentences you've published and take some advice.

Gambling addiction is letal, at your post I would also add "Talk with your family, they can help you and stay near to you until you'll be free from any form of addiction", grow with your hobby and also keep away any form of

drugs that can substitute your passion for gambling.

[molsewid]

Here is the process of treating Gambling Problems or at least Manage the Gambling addiction:

Assume Responsibility for Your Actions
If there is a will there is a way.  We should take responsibility on every fault we do during our gambling addiction.  It is the most important  parts of tackling the problem, it maybe hard and may take a long period to admit, but it is a healthy thing to do.[1]

People are by nature defensive and often seek to excuse and project their own mistakes onto others. Like gambling addicts, we are no different, if not even worse. However, our mistakes can quickly turn too costly, and this is why we need to act on time and nip them in the bud if and when possible – admitting fault is a good way to start.

Get Help Online If You Can’t Afford Clinic
If treatment for you is too expensive, there are lots of online gambling addiction help sites that are ready to help us.

Organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous are trusted and reliable organizations that will get you help. While some issues with their funding remain, there are many opportunities to take advantage to ensure that you are coping with the problem.

Find a Hobby and Pour Your Passion into It

It’s not entirely accurate to say that your gambling addiction is just a hobby. There is a well-documented physiological response that happens in your brain when you win or even lose money. Endorphin is released and elation is felt. It’s a powerful emotion that quickly can become an addiction.

The best way to divert attention from gambling is to look for another interests that requires both physical and mental activities.  This will occupy our idle time and if we put our passion to it, it may replace the urge to gamble by the passion to do more helpful things.

Hobbies are fairly similar. They are pleasurable activities that “take your mind off things” but also generate endorphin. This is what makes them a great outlet and a way to relax. Of course, gambling is also a form of entertainment but it has its downsides as well. It can get you in financial trouble.

These topics I selected will be the most effective for me. Most of us fall into something and we hardly accept the fact that what will be the result of any action that we are made should be our responsibility, we often blame other people or things if there's a misfortune happen to us. There's a free online consultation every where, therapy is quite expensive as me myself experienced it but not in gambling-related issue, maybe some books about self-help can help as well and lastly, having more things to do in our daily lives makes us more productive and will help us to lessen the time in gambling.

[danherbias07]

Admit to Have a Gambling Problem
Once we identify that we had those signs, we must admit that we have a gambling problem so that it will be easier to process a recovery therapy.  Denial won't help because it will only block all the medications needed to recover from gambling addiction.  One we admit the problem, it is the best time to seek help from professionals who specialized in this kind of addiction.

This may be the best way to get past addiction. Admitting that you are having trouble letting it go even just for a day. Looking at the mirror and telling yourself what it had done to you. How it changed you physically and mentally. Are you the same person or have you grown a tummy? How about the way you think?
I had my own mistakes before betting large amounts on dice because I thought I can double the money in an instant but the difference is, that I am not having fun anymore. That's when I decided to stop playing that type of game and just go for sports betting.
A big change did happen as I don't just bet wildly anymore. An analysis is needed and it gives me a lot of fun researching for possible outcomes. There are times I even forgot to make a bet because of being hooked on looking at stat sheets and other people's analysis. 
IMO, that should be the essence of it, to add more joy to the game.

[Gosgosking]

addiction is a disease, being a disease only a doctor can treat this disease, reading articles on the internet will not help at all. the person needs to look in the mirror and say to himself: "I am addicted and I need medical treatment and I will seek medical treatment", this is the only way a person needs to go to get treated. In my family, there have been many addicted people who died due to addiction, that's why I know how addiction can destroy a person. and something sad!

Addiction is a serious disease,  gamblers who are addicted don't just stop being addicted by reading stuff. The only way to kill chronic gambling addiction is decision making , and seems to be easy if already the gambling life style is causing serious problems in the life of the gambler.

[Quidat]

Assume Responsibility for Your Actions

If you do really have this then you won't really be having any problems in regards addiction since you could already able to surpress once this kind of behavior do comes out.You are already assuming and mindful about the effects or consequences of possible actions that you might encounter if you do really push through.You would avoid addiction if you are really that aware and sensible in regarding with your actions and really very that keen and mindful about probabilities.

[lionheart78]

In order to address gambling addiction, the player must identify if he has the signs of the gambling addiction.  He can then check if he experiences any on the list of the sign of gambling addiction.  It was stated that if ever a player experience at least 4 of the symptoms, he might have a compulsive gambling disorder.

Signs of Gambling Addiction:

Diagnosis
A diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during the past year:

• Need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the desired excitement.
• Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling.
• Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling or planning future gambling).
• Often gambling when feeling distressed.
• After losing money gambling, often returning to get even. (This is referred to as "chasing" one's losses.)
• Lying to hide gambling activity.
• Risking or losing a close relationship, a job, or a school or job opportunity because of gambling.
• Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling

source: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder

For me, this is the most important.  A gambler that doesn't know that he has the sign of being an addict can never admit that he has a compulsive gambling disorder.  Every gambler should be aware of the signs of gambling addiction in order to avoid the problem from worsening whenever a single sign of being an addict shows up.  Like the saying, prevention is better than cure so if a gambler is well aware of these signs then they can easily self-check if they have these symptoms and can do precautionary measures if they do.
Then next important is the admision of being a gambling addict.

[coolcoinz]

Your tips are pretty good OP and well known by people who are fighting addiction for some time. I feel like the most important part is not to be alone with it. Have people who are trying to help you, watch you, support you while you're fighting it. It's even better if you have a friend who is a former addict that made it through. A bit of strong will wouldn't be a bad thing either.
My mother was a smoker and she had a friend who was also trying to quit and they managed to do it together by watching each other. Each of them did not want to be the weaker one who breaks first so none of them did. They made it into a competition and it worked.

[crzy]

Worth to read and these tips are very accurate, unfortunately many gamblers might not appreciate this since they don’t have self control yet but if you really want to be more safe in gambling, better to understand this one. You can be addicted in gambling without knowing it and you will just realize it once you are already suffering financially. Addiction can still be cure as long as the gambler are willing to do so, thought its not easy but its possible. This tips can prevent you from being on that situation, its better to take action now.

[bitgov]

Worth to read and these tips are very accurate, unfortunately many gamblers might not appreciate this since they don’t have self control yet but if you really want to be more safe in gambling, better to understand this one. You can be addicted in gambling without knowing it and you will just realize it once you are already suffering financially. Addiction can still be cure as long as the gambler are willing to do so, thought its not easy but its possible. This tips can prevent you from being on that situation, its better to take action now.

Absolutely very good suggestion mentioned - I liked the point where it is mentioned that gambling addiction can be overcomed.
Gambling too much is a serious problem - the sooner it is over comed - the better it will be.

[chaser15]

I doubt a person who is heavily addicted now to gambling will seek any advice from anyone or will bother to spend time reading any open discussion threads. They are too obsessed in doing gambling to the point that they won't want others to stepped-in to make them stop.

In that particular situation, the best thing to do is to force that person to undergo rehabilitation. In that way, experts in this field can personally treat that addicted person and they know what's the best thing to do to help that person undergo being addicted to gambling.

Sometimes, we need to force these addicted people to undergo such treatment as their ears are now closed to any advice and suggestions.

[livingfree]

I have told someone that is addicted to do something else to forget gambling. I agree with one suggested about using an app to stop.

It is actually a good process to help them and will make them forget gambling. That won't be easy but through the process, it is going to be effective as it is.

Your time will be allocated into other things and will make you stop temporarily untik you stop completely.

[harizen]

Depending on the level of addiction, a hardcore gambler will just go straight to their purpose of making money in gambling without realizing that something sh*t is already going on. I consider myself a regular gambler, losing a decent amount in the process, but still, I'm proud that I'm responsible outside my gambling activity and my monthly spendings are not heavily affected. But not all gamblers can be like that.

For me, once we saw a person that already falls into the wrath of gambling, we should be the one to come to that person and not the other way around. They need help that they can't voice out their problem as they are already out of their mind.

As much as possible, convince them or their family to consult a professional person or institution to help that gambler overcome their gambling problem. I'm sure in any place or region, there's a government agency or private one that helps those people with gambling problems.

[ralle14]

Do you think it will help gambling addicts to manage their addiction?  Any additional input on how manage or cure addiction is welcome.

Some of the tips that you mentioned definitely help gamblers manage their addiction and i've also used to do the same thing back then when I was still new to gambling, looking for a hobby was one of the best solutions for me as it diverts your focus to another activity until you slowly lose more time to gamble and break the habit completely. It all comes down to mental management and how much you're willing to put in the effort to stop your addiction as sometimes the effects of it take a while before it becomes concerning.

[Kemarit]

addiction is a disease, being a disease only a doctor can treat this disease, reading articles on the internet will not help at all. the person needs to look in the mirror and say to himself: "I am addicted and I need medical treatment and I will seek medical treatment", this is the only way a person needs to go to get treated. In my family, there have been many addicted people who died due to addiction, that's why I know how addiction can destroy a person. and something sad!

Addiction is a serious disease,  gamblers who are addicted don't just stop being addicted by reading stuff. The only way to kill chronic gambling addiction is decision making , and seems to be easy if already the gambling life style is causing serious problems in the life of the gambler.

Yes, and the only way to cure it is first you have to admit that you have a serious gambling problem. And then you have to reach out to your family for help because they are first one that will understand what you are going through and is willing 100% to assists you.

Family members can even go as far as going to like an intervention, so it's either the gambler accept it because they want to stop, or simply ignore.

[Ahli38]

I have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above. But I talked to my family and now I can get over it although it takes time. sometimes a person will completely quit gambling addiction when he has reached the threshold. i.e. have lost everything. However, the above therapeutic methods described by the OP to try to cure gambling addiction are an effort so that people who are addicted to gambling do not reach their limit. because many things happen that people who are on the threshold will choose to give up and sometimes if there is no despair then what appears is a determination to commit a crime to fulfill the desire for gambling addiction that has fused in him. I often meet people who are addicted to gambling are those who do not have a satisfying job so they are looking for an instant way to get rich from gambling. even though gambling is just a means of relaxation or refreshment or entertainment to entertain yourself a little, not the other way around, which is the main focus. so this is where it is important to know what the function of gambling itself is for. so you don't go wrong from the start.
I think the ways to get rid of gambling addiction described by the OP are complete and clear. so I'm not going to add anything.

[Wexnident]

One of the most effective methods here imo is finding a hobby. If you have the money, even taking a vacation somewhere for say 2 weeks to a month without any whatsoever access to the internet or anything related to gambling/casino, e.g a farming area/fishing location where you can put in your time doing those activities instead of anything else for an entire day in that 2-week break. It honestly amazes me how those 2 weeks of being away could be a HUGE help in trying to clear your mind.

If you don't have the money though, a hobby is the way to go. Let's say drawing, it may be said as a hobby but there's also a lot of studying and understanding involved that is going to take up a LOT of your time. Heck, it doesn't even need a hobby you can do, you can maybe start finding content creators on the internet to watch and sink your time in.

[Zlantann]

These tips are wonderful and I am sure that a careful study of this thread would assist an addict to break loose from problems of addiction. But the truth is that most gamble addict are not aware that they have a problem, hence they would not seek help. I have seen gamble addict that would give you perceive genuine reasons why they are gambling. Until one accepts that he has a problem, then there would be no solution. Another challenge that gamble addict face is stigmatization. In some quarters they are seen as criminals and sometimes never-do-wells. Most of them become shy or scared of discussing their addiction problems to people, making them to suffer in silence.