Tips on how I controlled my Gambling addiction.

[Rruchi man]

I was a victim even to the extent I used most of my University school fees to gamble back days until when I realized myself and put a permanent stop to my addiction and now Play moderately.

I hope you were able to complete your university education OP, because I am familiar with someone that was unable to finish school as a result of a similar situation.

             
1•
I penalized myself by having myself dissociated from all kind of gambling friends and taking up a new friends who was into Bitcoin and have that time transferred to things related to crypto currency activities and it was actually part of what lead me into my discovery of Bitcoin and today here I am.

Substitution is a good way to break addiction, rather than deciding not to do anything when you decide to stop a habit, it is best to try occupy and find interest in other activities, in OP's case it was shifting interest to bitcoins, good one!

3•
I stopped myself from watching football and anything related to footballing activities for months and I used those time to engage in
 other valuable things like going to the gym and reading more books during the time when there are important football matches going on.

This may be difficult and discouraging to many who are considering quitting gambling, Say me for instance, and I love to gamble on my favorite sports football, The premier league will be on fire next season, plus the world cup is coming up...how can I keep to the resolution of not watching football or any sport, it will surely be difficult and will require a lot of discipline to keep to. A milder approach can be reducing the sporting activities rather than preaching halting it completely.

4•
Relocating from my house to another area where my friends could not find me easily because there was this pressure from them why I
suddenly started to ignoring them so I had to relocate.

This solution may not be possible for many, a better approach to me will be letting your friends know why you can no longer roll with them so much, if they truly are matured individuals, they will give you your space temporarily to find yourself.

[1715089664]

1715089664

[Issa56]

 

1•
I penalized myself by having myself deassociated from all kind of gambling friends and taking up a new friends who was into Bitcoin and have that time transferred to things related to crypto currency activities and it was actually part of what lead me into my discovery of Bitcoin and today here I am

I think you really made a nice decision, being addicted to gambling is not really a good, am not saying gambling is bad but being addicted is bad, whenever we are gambling, we should always gamble responsibly, we should always know when to stop gambling. It's really nice the way you stop relating with your gambling friends, if you don't stop relating with them, they will still endup being forced to gamble whenever you see them gambling.

[AmoreJaz]

1•
I penalized myself by having myself deassociated from all kind of gambling friends and taking up a new friends who was into Bitcoin and have that time transferred to things related to crypto currency activities and it was actually part of what lead me into my discovery of Bitcoin and today here I am

I think you really made a nice decision, being addicted to gambling is not really a good, am not saying gambling is bad but being addicted is bad, whenever we are gambling, we should always gamble responsibly, we should always know when to stop gambling. It's really nice the way you stop relating with your gambling friends, if you don't stop relating with them, they will still endup being forced to gamble whenever you see them gambling.

such step really needs strong determination from the person himself. if he will not act after identifying his problem, then, he will suffer all the possible repercussions of his activities. if you are sincere about your lifestyle change, you only need yourself to achieve a new lifestyle. not many people can keep up with the change but you will feel rewarded if you achieve your goals.
congrats to the OP for following his desire to change!

[goinmerry]

Good thing you have controlled it in your own way. It does mean that other people also have their own way to address their problems.

Thanks for sharing your tips but that would not change the fact that everyone needs to suffer big consequences in order to learn. I really don't like tips and advice from anyone thinking that would be a big help. We will be those who will create our own solution to our problem since we are not in the same boat.

Hope you continue being changed. It's fine to gamble even breaching our limit as long as we remain responsible.

[Smartvirus]

Wha ever works right! Well like you said, these are the steps that resulted in your putting gambling addiction in check but this point 3,

‌3•
I stopped myself from watching football and anything related to footballing activities for months and I used those time to engage in
 other valuable things like going to the gym and reading more books during the time when there are important football matches going on.

Its on a whole new level. I mean, it's way too serious if I were to be in your shoes but yeah, it offers some discouragement as you don't get to know the current standings and forms of various teams. Of course the league table might offer some idea but still, watching some games is way better and that nails it just alright. I wouldn't do that though.

I think the most important step to fighting any addiction is your firs identifying and admittance that, this is a problem.  At that point, the next you would be about is looking for solutions if your willing to solve it and when you do, your sure to improve.

[darkangel11]

2•
I stopped visiting betting shops in my locality and online betting sites too.


3•
I stopped myself from watching football and anything related to footballing activities for months and I used those time to engage in
 other valuable things like going to the gym and reading more books during the time when there are important football matches going on.

Yet you are still here, posting in the gambling section, surrounded by all those online gamblers, gambling banners and all that. You're telling us that you don't read match prediction threads? If you do then what's the point of distancing yourself from football?

If I was trying to stop gambling I would cut my Internet cable

[Wakate]

It is not very easy to stop gambling addiction just like what many persons are facing now. Gambling addicted started as a result of consistency in engaging in gambling activities so we need to be also consistent in handling it. The urge to gamble can be reduced if we take necessary precautions in ending it. For a gambler to end gambling addiction, he need the help of a psychologist, family and friends to help the victim to halt the interest of future gambling influence from neighbors or colleagues.

[ethereumhunter]

It is not easy to realize that we have a problem with gambling and it requires wisdom to work on it because people tend to ignore it and continue to play. Lucky you if you can control your addiction by doing many things that can regulate your mind so that you don't think about gambling. This is a difficult thing, especially for people who are already addicted to gambling, but they also definitely have a chance if they have the will to overcome the addiction. It must start with ourselves and a great determination to get out of addiction problems.

[lienfaye]

These suggestions are only possible for gamblers who are really determine to overcome their gambling addiction and stop for good.

I think relocating to another area away to temptation is the best thing to do. Much better if the place has no internet access so you can enjoy the place and not thinking about gambling. A place like farm or near the beach can help you unwind. Its like a temporary vacation, and you'll be back to reality (working, socialize with other people) once you get over your addiction.

[goldkingcoiner]

‌They said when you identify a problem then the solution is possible. Addition is a Big problem to Most gamblers out there and one very big challenge with gamblers is that they don't even get to notice they're already addicted to gambling even when they're told , I was a victim even to the extent I used most of my University school fees to gamble back days until when I realized myself and put a permanent stop to my addiction and now Play moderately.
 I have a lot of friends too currently involved into same addiction whom I have made necessary efforts to getting them out only few were able to buy the idea. So I'm talking from the point of experience. However, After lots of advice from my friends who saw where I was headed to coupled with the last bet that almost got me drop out of school then, had me took that bold decision.


                          HOW I DID GET TO SOLVING THAT PROBLEM

1•
I penalized myself by having myself deassociated from all kind of gambling friends and taking up a new friends who was into Bitcoin and have that time transferred to things related to crypto currency activities and it was actually part of what lead me into my discovery of Bitcoin and today here I am.


2•
I stopped visiting betting shops in my locality and online betting sites too.


3•
I stopped myself from watching football and anything related to footballing activities for months and I used those time to engage in
 other valuable things like going to the gym and reading more books during the time when there are important football matches going on.

 
4•
Relocating from my house to another area where my friends could not find me easily because there was this pressure from them why I
     suddenly started to ingnoring them so I had to relocate.

Wow. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to go through with all of that. Congratulations to you for trying so hard to get rid of your gambling addiction. Although it is a bit strange that you would continue going on a gambling subforum even though it might entice you to gamble again?

Moving so just that your friends would leave you alone is a bit extreme. Could you not have just talked to them about your gambling addiction? They may have been a bit more understanding than you might think. Burning bridges like friendships is kind of a last resort measure.

I am rooting for you, buddy! Don't fall back into your old habits!!

[Cookdata]

To quit an addiction, it start from the mind and if your body is willing to let go with the limit you set for it otherwise, the above you highlighted over there might just  be a time waste and you wouldn't know when you start gambling again.
For example, you cut ties with gambling shops isn't enough, we have gambling casinos that you can now access via phones and laptop and do you know what, you don't need to browse through to see them, you may just be surfing through your phone and before you knew it, and adds may just pop up and redirect you to a gambling bet which may even want to offer you to a 300% bonus on first deposit, if you're not prepare with your mind that you are letting go of gambling, you will always one way or another go back to it.

[Strongkored]

                         HOW I DID GET TO SOLVING THAT PROBLEM

However, this method does not necessarily work well when applied to other people. It's good that you can detect that you are addicted to gambling because many people don't realize that they are addicted because they feel they are still using the money they deserve, even though in my opinion if our minds always want to gamble, it is already a sign of addiction.
I don't agree with the third way because watching sports matches is a natural thing and it's also good for relaxation it's just that if it's a way to avoid gambling then go ahead.

[Wexnident]

The first problem was identifying that you had an addiction problem, which is really great imo! The next steps could pretty much deviate differently, it can either be to completely stop it like what OP did, or deviate and instead replace it with something else which is actually great for you such as finding a hobby. I didn't realize this till I was like 20something, doesn't even need to be a fix for gambling, just learning something in general about something you truly like to do or want to do is a really great experience.

Step 4 is a really good step to do imo, it's like stepping out of your comfort zone (though in this case, it's a toxic zone) and expanding the options or activities you can have/do.

[rahmad2nd]

                          HOW I DID GET TO SOLVING THAT PROBLEM

1•
I penalized myself by having myself deassociated from all kind of gambling friends and taking up a new friends who was into Bitcoin and have that time transferred to things related to crypto currency activities and it was actually part of what lead me into my discovery of Bitcoin and today here I am.


2•
I stopped visiting betting shops in my locality and online betting sites too.


3•
I stopped myself from watching football and anything related to footballing activities for months and I used those time to engage in
 other valuable things like going to the gym and reading more books during the time when there are important football matches going on.

 
4•
Relocating from my house to another area where my friends could not find me easily because there was this pressure from them why I
     suddenly started to ingnoring them so I had to relocate.

with some of the points above that you mentioned did it work for you ?  or is it running?  from the four points you mentioned the thread I think is good especially daring to make decisions.  but gambling disorders like addiction are not as simple as the 4 points you mentioned.  Addictive is a physiological disorder and to deal with its prevention you need special treatment and involve several partners such as parents, family, close people or you need therapeutic treatment.  Why is that ?  because after all addiction is difficult to get rid of and it's a bad habit and has the potential to reoccur.  so my advice for people who are addicted to require the involvement of the family or therapist.

[bittraffic]

If its because of friends you have got you into gambling, taking a break  from them for awhile will also give you a rest from the addiction. You are lucky to have friends who are into gambling also which they most likely also suffer the same struggle like you to which you can hep each other to over come this. Some doesn't have friends that also struggle gambling addiction. Especially a wife or moms, they got into gambling because of a bad relationship, which in turn resulted to a money problem. Relocating seem extreme but if it works, that's good.

[erep]

but gambling disorders like addiction are not as simple as the 4 points you mentioned. 

From the ordering of problem solving regarding gambling addiction,  I think he will consider his decision to leave home only because of the impact of gambling addiction due to the influence of his friends, everyone has different ways of solving problems and I am sure they will not leave their home and family for a long time. So I agree with your opinion, family is the main home for everything and they will provide support for the therapist's recovery so he can return to a better life.

[Davidvictorson]

Bravo Op. Many people would want to be in your shoes right now because they have totally lost it - their wife, family, job and relationships. Obviously you got out while you still can without the help of a Therapist. You were able to regulate your emotions and act accordingly until your goal was achieved. For me, one of the most important steps in overcoming any addiction is getting an accountability partner. They are non-judgmental  and you can always run to them whenever you experience a withdrawal symptom or feel triggered by a thought or situation that could make you to relapse.

[swogerino]

I must admit that the 3rd point is a great one as I once was an addicted sport betting gambler but the one thing that helped me the most was not being in front of the TV or PC to watch football games.I then started to play slot machines and got also addicted to them in a very short time but after one session that lost me huge amount of money I told myself that I will only play a certain amount weekly and stick to it no matter a loss or a win.So managing your bankroll can lead you to move away from gambling addiction too,this last one needs a great amount of self control though.

[Reatim]

you forgot to mention the most important thing in leaving gambling , and that i to put your family in center of everything because accept it or not? you will never survive the addiction without our love one's helps.
this is also the main reason why most of gamblers are not succeeding in their fight against addiction because they still hide the reality and not seeking help from their family.

[davis196]

Not everyone can do that honestly, leaving their friends and relocating from the area is a big step and does need a lot of money and emotional support as well. Therefore I do think what you did was admirable and at the same time it is specific to your situation, therefore people have to understand that all situations are pretty much individual so what worked for you couldn't have worked for someone else since they might not have the required investment. Thus I do think that one can always :
1. Get medical Help
2. Contact the Gambling help section in their country, you can even talk online to the experts
3. Make sure you do not use the website by collectively banning them from your phone/account.

Gambling addiction is NOT clinical depression and I don't think that it can be cured with remedies.

Anyway, congratulations to OP for getting rid of his gambling addiction.
Having a toxic social circle is a major reason why so many people are falling into various kinds of addictions and unhealthy behavior.
You did the right thing by getting rid of your toxic friends and trying to develop some positive habits.
A man is his habits and stopping the negative habits while building positive habits is a big part of growing up as a person.
I have one question. Do you have other addictions, like smoking cigars/weed or drinking? If yes, you should get rid of them as well.
Awareness meditation can be great for self-improvement, but it takes lots of time and consistent effort.