With gambling, it's probably easier to quit cold turkey

[STT]

Its not easier but possibly cold turkey is the only way to quit for some people.    I dont think cold turkey anything is the easiest way or nicest method to end something you previously enjoyed.   However if you have tried and failed to reduce your consumption or spending habits and its become a problem impacting the rest of your life either in time, attention or monetary balance to your budgets then you have run out of options you must then go cold turkey.  
  I know what I prefer to do in increasing my control of a product or service Im expending cash on which is moderate, reduce and half anything I was previously spending.   You learn best in any case when playing with one hand behind your back rather then all in type gambling where a failure is so devastating, better to learn from just small mistakes small wins be humble and patient;  in longer term the less addictive is better to last the distance and appreciate in your ability to win, learning the game fully before the bigger risks are undertaken.

[Danslip]

Addiction is still the main problem for regular gamblers, even tough compulsive gambling actions will lead to destructive behavior let's not forget the possible consequences for those who can't control this "funny activity". Quitting gambling addiction is not easy for some gamblers it is as easy as just banning the casino account on online gambling platforms. Decreasing the gambling activity has some positive effect on this purpose btw, so it depends on the person how he wants to quit gambling.

[Oilacris]

Its not easier but possibly cold turkey is the only way to quit for some people.    I dont think cold turkey anything is the easiest way or nicest method to end something you previously enjoyed.   However if you have tried and failed to reduce your consumption or spending habits and its become a problem impacting the rest of your life either in time, attention or monetary balance to your budgets then you have run out of options you must then go cold turkey.   
  I know what I prefer to do which is moderate, reduce and half anything I was previously spending.   You learn best when playing with one hand behind your back rather then all in type gambling where a failure is so devastating, better to learn from just small mistakes small wins be humble and patient, less addictive better all round longer term.

You wont really be putting up yourself on such condition if you are really just that responsible on the things you've been doing on which it isnt really just that limited to gambling but also in other things in life as well on which being excessive would really be always bad specially if its already compromising other things like time and finances on which we know that if things turns out to be messy then it would really be giving out that domino effect on which this is something that we dont really like to happen into our lives. It is really just that people would really be making out some realizations on the time that they are experiencing hard things in life. They wont really be putting up themselves on such scenario if they are really just that responsible into their actions.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Quitting cold turkey, contemplating on your mistakes and talking about it with a group and some experts sounds like the best path. What are your thoughts? Could a problem gambler quit slowly and expect realistic improvements?

Well, to be honest, it is actually very possible for a gambler to quit gambling slowly and end up with a positive result, but this I believe have to everything to do with how deep the gambler is addicted to gambling.
For someone who is not all that deep in their addiction to gambling, quiting can be quite simple, like just reducing the amount of time spent on gambling, and then spending more time on other activities that could help the addicted gambler think less of or about gambling. The gambler could decide to find a new job that keeps him or her extremely busy all day, and very tired and only want to just lay down and sleep the very moment he or she gets home, and the next morning, he or she is up again and off to the same work, coming back again in the evening feeling same way like the previous day.

Trust me, if an average gambling addict will engage themselves in such as I explained above for like a month or two to three months max, he or she may come out of his or her gambling addiction, and may not even remember anymore that gambling exists.

[wiss19]

Could a problem gambler quit slowly and expect realistic improvements?

It will depend on their addiction level. A person, who has just started gambling but is finding themselves getting hooked up with it slowly, might not have a lot of problems and can easily slowly quit gambling if they want to. However, if a person has already become extremely addicted to gambling and doesn't have enough patience and self-control to say no to the urge to gamble, such people can't quit slowly because they can't stop gambling because of the addiction.

People from the second category I've mentioned will never be able to get out of their gambling addiction on their own but will always need assistance from someone else. However, the first group can easily quit gambling if they try because they are not too deep into it yet and they can still take a U-turn.

[junder]

Could a problem gambler quit slowly and expect realistic improvements?

It will depend on their addiction level. A person, who has just started gambling but is finding themselves getting hooked up with it slowly, might not have a lot of problems and can easily slowly quit gambling if they want to. However, if a person has already become extremely addicted to gambling and doesn't have enough patience and self-control to say no to the urge to gamble, such people can't quit slowly because they can't stop gambling because of the addiction.

People from the second category I've mentioned will never be able to get out of their gambling addiction on their own but will always need assistance from someone else. However, the first group can easily quit gambling if they try because they are not too deep into it yet and they can still take a U-turn.

Stopping a gambling addiction is not easy, in my opinion it takes a long time to get rid of a gambling addiction, because it is not easy to stop yourself from something you are addicted to and any addiction will definitely not be easy, especially with a gambling addiction where gambling addiction is very difficult if you want to get rid of it. because it is related to money which of course money is an important thing in life. Someone who wants to stop gambling must have a real intention within themselves because it is useless if they get support from other people or their family but in themselves there is no strong intention and determination. In order to stop gambling, I think they have to face many things that will likely torment them, it is also not easy to go through or face something like this where they will really be tested to restrain their desire to gamble.

how easy or difficult it is to stop gambling, I think they really have to stop if they have experienced a lot of losses because it is impossible for them to continue gambling in their life and it is also impossible for them to live side by side with gambling because gambling can make them lose in many ways and such as

[irhact]

If someone is a problem gambler and has repeatedly relapsed to problematic behavior related to gambling, I have come to the conclusion that it's best to quit cold turkey.

With other things it can sometimes be recommended that the addict slowly winds down their consumption of the addictive activity or substance, but that doesn't sound very realistic with gambling, does it?

An addict can quit gambling by meeting a professional, those professionals have helped alot of addicted gamblers quit gambling and they have the experience they'll use to handle your issues. No gambler should think he can  do it on his own. If you decide to quit by yourself, you can always get into temptation that'll make you to go back to gambling. Addicts should also let their loved ones know about the problem that they're going through so they can help too.

Quitting slowly can be challenging but when you're getting guided by a professional that specialized in curing addiction for gamblers or other activities. He'll help you stay disciplined and you'll be free of addiction at last. Many individuals became addicts as they were gambling for money so getting them a good source of income before they quit or reduce gambling will help them to stop been addicted.

[cabron]

Anything is possible as long as you are willing to do so, but of course there is consequences and it will still take time before you finally say that you are free from any gambling addiction. Quitting overnight might not be possible but you can still try until you make yourself succeed on this. Asking for a professional help is always advisable, if you are already addict i believe a help from someone can make your recovery even faster.

He will have cravings still but he if could fight it, it would be the fight of his life. It's just like the smoker fighting the nicotine addiction, he can walk a mile just to buy a pack of cigarettes but once he can get used to not smoking in a few weeks, he can make a sudden stop of this addiction. It's a struggle but it will be worth it.

If there is just one man who can attest himself doing this quitting all of a sudden and making it in the end. It will be the story of his life. But with the availability of online casinos and him having some money of his own, its the hardest thing to do.

[South Park]

If someone is a problem gambler and has repeatedly relapsed to problematic behavior related to gambling, I have come to the conclusion that it's best to quit cold turkey.

With other things it can sometimes be recommended that the addict slowly winds down their consumption of the addictive activity or substance, but that doesn't sound very realistic with gambling, does it?

An addict can quit gambling by meeting a professional, those professionals have helped alot of addicted gamblers quit gambling and they have the experience they'll use to handle your issues. No gambler should think he can  do it on his own. If you decide to quit by yourself, you can always get into temptation that'll make you to go back to gambling. Addicts should also let their loved ones know about the problem that they're going through so they can help too.

Quitting slowly can be challenging but when you're getting guided by a professional that specialized in curing addiction for gamblers or other activities. He'll help you stay disciplined and you'll be free of addiction at last. Many individuals became addicts as they were gambling for money so getting them a good source of income before they quit or reduce gambling will help them to stop been addicted.

Trying to quit on their own is often a sign they are still not ready to quit, since they still believe they have some control over their addiction and they prefer to do it alone thinking they know better than the medical community and the decades of experience they may have, which sounds really dumb when you think about it, but that is exactly what they believe, so until those people finally admit they need to receive professional help, it will be impossible for them to improve their condition.

[Unbunplease]

An addict can quit gambling by meeting a professional, those professionals have helped alot of addicted gamblers quit gambling and they have the experience they'll use to handle your issues. No gambler should think he can  do it on his own. If you decide to quit by yourself, you can always get into temptation that'll make you to go back to gambling. Addicts should also let their loved ones know about the problem that they're going through so they can help too.

Quitting slowly can be challenging but when you're getting guided by a professional that specialized in curing addiction for gamblers or other activities. He'll help you stay disciplined and you'll be free of addiction at last. Many individuals became addicts as they were gambling for money so getting them a good source of income before they quit or reduce gambling will help them to stop been addicted.

A person becomes addicted precisely because of the emotions that the game gives him. The size of winnings is not important for everyone. Dependence on games is likely to disappear only when a person can experience similar emotions from something else, but it is very difficult to find a normal alternative to it

[South Park]

An addict can quit gambling by meeting a professional, those professionals have helped alot of addicted gamblers quit gambling and they have the experience they'll use to handle your issues. No gambler should think he can  do it on his own. If you decide to quit by yourself, you can always get into temptation that'll make you to go back to gambling. Addicts should also let their loved ones know about the problem that they're going through so they can help too.

Quitting slowly can be challenging but when you're getting guided by a professional that specialized in curing addiction for gamblers or other activities. He'll help you stay disciplined and you'll be free of addiction at last. Many individuals became addicts as they were gambling for money so getting them a good source of income before they quit or reduce gambling will help them to stop been addicted.

A person becomes addicted precisely because of the emotions that the game gives him. The size of winnings is not important for everyone. Dependence on games is likely to disappear only when a person can experience similar emotions from something else, but it is very difficult to find a normal alternative to it

If someone has developed a dependency towards gambling due to the adrenaline rush they experiment then trying to find a replacement will simply switch their current dependency but not solve it, in a way those people should be way more difficult to treat, as those that are in it for the money they can make, can be convinced that it is impossible to get what they are looking for given enough time, while those that gamble too much for the emotions they feel are getting exactly what they wanted.

[Fiatless]

Not possible for a gambling addict to quit slowly. If gambling is a problem, the best is to just quit. After he quits, he can start to gamble again after a year. If he sees that he is still gambling in a way he waste money on it, he can quite again. This is how I stopped my gambling addiction.

But if the gambler do not quit and not able to quit, he needs something like rehabilitation program or medical consultant.

You won't say it is not possible because humans act and react to issues differently. It might not work for you but it might be the best solution for someone else. I have seen drug addicts who are permitted to take lesser addictive drugs to help them gradually quit drugs. Some therapists might recommend marijuana for a heroine or cocaine addict. Gradually it might be reduced to cigarettes until the person fully gains control over his life. So I believe gamblers can quit gradually. Maybe one can gradually reduce the amount and time he spends on casinos and this could help to curb excessive gambling.

[Fatunad]

If someone is a problem gambler and has repeatedly relapsed to problematic behavior related to gambling, I have come to the conclusion that it's best to quit cold turkey.

With other things it can sometimes be recommended that the addict slowly winds down their consumption of the addictive activity or substance, but that doesn't sound very realistic with gambling, does it?

An addict can quit gambling by meeting a professional, those professionals have helped alot of addicted gamblers quit gambling and they have the experience they'll use to handle your issues. No gambler should think he can  do it on his own. If you decide to quit by yourself, you can always get into temptation that'll make you to go back to gambling. Addicts should also let their loved ones know about the problem that they're going through so they can help too.

Quitting slowly can be challenging but when you're getting guided by a professional that specialized in curing addiction for gamblers or other activities. He'll help you stay disciplined and you'll be free of addiction at last. Many individuals became addicts as they were gambling for money so getting them a good source of income before they quit or reduce gambling will help them to stop been addicted.

Trying to quit on their own is often a sign they are still not ready to quit, since they still believe they have some control over their addiction and they prefer to do it alone thinking they know better than the medical community and the decades of experience they may have, which sounds really dumb when you think about it, but that is exactly what they believe, so until those people finally admit they need to receive professional help, it will be impossible for them to improve their condition.

Actually you could really be able to quit on your own if you are really that serious on quitting, there are people who could really be able to quit up for themselves and there are ones who do really completely fail on doing so.
It would really be just that depending on what kind or type of person you are, there are ones who could quit and there are ones who do need professional help.The important thing on here is that you should really be avoiding yourself about getting addicted with gambling because once this thing would shackle you out then there's no way that you could be able to quit up so easily. So better to avoid at it all cost.
There are ones who are really that able to control themselves and wary on the actions that they are making and there are ones who do simply fail on doing so.

This is why it would really be that situational when it comes to gambling dealing. The main thing that you should have in mind is trying out your best not to commit out that mistake on getting impulsive into it.
Addiction problems cant really be resolved out overnight. So better to avoid it at all cost if you do really want to make yourself on having no problem towards your life
towards your finances.

[Accardo]

Not possible for a gambling addict to quit slowly. If gambling is a problem, the best is to just quit. After he quits, he can start to gamble again after a year. If he sees that he is still gambling in a way he waste money on it, he can quite again. This is how I stopped my gambling addiction.

But if the gambler do not quit and not able to quit, he needs something like rehabilitation program or medical consultant.

You won't say it is not possible because humans act and react to issues differently. It might not work for you but it might be the best solution for someone else. I have seen drug addicts who are permitted to take lesser addictive drugs to help them gradually quit drugs. Some therapists might recommend marijuana for a heroine or cocaine addict. Gradually it might be reduced to cigarettes until the person fully gains control over his life. So I believe gamblers can quit gradually. Maybe one can gradually reduce the amount and time he spends on casinos and this could help to curb excessive gambling.

Yes anybody willing to have a cold turkey can do that, especially in gambling. But it's not an easy process, the person wouldn't stop immediately. Op's term easier, in my response, is wrong. Because gambling has to do with mental health, and the addict wouldn't have enough control over himself to even realize his condition. Unless he's not deeply into the addiction or in a minimal level of gambling addiction, the person still needs the help of a therapist to get cured of his problem gambling. The procedures you mention above for a drug addict could be used to help a gambling addict, but due to the psychological effects it has on the gambler, the therapist also needs to establish a fresh relationship with the gambler. Because switching addiction is quite very hard for a gambling addict, the therapist needs not to give out straight advice to the gambler. Instead, it's preferable to let the gambler discuss how he feels being a gambling addict. And the pains he's having inside, as an addict.

It's known that the gambler may have gone through difficulties and loved ones going nuts on their new attitudes. Those ill experiences that make the addict feel nobody would be able to help him except himself, need to be shared with the therapist, to help facilitate therapy sessions between the both; therapist and the addicted gambler. Trying to tell a gambling addict what or not to do, doesn't seem effective, because he feels he's actually on the right track and everyone else's responses don't matter to him. So, having close conversations can help him think about the view of the therapist and begin to have a change. It's like a chronic disease, gambling addiction requires lots of time for the person to recover completely, that's why many users in their response said it's not easier to have a cold turkey in gambling addiction. Therapists have to make sure the player doesn't resist help, by not being bossy or making the process more difficult for the gambler. All these take lots of time, and the gamblers need to comply by attending therapy classes.

[Dewi Aries]

Addiction is still the main problem for regular gamblers, even tough compulsive gambling actions will lead to destructive behavior let's not forget the possible consequences for those who can't control this "funny activity". Quitting gambling addiction is not easy for some gamblers it is as easy as just banning the casino account on online gambling platforms. Decreasing the gambling activity has some positive effect on this purpose btw, so it depends on the person how he wants to quit gambling.

It is clear that addiction is always the worst impact that exists in gambling, someone will do anything for gambling and they will not be able to make any considerations in common sense, simply put people who are already addicted they will never stop doing various ways just to gamble. Obviously for the problem of consequences can never be tolerated, if you are involved in gambling then that means you must be prepared with all the risks that are clearly certain to occur, you can get a win but the risk will usually occur more often.

Of course, quitting or getting out of the addiction zone is difficult and even almost impossible for some people who do not have assertiveness in themselves, all they will feel is a lot of pressure as a result of addiction such as  experiencing financial problems etc., which is why we must always be able to apply self-control and some limits, every gambler can recover from addiction and they have their own way but unfortunately not all gamblers can do it because it is difficult to achieve awareness when the mindset is dominated by hopes for victory.

[Hispo]

In my experience, going off bad habit through the cold turkey method is rather difficult and sometimes it could turn against the person itself which seeks to better themelsves, due to the withdrawal effects on their behavior and way to function.
I had a friend who had problems with alcohol, several times he tried to quit cold turkey and he suffered from several days of cold sweating, nerviousness, lack of appetite and other undesirable sensations. In the end, he continued drinking to ease those symptoms.

Perhaps, it is because most of the cases I have seen had been mostly about people doing it all by their own and without support of their family and friends. If someone is dealing with addiction unrelated to the consumption of hard drugs and does not have much of family support, then I would  advice to quit the habit gradually, instead going cold turkey.

[Odusko]

Not possible for a gambling addict to quit slowly. If gambling is a problem, the best is to just quit. After he quits, he can start to gamble again after a year. If he sees that he is still gambling in a way he waste money on it, he can quite again. This is how I stopped my gambling addiction.

But if the gambler do not quit and not able to quit, he needs something like rehabilitation program or medical consultant.

For a gambling addicts who have quite and have successfully overcome the addiction to take the risk of gambling again is a bigger risk, i think the best thing to do as an addiction escapee is to totally stay away regardless of the urge.
Because having the urge to gamble again is still an additional element, and at that point, don't think thay the gambler is in charge and could possibly beat his addictions by continuing playing without sliding back to the addictions at some point.
Although it is easier for one with experience to be able to overcome the things that got him addicted in the first place and also avoid them.

[dezoel]

Addiction is still the main problem for regular gamblers, even tough compulsive gambling actions will lead to destructive behavior let's not forget the possible consequences for those who can't control this "funny activity". Quitting gambling addiction is not easy for some gamblers it is as easy as just banning the casino account on online gambling platforms. Decreasing the gambling activity has some positive effect on this purpose btw, so it depends on the person how he wants to quit gambling.

Non-compulsive gambling doesn't cause addiction, so the basic problem is compulsive and excessive gambling because someone who gambles while staying within their limits will barely get addicted to gambling and even if they get addicted to it, they will only get addicted to the games or the habit of gambling and they will never spend everything they have on gambling because they know there is no way for them to recover the money once it is gone.

Compulsive gamblers will always become addicted to gambling and the main reason for that is they will be chasing their losses every time, and when don't stop because they think they will eventually do it which is what they think and not what happens.

So, people that avoid compulsive gambling will automatically stay away from gambling addiction.

[danherbias07]

Addiction is still the main problem for regular gamblers, even tough compulsive gambling actions will lead to destructive behavior let's not forget the possible consequences for those who can't control this "funny activity". Quitting gambling addiction is not easy for some gamblers it is as easy as just banning the casino account on online gambling platforms. Decreasing the gambling activity has some positive effect on this purpose btw, so it depends on the person how he wants to quit gambling.

Yep, that's true. This will depend on each person on how they can control their gambling habit. For me though, I'd like to stop it entirely and not slowly. I mean, why do I need to take it slowly if there's a chance I will go back the same way as before?
The same as what I did with my smoking addiction. I never trusted myself because I tried to slowly take it out of my system by numbering the amount of cigarette sticks that I intake per day but what it actually did is just enhance my urge to keep on smoking more. 
4 years ago, I stopped it without even taking one stick a day. I just think about my kids and I don't want them to receive the secondhand smoke in my breath. Somehow I did it and now I don't like the smell of the smoke.
If ever I will be addicted to gambling I think the better way is to do the same, keep myself busy about other things and focus on them. This is how I ended my smoking habit and I think the same way could be applied in other addictions. Or, maybe others have different ways on how they will deal with this dilemma. Maybe from therapists, or a group of people that will understand them.

[bitzizzix]

Overcoming gambling addiction is not an easy process and also takes quite a long time to do. However, with serious effort and intention that must be instilled in the addict, and these two things are the beginning that must be done consistently. And also support from those closest to you such as family, friends and lovers, all of whom are required to help and support the healing process, including professional or expert help.
And apart from that, you also have to have a busy life or job that can help you forget about gambling and make you focus on your busy life or work, and this can also slowly help you forget about gambling.
And I say all of the above once you recognize your gambling problem and the first step is to admit that you have a gambling problem, because this awareness is the first step in recovery.