Problem gambling is an addiction that can affect your life in a number of ways. It can lead to problems such as debt, and can make you feel depressed or anxious. It can also interfere with your work and family life, and it can damage your health.
There are many things you can do to help stop yourself from getting into trouble with gambling. For example, talking to a trusted friend or family member who will not judge you is an excellent idea. It can be a good way to find out what is causing you to gamble and how you can change your behaviour. It can also be helpful to keep a gambling diary.
Identify your triggers for gambling – these are the things that make you feel more likely to gamble, for example going to the casino, watching sports or using credit cards. Once you have identified your triggers, avoid them and try to find other ways of spending time or entertainment.
Set goals – these can be short-term and long-term and will help you to stay focused and clear about cutting down or giving up your gambling. They may include a number of different things such as writing down your successes, saying no to offers of money or finding alternatives to gambling. They can also be positive things that you have done recently, such as completing a task or making an effort to improve your mental health.
Talking to a professional counsellor is also an option if you are struggling with a gambling problem. They can provide you with a range of treatments and services to help you overcome your problems.
Find alternatives to gambling – this can be a difficult task, but it is important for your wellbeing. It is a good idea to explore other activities or hobbies, such as sports or art. It can help to fill the gap that gambling has left in your life.
Learn to set limits – this will help you control your gambling and prevent you from losing too much money. It is also a good idea to keep track of how much money you are spending and how long it takes to win or lose. You can then take these numbers and create a budget that you stick to.
If you have a budget, it will help you to manage your finances better and stop you from impulsively using money that you should be saving or investing in your future. It can also help you to understand why you are tempted to spend so much money on gambling and help you to avoid repeating mistakes in the future.
Be kind to yourself – this will help you to cope with the negative aspects of your problem. It can be difficult to do this when you are feeling down or stressed, but it is important for your overall health and well-being. It can also help you to remember your strengths and achievements, so that they don’t get lost in the midst of your addiction.