Problem gambling has been defined by physicians as a form of activity where an individual is unable to resist his urges to gamble, leading to serious personal and social impacts on his life. Treating this issue can be significantly difficult, but once overcoming it, then the work is to make sure it stays stopped.
In fact, some former problem gamblers have found it to be extremely difficult to engage in casual games again. Please note that many online and physical gambling operators have adopted a responsible gambling policy, in which you can face deposit limits and other restrictions based on your behavior or personal preferences within the settings. Let’s see below a few tips that you can follow to treat any signs of gambling compulsion.
Ex-gamblers will usually miss out on the thrills that once only gambling could provide. This way boredom can easily happen, and it might be tempting to fill that empty space by returning to the old habits. It is advisable to plan ahead of your schedules to avoid boredom.
It might sound like common sense but living one day at a time is a great advice to follow in that case, meaning that you should never forget about what happened, especially if it is something that had a negative impact in your life. Wishing to go back to casinos or bookies will restrict your ability to focus on what is actually important for you. You should not be too worried about the future as well, instead focusing on what you can do now to help your current recovery process.
Doing something totally different might help keep your brain stimulated by setting new goals and tasks in your life. It can even help to put your money in cryptocurrencies to help since you cannot cash out fast to make choices in the heat of the moment. When people are focused on problem solving, they tend to cope better with any former addiction urges they had. You can also try to rekindle any of your pre-gambling hobbies, which will both boost your self esteem and provide a daily reminder of your new life. As in any behavioral addiction, it is important to find a healthy habit that will replace a negative vice. That way you will end up focused on your new positive routine rather than what you would be missing out on.
During special events, such as the World Cup, it can be hard to maintain your impulse control and not gamble. This way, it is important to find ways that will help you deal with stressful times or urges. People will usually perform better when they are doing physical exercise, meditating, or even by simply talking to a trustworthy friend. Finally, you should remember that your clean time is precious and should not be wasted by any negative habit. Seeking group counseling such as Gamblers Anonymous or professional therapy is advisable in most cases, as it helps you build confidence with your counselor who will attempt to identify any vulnerabilities, hidden triggers and help you develop a recovery maintenance plan for any of those issues.
