Because people with gambling addictions can get strong sudden urges to gamble, it is important to be ready when these situations occur. Here are 10 tips you can you to help you beat that gambling urge.

10 Tips to Beat Gambling Addiction

1. When the urge hits you, and you feel a very strong urge to gamble, sit down and meditate. Let every thought enter your mind and let it go. After twenty minutes your head will feel surprisingly clear and the urge to gamble will have subsided.

2. Think of all the negative things associated with gambling (debt,obsession, secrets from family and friends)

3. Talk to a family member or friend right away. Make sure it is someone who will talk you out of gambling and not another gambler who might encourage it.

4. Get involved in the community, or another type of club or organization. Sign up for a gym membership, join a yoga class, there are many things you can do to curb your gambling addiction.

5. Talk about it. It is much more helpful to talk to friends, family, or even a therapist about how you are dealing with your emotions and feelings towards gambling. Gambling addiction is a hundred times harder to beat by yourself, so get some help.

6. Make a list of of things in your life that were damaged by your gambling addiction. Read the list once every morning and once before bed.

7. Learn more about gambling addiction. The more you learn, the better you can understand your addiction and beat it. Read the posts on this site, and there are many other sites out there that offer great information as well.

8. Be on high alert for any tiny voice that whispers "if I bet big tonight, I know I can win it all back." This is a number one symptom of gambling addiction.

9. Stay away from alcohol and drugs. Anything that is going to impair your judgment will make you more likely to gamble. Stay away from anything that will intoxicate you until you have completely conquered your gambling addiction.

10. Call every casino in your area and tell them to put you on the black list. It is possible to ban yourself from any casino for one year or longer.

Posted On : 2008-10-24