If you struggle with gambling addiction, it can be hard to recognize your problem and take steps to stop. It takes immense courage to acknowledge that you have a problem, especially if you’ve lost money and strained or broken relationships along the way. The truth is, many people are successful in overcoming gambling addiction and rebuilding their lives. However, it takes time and energy to understand the psychological triggers behind this issue while empowering yourself with cutting-edge tools that change your behavior.
One of the most effective strategies for stopping online slots is to set a budget and stick to it. Set a weekly or daily limit on how much time you’ll spend playing and commit to not using any funds that aren’t allocated to this purpose. Then, keep track of your bankroll throughout the day to make sure you don’t spend more than you intend to.
Another important tip is to avoid progressive slot games, which increase the jackpot every time you spin. These are more likely to lead to losses than wins, so if you’re not comfortable with the risk of losing a lot of money, choose a game with a fixed jackpot.
You should also try to challenge common irrational thinking patterns that can fuel gambling addiction. Challenging fallacies such as the illusion of control and superstitions can help prevent gambling-related problems.
For example, if you’re thinking about the “lucky” number seven, remember that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, it’s more likely that luck is merely the result of probability.
Identify the places where you gamble most often and find ways to avoid these triggering locations. This might involve changing your route home, avoiding social activities that are located near casinos or TABs, or setting reminders on your phone to stop gambling. It’s also a good idea to start volunteering at a local charity or organization as this can be a rewarding experience that helps to replace unhealthy coping behaviors with positive ones.
When you’re feeling a strong urge to gamble, use the Freedom app to block dangerous websites. Recurring block sessions allow you to schedule a time when you won’t be allowed to visit the sites, which is more sustainable than trying to use willpower each time. Plus, blocking can happen across all your devices.
Gambling addiction is a complex issue that can have serious consequences for your health, finances and relationships. It’s not uncommon to feel a relapse after you’ve stopped gambling, but it is important to be resilient and recommit to your goals. The more you practice the tools of recovery, the easier it will be to overcome your problem. You can learn more about overcoming gambling addiction on GamCare’s online resources page, Lifeline’s Problem Gambling page and the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling. All of these organizations provide free gambling self-assessment tools, financial management assistance and free hotlines. You can also speak with a licensed therapist who can help you address your gambling addiction and build healthy coping mechanisms.