How to Manage Your Gambling Addiction

Having a gambling addiction can be a traumatic experience. It can cause strained family relationships and it can be difficult to stop. There are some things you can do to help manage your problem. You can join a support group, get counselling, or enroll in education classes. You can also volunteer to help others.

One of the best ways to manage your gambling is to establish boundaries when it comes to money. Keep a small amount of cash in case you need it, but make sure you have a bank account with automatic payments set up. It is also a good idea to get rid of your credit cards. If you find that your finances are under control, you are less likely to gamble again.

There are also plenty of websites that offer free help. For instance, BetterHelp is an online resource that can match you with a therapist. There are also organisations that provide counselling and support to those with gambling problems.

While the Internet has made it easier for people to gamble, it has also made it easier for them to relapse. For instance, if you are unable to stop gambling, your online betting accounts may be closed. It is also important to learn from your mistakes. If you are going to stop gambling, you need to learn how to replace the thrill of the gambling experience with healthier activities.

Luckily, there are many organisations that offer support for those with gambling problems. For instance, Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. The program offers former addicts a place to share their experiences, as well as the chance to meet other former addicts. It’s also free and confidential. You can also use the BetterHelp quiz to match you with a therapist.

While the best way to avoid gambling is to stop gambling, it is impossible to completely avoid gambling. Gambling is a great way to unwind, but if it becomes a habit, it can negatively impact your life.

In fact, one of the earliest signs of gambling is when your urge to gamble starts to outweigh your desire to do other things. Having a gambling addiction is not a choice. It is something that you must address and it is best to do so with the support of a trained professional.

It is also important to understand that you should never feel guilty about having a gambling problem. It is important to learn from your mistakes and to strengthen your support network. This may mean reaching out to family and friends, or volunteering for a good cause. It is also important to stay away from tempting environments. It is not always easy to quit gambling, but it is possible.

It is also important to remember that gambling is often a way to self-soothe unpleasant feelings. You may be tempted to gamble when you feel depressed, anxious or overwhelmed. You can learn to cope with these emotions by exercising or spending time with non-gambling friends.