If someone you know has an addiction to gambling, you can help by encouraging them to seek treatment and providing emotional support. Gain knowledge on their condition so you can discuss it non-threateningly without criticizing or blaming them; empathic understanding is paramount since pathological gambling can have serious repercussions for those affected by it.
People living with this condition tend to have low self-esteem and view money as something ephemeral that they can easily throw away. Furthermore, financial problems may increase an individual’s urge to gamble, as they feel guilty or ashamed about how much they’ve spent each week. For this reason it is imperative that issues related to emotional wellness be addressed first before breaking free of gambling addiction.
Recovering from gambling addiction while continuing to play poker can be challenging, but it is possible if precautions and awareness of potential risks are taken. Warning signs for gambling issues often include neglecting personal hygiene, experiencing mood swings and isolating themselves from friends and family – any time these occur, professional assistance should be sought immediately.
An individual struggling with gambling addiction must also learn coping techniques to reduce cravings and prevent relapse, such as meditation, exercise and stress reduction. Furthermore, activities that will divert a person away from gambling urges, such as reading or watching television are important ways to find respite from urges to gamble and resist temptation when they arise. By developing such skills individuals will feel more confident about their recovery efforts and be better able to resist temptation when it arises.
Reducing gambling exposure is an effective strategy for avoiding triggers and curbing cravings. At times when one may be more vulnerable to gambling, they should refrain from visiting casinos or other places that might tempt them with temptations; furthermore it’s recommended that only carrying small amounts of cash when going out is beneficial – leaving cards behind should also help.
As part of their recovery from gambling addiction, it’s crucial that individuals with such addiction establish strong support networks. This may include reaching out to coworkers, joining book clubs or sports teams, enrolling in classes, volunteering for causes or joining peer support groups such as Gambler’s Help Together to receive guidance and advice from former addicts.
Motivation to overcome gambling addiction may waver at times, so it is beneficial to compile a daily list of what one is thankful for and reflect upon how fortunate one truly is. Doing this may increase motivation to recover while also reminding one that there are other things they enjoy outside gambling. Trying something new on a regular basis will also keep someone from feeling bored; perhaps taking cooking classes, traveling abroad or starting a garden project are ways of breaking free.