How do you cure a Gambling Addiction?

[Unrivaled]

I have a huge gambling addiction, it is extremely bad. It's been going on for years now since the same time that I've had some other depression and issues I've posted about as well. For years I have basically gambled pretty much my entire paycheck minus rent and bills. But I am living very close to the edge because of this, and have debt piling up as well from a variety of things.

It started with all forms of gambling and I have stopped going to the casino the past couple years. However, I keep betting on sports online. It all started years ago when I won big a few times, and I was instantly hooked. I wish I never won big and wouldn't have this problem.

I tried Gambler's Anonymous a couple times but the tone is very religious and I don't believe in a higher power. I have tried so many times to quit, but I just can't stop thinking about trying to go for a big win to eliminate some of my debt and mental health problems.

When I try to stop, I will get urges and I always give in eventually. My body starts shaking uncontrollably at times and I get headaches and mood swings for weeks as it wants to feed the addiction. I know people may say just stop but it really isn't that simple. If all it took was willpower I think I would have been able to stop years ago. It's like I lose complete control of my my mind/body, I don't know how to describe it.

Please let me know any methods that have helped anyone quit gambling or any addiction really. I feel powerless to this addiction. I've talked about it to a few close friends and they say I should just stop and don't take it seriously.

Also: as a side note I wish game designers would not put gambling designs in their games. They really don't understand how powerful this addiction can be once you're hooked (or they do know and don't care).

 

[xxracerxx]

See a therapist.

 

[AlteredBeast]

See a therapist.

Click to shrink...

Seconded. Also, they probably have meds that reduce cravings.

 

[toythatkills]

CBT probably, so therapy, but I don't know whether the cost of that might be prohibitive.

I doubt it'll help much, but you can set limits and stuff on all the gambling apps, etc. I don't know how easy they are to circumvent though, so I imagine if your addiction is strong enough it'll do no good.

CBT.

Good luck, whatever you end up trying.

 

[King Kingo]

Self Help Exercises – Gambling Therapy

Please visit this website, it's not going to be an easy journey to recovery but rest assured that you will make it.

 

[MicH]

There is no cure for addictions like this but through therapy you can get the tools to control your thoughts and urges. But it's most likely going to be something you'll have to deal with for the rest of your life, to varying degrees of course. But once you've got it under control you'll feel so much better, I guarantee it

 

[Deleted member 83122]

Im so sorry to hear your challenges, it sounds pretty drastic. Is there any hope of restricing your money in a bank account that will not let you withdraw unless it's with 24 hours notice? Or someone you trust that can help with that? My go to advice for any addiction is healthy hobbies that have something to do with physical exertion (gym) or nature (hiking). I hope you find peace, friend.

 

[Pbae]

Talking to someone is the best thing imo but
things that I've done that worked for me is to just stay away from places that have the temptation if possible. I've turned down going to the casino on more than a few occasions.
Sometimes that's not possible so I limit myself to a certain amount and hand over my wallet to someone I'm with and remind myself constantly about the gambler's fallacy.
Be conscious of your mental state. You don't want to be near temptation during periods of great highs and lows as those polar emotions can be a drive to gamble.
You've done the heavy lifting already. You've accepted that you have a problem and I'm optimistic you'll find a way to make it work. I'm rooting for you OP.

 

[Mimosa97]

I want to congratulate you on admitting that you have a problem and wanting to get help. It's the first step but it's also the biggest step. I don't know how gambling addiction works but during the times when you feel in control, you need to take measures to stop future-you from gambling when you're too weak to resist that urge. That means banning yourself from all the casinos close to you, banning yourself from all the websites (I've only ever played poker online and I remember that there was an option to request a temporary or definitive ban). You have to make it very hard for you to gamble. Also tell everyone around you that you are a gambling addict. You'll probably be disappointed by the lack of empathy and understanding but at least you'll know that people will think twice before lending you money you'll end up gambling away. Contracting debts that you can't repay could ruin important relationships.

I'd start with finding a professional therapist who specializes in addiction. It might take time for you to find one and maybe you won't find the right one on your first try but don't give up. It will be expensive but worth every penny in the long run. Think about it as an investment in your future happiness.

You should also try to find a support group. You can probably find non-religious ones by doing some digging online. You could even check reddit. There are subreddits for every kind of addiction out there.

Good luck my friend. Don't give up on yourself and don't be too hard on yourself.

 

[Gpsych]

You can't actually cure an addiction, but you can learn to implement strategies to minimize its impact on your daily life. The craving will always be there although it can be decreased. As others have said, a good therapist will help you learn strategies to cope.

 

[BLEEN]

Let someone else handle your finances. Pay them if you need to.

Should slowly dissipate from there.

 

[Revolver_Ocelot]

I have a huge gambling addiction, it is extremely bad. It's been going on for years now since the same time that I've had some other depression and issues I've posted about as well. For years I have basically gambled pretty much my entire paycheck minus rent and bills. But I am living very close to the edge because of this, and have debt piling up as well from a variety of things.

It started with all forms of gambling and I have stopped going to the casino the past couple years. However, I keep betting on sports online. It all started years ago when I won big a few times, and I was instantly hooked. I wish I never won big and wouldn't have this problem.

I tried Gambler's Anonymous a couple times but the tone is very religious and I don't believe in a higher power. I have tried so many times to quit, but I just can't stop thinking about trying to go for a big win to eliminate some of my debt and mental health problems.

When I try to stop, I will get urges and I always give in eventually. My body starts shaking uncontrollably at times and I get headaches and mood swings for weeks as it wants to feed the addiction. I know people may say just stop but it really isn't that simple. If all it took was willpower I think I would have been able to stop years ago. It's like I lose complete control of my my mind/body, I don't know how to describe it.

Please let me know any methods that have helped anyone quit gambling or any addiction really. I feel powerless to this addiction. I've talked about it to a few close friends and they say I should just stop and don't take it seriously.

Also: as a side note I wish game designers would not put gambling designs in their games. They really don't understand how powerful this addiction can be once you're hooked (or they do know and don't care).

Click to shrink...

1. Good on you for admitting it, that's a huge and positive first step.
2. Request from all sites you are currently on to ban/block you from their site
3. Go see a therapist, ideally one who specializes in addictions
4. Try to find a friend who is willing to actively check on you and see how you're doing. It sounds like you did that with some already, hopefully you have some other friends who may be willing to see this as a big deal to you?

 

[Shiloh]

You don't basically.

Just like substance abuse, the best path forward is abstinence.

 

[AntoneM]

Let someone else handle your finances. Pay them if you need to.

Should slowly dissipate from there.

Click to shrink...

If I may piggy-back on this... If you can convince a judge you are not competent to handle your own finances you might be able to get the state (if you're in the US) to appoint a fiduciary for you. You'll hate it and I would consider it to be a last resort, but, it could certainly work. It could also cause Brady Bill Act provisions to kick in and you wouldn't be able to own a firearm if that's a thing for you.

 

[Duck Sauce]

I Bet you $5 bucks you can't stop gambling.

 

[xxracerxx]

I Bet you $5 bucks you can't stop gambling.

Click to shrink...

Come on.

 

[Amibguous Cad]

Get yourself into an online SMART Recovery meeting

Home - SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is the leading evidence-based addiction recovery program. Join a free meeting today and begin experiencing a Life Beyond Addiction.

www.smartrecovery.org

This is the real deal, a secular support group based on the principles of CBT that's totally free, and a replacement for AA meetings. They helped me get sober, they can help you stop gambling.

 

[Squarehard]

Find a safer addiction.

Honestly that's how i got past my issues with gambling awhile back.

Of course, seek professional help if you feel you are beyond the point of self-reliance on resolving the issue.

 

[killuglypop]

I Bet you $5 bucks you can't stop gambling.

Click to shrink...

Not cool. Gambling addiction is serious and highly destructive. I wish you the very best OP

 

[Tapiozona]

There's pills which may help but therapy is far more effective. I've read Naltrexone in conjunction with therapy is a pretty solid start. The Naltrexone will also help you stop drinking (if that's an issue) and will make you immune to opiode effects (if that's an issue). Though never take it if you're on any kind of opiode because it puts you into precipitated withdrawl. Theres other meds like mood stabilizers and anti seizure meds which can take away the pleasure of gambling but unfortunately no argue science on effectiveness.

Sorry, not to tangent, just figured I'd mention it

 

[Tomo815]

I have a huge gambling addiction, it is extremely bad. It's been going on for years now since the same time that I've had some other depression and issues I've posted about as well. For years I have basically gambled pretty much my entire paycheck minus rent and bills. But I am living very close to the edge because of this, and have debt piling up as well from a variety of things.

Click to shrink...

Basically it boils down to this. If you want my layman advice, you pretty much cant control your finance responsibly and you would be better off asking somebody to administer your money. Maybe give you pocket money for drinks and snacks every month.

Sorry if it sounds harsh, but you have come some so far in admitting your addiction so maybe this is the step you need to take. Your impulses may not go away but at least you wont be able to squander your money.

Basically accept that you are not fit to administer your own money responsibly and find somebody who can do it for you, setting something aside for you every month.

 

[echoshifting]

Some of the most critical tools for overcoming addiction include:
-someone to talk to at length about your addiction, ideally some kind of therapist, to help you learn new skills and get to the bottom of your addiction
-strategies to calm your mind during a craving.
-find alternative things to do to funnel your energy into when you want to satisfy your addiction.
-avoid people and places you associate with your addiction as much as possible.
-engage in patterns of behavior that promote mental well-being and physical health.
-figure out your motive to quit. You have to be motivated to quit and it has to be good, something that can help you center yourself when you're about to slip.

Finally, don't beat yourself up when you slip and gamble. It happens to all addicts. The less you are gambling, the more you are reducing harm to yourself. Problem solve - what feelings, behavior, experiences caused me to slip? How can I avoid it the next time a similar situation occurs? Always congratulate yourself for continuing to try to quit. All you can do is keep trying.

All of this is easier with a therapist who specializes in addiction. Don't worry about finding a psychologist per se, look for someone who specializes in gambling addiction and go from there. Good luck.

 

[Booker Do It]

I became addicted to gambling a couple of years ago. Bit the bullet and self excluded myself from every gambling website I could think of. It was a difficult thing to do!
First couple of weeks all I could think of was how much money I was potentially missing out on and thinking about the teams I would have backed.
I haven't gambled in around 2 years now and can't say I've missed it. Have more money in the bank than ever. It's true what they say, you never see a poor bookie.
Best of luck with your struggle. Best advice I can give is to self exclude yourself from anywhere that will take your money. It will be tough not betting for a while but you will soon reap the rewards.

 

[Xterrian]

I can only offer limited advice
1. Get a support group. Not necessarily a group persay, but at least have a close friend or loved one who you can count on. Far easier to commit to recovery when you got someone with their hand on your shoulder.

2. Go down gradually. For some cold turkey might work, but decreasing your gambling little by little is probably easier. Start with say $20 a day to gamble, go down to $15 a week later, and so on.

And 3. Find a safer/less riskier gambling outlet. This isnt good for quitting tbh, but if you're worried about increasing debt or just losing all your money, you can at least hop to something a bit less commiting that can still scratch the gambling itch. I'd say gatcha, but often you can buy more chances through micro-transactions which is bad. Maybe get a game that has none. Off the top of my head, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and the yugioh switch game both have some sort of "randomly get some awesome stuff" system and have no mtx in them.

 

[Unrivaled]

Thank you all for the advice. I think the first thing I will do is self exclude from the sites I have used.

It really doesn't help that I'm a big sports fan and so the temptation will always be there.

 

[I am a Bird]

I used to know a guy who had a serious addiction like that. He would gamble on anything and unfortunately did. I can't quite recall what exactly happened to him, but from my recollection, his friends basically stayed watch with him for around a month or so just making sure he didn't gamble at all and help get him to a place where he could manage it. But I get you on that temptation side of things.

Therapy will definitely help if you can get it. Sometimes it's just good to talk.

 

[Mesoian]

Support groups and cold turkey no gambling.

I know that the religious aspect of it may not jive with you, and that's fine, but don't ignore the other 10 steps because the last two are some dumb nonsense. People need help sometimes.

 

[painey]

I beat it by moving to a country where it is illegal 😂 I used to gamble basically every day, but I was always sensible about it. No chasing, no mug bets.. I made a lot of money off of it, too.. 5 figures profit. I moved to America and it wasn't really possible without VPN's and a whole lot of hassle, and I just stopped.

 

[wollywinka]

I Bet you $5 bucks you can't stop gambling.

Click to shrink...

What the hell is wrong with you? Gross.