Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Taking Control of Your Gambling Addiction

My gambling counselor gave me a important piece of advice on my very first session which stuck with me to this day. "If you ever expect to conquer your gambling addiction you must analyze the reasons for which you gamble." Simple advice, yet solid none the less. Once I worked on removing the "causes" of my compulsive gambling, I immediately felt less of a need to hit the casinos.

Here are four tips that I hope will help you get your life back on track like I did.

1. Gambling is a decision.

Before you even set foot in a casino or log-in to online poker you have already made the decision to gamble. Simply put, you generally don't go to a casino if you don't intend on gambling, and you usually don't log into online poker just to watch. If you do, stop it.Why are you putting yourself in gambling situations when you are a problem gambler!? If you are feeling the gambling itch either stop and call someone or find something else to keep you busy. Thinking about the negative consequences of addictive gambling also help. Don't think "this time I will get lucky." Believe me!

2. Fork over your money

Give your cash and credit cards to someone you can trust won't let you use it for purposes of gambling. Call your bank and have them make automatic payments for your bills so they all get paid before you have a chance to blow your money in the casino. If you must carry cash on you make sure it is in very limited amounts.

3. Manage your time to cut out gambling

If you plan a schedule that entails your entire day and stick to hit, you won't have time to hit the casino and will be so busy with your list that you might not even think about gambling all day. By the way, do not put gambling on your schedule...

4. Mind your environment

Sort of the same thing as the first point. Avoid locations where you might find yourself tempted to gamble. This is only fueling your gambling addiction. Instead, go fishing or read a book. Do not read a book relating to poker strategies or "how to beat the casino."





GamblingAnon- Discover all the negative effects of gambling

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