Overcoming a Games Problem: Steps to Take Back Control

Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime for many people. However, for some, it crosses the line into addiction and causes significant life problems. An estimated 1-3% of Americans struggle with a gambling disorder at some point in their lives.

The good news is that while gambling addiction is serious, it is also highly treatable. With the right help and support, people can overcome compulsive Lucky Spins gambling behaviors and rebuild their lives. This article explores practical steps you or your loved one can take to prevent and recover from a gambling problem.

Warning Signs You May Have a Gambling Problem

How do you know when gambling has become an addiction rather than just a hobby? There are some key patterns to be aware of:

• You need to gamble with more and more money to get the same feeling of excitement

• You repeatedly try to cut back or quit gambling but are unable to stick with it

• You gamble to escape problems or relieve feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or helplessness

• Relationships, job, or school obligations are being neglected due to gambling

• Lying to conceal gambling behaviors from loved ones

• Asking others for money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling

If several of these describe you, it’s important to take steps now before the addiction gets worse.

Overcoming Denial Is the First Challenge

One of the biggest obstacles to recovery is overcoming denial. The nature of addiction involves altered thinking, where people rationalize their behavior despite negative consequences.

Some ways to move past denial include:

• Track your time and money spent gambling with tools like logs or apps to objectively see the extent of your involvement

• Come clean to a trusted friend or family member about the reality of your gambling — saying it out loud makes it harder to minimize

• Consider impacts in major life domains like relationships, career, health and self-care — reflect honestly on how gambling may be connected to problems in these areas

• List reasons you want to quit and revisit them often — having clear motivations helps override short-term urges to gamble

Taking these proactive steps sets the stage for change.

Tips to Successfully Quit Gambling

Quitting any addiction is extremely tough. With something as accessible as gambling, triggers and temptations lurk around every corner. But many before you have broken free of its grip. Some helpful tips:

1. Strengthen Your Support System

Don’t try to go it alone. The more positive influences around you, the better. Potential sources of support include:

• 12-step programs like Gamblers Anonymous which use group meetings and shared wisdom from members going through the same thing

• Individual and family counseling to identify root causes of the addiction and learn healthy coping mechanisms

• Install gambling blocking software on your electronic devices and have someone else set the password

• Reach out personally to close friends and family, let them know you are quitting, and ask them to encourage and check in on you

2. Avoid Triggers and Replace Gambling With Healthier Activities

It’s crucial to avoid people, places and situations that stir up the urge to gamble:

• Stay out of casinos, racetracks, bingo halls and anywhere with betting machines

• Cancel online betting accounts and gambling mailing lists

• Find new social circles that don’t revolve around gambling

• Take up hobbies that provide excitement in healthier ways like sports, outdoors activities, playing music, making art, etc

When a craving strikes, have go-to healthy distractions handy rather than trying to “fight” the urge directly:

• Call a support person

• Go for a walk or do exercise

• Read an engrossing book or listen to a podcast

• Play games or do a puzzle that occupies your mind

3. Address Underlying Factors That Drive the Addiction

For some people, gambling addiction is tied to specific disorders and life problems. Seeking treatment tailored to your situation improves recovery odds. Common connections include:

What Relapse Prevention Looks Like

Unfortunately, relapse rates for gambling addiction are high. Up to 75% of recovering gamblers will return to problem behaviors at some point.

But relapses don’t mean failure. They indicate more support is needed. Having an effective relapse prevention strategy is key:

• Identify your unique triggers and prepare alternate responses — when an intense urge hits, you’ll be ready

• Address slips quickly — the sooner you stop a lapse and correct course, the less likely it will turn into a full relapse

• Avoid discouragement after slip-ups and focus energy on getting back on track instead of self-criticism

• Use the relapse as data — reflect on what was different leading up to the slip and shore up protective factors in that area going forward

With vigilance and daily commitment, many do achieve long-term success in overcoming gambling addiction. Support groups describe members still free from gambling urges even decades later — showing that full recovery is possible.

The important thing is to keep fighting for the healthy, happy and financially stable life you deserve. There are now more resources than ever before to help you get there. Taking that first step is the hardest; but you don’t have to take it alone.