Many people struggle with gambling addiction, despite its relative ease to access in this modern age. It’s important for those who are struggling with this to know that there are practical ways to stop gambling on online slots and reclaim control over their lives. Some of these tools include self-exclusion, gambling blocking software like Gamban, and limiting access to funds. People should also seek out support from family, friends, or GA. It’s also helpful to replace gambling with healthy activities, and address underlying issues with professional help. In addition, individuals should practice stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, deep breathing, and reading or writing.
The first step in stopping gambling is to admit that you have a problem. This can be difficult, but it is essential for successful recovery. Individuals should also seek out treatment from a mental health professional or addiction counselor, as these professionals can develop a personalized recovery plan and provide ongoing support. In addition, people should try to replace gambling with healthy activities, such as exercising, hobbies, or socializing. Finally, it’s important to limit access to funds by not keeping gambling-related items in the home, and by removing credit cards or other financial instruments from the person’s wallet.
Another useful tool is to utilize self-exclusion, which is a program offered by some gambling sites and apps, as well as some regulatory bodies. These programs allow individuals to ban themselves from gambling for a specific period of time, usually between 6 months and 5 years. Individuals can find more information on self-exclusion by visiting each site’s responsible gambling page or app, or by using a search engine to look for “self-exclusion”.
Finally, people struggling with gambling should try to avoid triggers, which are situations, thoughts, or feelings that make them want to gamble. This can be done by identifying what situations or emotions lead to gambling, and by adjusting their environment or habits to minimize exposure to these triggers.
Some of the most common triggers include television ads, websites, and emails. To reduce exposure to these triggers, individuals should unsubscribe from gambling-related email lists and adjust their ad preferences on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Google. They should also use content blockers on their devices, such as Gamban, to prevent gambling-related ads and content from appearing. In addition, they should also find new activities to occupy their time and avoid boredom, as this is often the root cause of gambling addiction. It’s also important to talk openly with family members about their struggles, as this can be a powerful and helpful tool for recovery. Lastly, it’s crucial for people to avoid rationalizations, which are false justifications for gambling behavior. For example, if someone is driving by the casino they normally visit and feel the urge to gamble, they should instead take a different route or listen to an interesting book or podcast. In addition, people should try to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.