If you are having a problem with online gambling on slots, there are many things that you can do to help you overcome this challenge. The first step is to acknowledge that there is a problem and seek help. This can be difficult, but it is essential to your recovery. Professional counselling and support groups can help you learn to cope with your addiction. You can also find useful tools and tips on the internet to quit gambling. Some of these include avoiding triggers, such as your route to work or the casino. You can also reduce financial risk factors, such as carrying large amounts of cash or credit cards. You should also avoid socialising in venues where gambling takes place, and look for alternative recreational activities.
Another key factor is to recognise that gambling is not a source of happiness, and that it can only provide temporary relief from problems. This can be especially difficult for people who have been using gambling as an escape from traumatic situations in their lives. Some people who have gambling problems may believe that gambling makes them feel better, but this illusion is shattered when they realise how much money they have lost and how unhappy they are.
The way to stop gambling on slots is to make a commitment not to gamble, and to play only with the amount of money you can afford to lose. You should also set long and short-term goals that will motivate you to stay away from gambling. Keeping up with these goals will help you maintain your resolve to stop gambling and save money. If you are having a problem with gambling on slots, it is a good idea to talk about your situation with someone who won’t judge you. This could be a friend, family member or professional counsellor. It is also a good idea to try to reduce your financial risk factors, such as leaving credit cards at home and limiting the amount of money you carry with you when you leave the house. You can also use the internet to block gambling websites and social media accounts if they are causing you problems.
Many people who have gambling issues blame themselves for their inability to stop, believing that if only they were more disciplined, or had the same self-control as their non-gambling friends, then they would be able to control their habit. The truth is that gambling is addictive because it changes the brain’s reward system in the same way that drug addiction does. The dopamine reward circuits become ingrained and it is very difficult to break free from the craving.
Getting help is essential to stopping gambling on slots. Professional treatment from a mental health or addiction counselor can make all the difference. In addition, there are online resources available for problem gambling, including self-assessment tools, financial management help and free helplines. Some of these websites, such as GamCare and Lifeline, are available to all Australians.