Have you been affected by gambling addiction? Or do you have a friend or relative who has struggled with gambling addiction for the longest time? While we constantly fight the urge to get hooked on a drug or habit, gambling addiction has become very rampant.
The constant hope of getting profit from placing a bet or coin on that casino keeps you trying your luck even more. But, can you overcome gambling addiction? What are the myths surrounding gambling and how can you overcome them?
This article breaks down everything in a way that raises your hope of overcoming this dreadful habit; gambling.
What Is Gambling?
Oxford Dictionary defines gambling as an act of playing games of chance to money; bet. This is the best definition in this context where gambling poses as a business venture in which you are not assured of the profits.
Gambling is done in sports, slots in a casino, scratch cards (lottery), poker or roulette to get your odds right. This differs from the idea of taking risks in decision-making.
What Is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction, best known as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, is a disorder. Here is why, when you are addicted to gambling, it is no longer done for fun, one gambles even when the odds are against you.
While comparing gambling addiction with drug addiction may seem gross or overboard, mental stimulation is the same. Addictive gambling forces you to gamble when broke, flush, busy or relaxed and nothing matters even when losing is inevitable.
People have stolen money from friends and family, had their children sleep hungry or had to borrow to gamble perpetually. This is the same case for drug addicts. This tells you how many people are addicted to gambling and they never realize it.
Myths Surrounding Gambling
1. A Gambler is in control of their behaviour
Once gambling metamorphoses into an addiction, the victim struggles to stop. They lose control over the behaviour despite the negative consequences that come with it. The effects of hopefully going for the best odds and winning keep the betting urge going until it is out of control.
2. Addictive/ compulsive gambling is just a phase
The reality is, that this addictive stage will never pass, it is now a continuous state that only rehabilitation can cure. Ignoring this phase leads to financial, emotional and physical strain on your body, making you unproductive.
3. A big win equals financial success
One big win convinces you that it is worth the investment. The belief that once you plough back the profits to more betting is a lie. Gambling is a game full of uncertainties; you can never predict if you will win or lose on your next try.
A loss after a major win can run one into depression, especially when one ploughs back a big chunk of the profits.
4. Gambling is a get-rich scheme
While one may think they will keep succeeding from the occasional wins, the odds are always stacked against the winner. Chances are they end up losing more than they win. Additionally, it is hard to project the profits and losses. Gambling cannot be classified as a business; it should register more profits than losses for its progression.
5. Gambling only affects some people
In a world where a large percentage of young people constantly bet, people assume only the young can sink into gambling addiction. The reality is, gambling addiction can occur in any age group. The qualification is; to start gambling.
How to Quit Gambling
Beginning your journey to stop gambling for good may be easy at the start by deciding to quit. Refraining from gambling for a few days is doable, but, how do you keep the fire burning?
Surrounding yourself with people who are for the decision to quit is the first step to your victory. Additionally, giving up your finances by seizing control over your money is a great step towards quitting. Let someone else control your accounts and only hand in money whenever necessary.
Also, avoid a tempting environment that easily reminds you of gambling. These areas could include football centres, clubs and casinos. Delete those Apps that remind you of betting, and avoid visiting online casinos. Be accountable to your friends and graciously accept corrections. Be willing to learn and grow out of gambling addiction.
These steps come in handy as they lead you towards making healthier choices
1. Give up control of your money
Let someone control your accounts by handing over your credit cards to them. Make sure it is someone you trust; your money should be safe. Let them pay for your basics like bills and food.
2. Tame Your Gaming Activities
Avoid environments that remind and tempt you to go back to gambling. Delete gaming Apps, block similar websites and avoid going near gaming centres. Ask such gaming centres to restrict your access and desist from hovering around such centres.
Related: SIMPLE HABITS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND PRODUCTIVITY
3. Change friends
Make a conscious decision to cut off gambling friends. Kindly let them know you can only relate with them if they support your decision to quit gambling. It may be a painful decision to make but a sure way to yield desirable results.
4. Replace Gambling Activities with Alternatives
Sports that Produce the same adrenaline effect as gambling. That could be hiking, skating, cycling or car racing. This produces the same effect as gambling would on your brain and solves the problem. Do one of them each time you feel the urge to gamble.
5. Work on Your Finances
Apart from the adrenaline rush, the main motivation to more gambling is the money that comes with it. Occupy your mind with work, you could pick one more job to fill up your schedule. You get home tired but fulfilled that your financial needs are met hence no desire to bet.
6. Expand your social circle
Gambling occupies your mind in a way that you forget to make friends. Start the journey to fill the need to become a social being. This could mean joining a public speaking class to ditch shyness. Build a good social capital that is strengthened by financial freedom.
7. Seek Professional Help
While working on yourself, circles, environment and habits play a big role in overcoming gambling addiction, seeking a hand through the journey does not harm. Let a psychologist take you through the journey by providing useful tips and an accountability platform.
Conclusion
Gambling Addiction can be overcome when the victim is consciously committed to the course. By debunking these myths and shedding light on the realities of gambling addiction, individuals can better understand the complexities of this issue. It’s crucial to recognize that gambling is not a guaranteed path to financial success, nor is addiction solely a matter of willpower or personal strength. Instead, it’s a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive approach to prevention, intervention, and recovery.
