Responsible Gambling – How To Stay In Control

What is a Gambling Addiction? 🔎

Gambling addiction is a disease, not a money issue. A gambling addiction, just like addictions to chemical substances, sex, etc. is classified as a mental health issue. It’s defined as an issue when the gambler can’t stop playing even when he or she realizes that it’s hurting their life and the life of people around them, and when the person no longer can control the urge to play regardless of the consequences of their actions.

A pathological gambler, often known as a gambling addict, does not get addicted to gambling after only one gambling session. A gambler goes through several stages before it becomes an addiction. In the course of enjoying a game of chance for fun and entertainment, the line between problematic behaviour and pathological gambling becomes increasingly blurred.

Progression to Gambling Addiction

At first, gambling is regarded as enjoyable, and any profits strengthen the allure and provide emotional experiences. Often, the player believes that it is their skill, and not luck, that brings them wins and increases bets and time spent gambling. The wagers get bigger and the gambling sessions get longer and more frequent. 

As a player’s interests become increasingly centred around gambling, he also uses it to try and recreate the feeling of excitement. Gambling is hidden from loved ones, friends, coworkers, etc., which increases lying. Gamblers borrow money from whoever, or wherever they can to pay gambling debts or to continue gambling.

Eventually, it gets to the point where they are unable to stop gambling, even though they recognise the effect their gambling is having on their relationships, work and financial situation. At this point, gambling has become an addiction. As with all addictions, it comes with feelings of shame and guilt, as well as thoughts of suicide.

Who is at Risk of Becoming Addicted to Gambling?

Anyone can become a pathological gambler when they’re not aware of responsible gambling. There are some people who fail into the higher risk category.

• Access to gambling has been shown to increase the risk.
• Unemployment or people in the low-income category range are vulnerable,
• Thrill-seekers and less impulsive people are at risk.
• People, especially men, under 30 are at risk.
• Older people who play games such as bingo and slot machines also fall into this category
• It is common for compulsive gamblers to have problems with substance abuse, personality disorders, depression, or anxiety. The compulsive habit of gambling may also be linked to bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

How To Stop Gambling and Regain Control 🛑

When you haven’t been gambling responsibly and if you think that you might have an issue or feel like you’re developing bad habits you must seek help. The matter of fact is that most people can’t stop gambling on their own, just like most drug addicts can’t stop taking drugs without help.

It can be very challenging to stop problem gambling, but if you do, the struggle is to keep stopping. It is exceedingly challenging for former problem gamblers to participate in leisure gaming once more, due to the desire to place a bet.

To have a full and healthy life, most problem gamblers—if not all—need a treatment strategy focused on abstinence. An effective recovery program must be in place to avoid relapse in order to sustain abstinence.

Stopping Gambling On your own

Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule and if you’re able to stop on your own, you should. Here are eight things that can help you with your journey.

1. Be prepared for boredom. As you would have been used to filing spare time with gambling, you will need to plan how to use the time differently. This can initially be perceived as boring as you probably won’t experience the adrenaline rushes you are used to.

2. Take each day one at a time. Each day is a new opportunity. Focus on getting through today, forget about yesterday and don’t think about tomorrow until it arrives.

3. Try new things. Your brain will need to be stimulated. Try doing something new. It doesn’t have to be a big project or hobby, it can be something small like learning how to bake bread or raise a plant. Try and make it something that will prove your brain the chance to use its problem-solving skills.

4. Revive an old interest. Pick up that book you didn’t finish reading or that craft or DIY project you never completed. It will remind you of what you used to enjoy and make you feel confident when you have completed it.

5. Be aware of your triggers. If you used to bet on sporting events such as Wimbledon or the IPL Cricket league, you can strongly feel the need to gamble when they are being played. Try to avoid social media or media outlets that you know will be focused on them.

6. Look for strategies to reduce your stress. Whatever stress you experienced before is not going to go away. Learn how to manage your stress in a positive way. That could be taking up gardening, exercising, meditating or chatting with someone who will listen without judgement. The more stressed you are, the more you will feel the need to gamble.

7. Don’t forget that gamblers seldom win big. You will convince yourself that one more flutter with win you the big one and you will solve all of your problems. Take the time to remind yourself that this is not the case and that you will just continue the cycle if you bet again.

8. Make a gratitude journal. It may sound cliche, but taking the time to write down how your life has changed for the better is very self-healing. As you remind yourself of the things in life you are grateful for, it will reinforce them and help you to appreciate them more.

What To Do If Someone Close to You Gambles Too Much 👋

Do you think a relative, friend or co-worker is suffering from a gambling problem or is not gambling responsible? It’s important that you act. You can do this by letting the said person know how you feel or encouraging the person to seek help.

As mentioned, most addicts know that they have a problem and many, although not all, are relieved to get help and recognition.

However, before you act and confront a person with a potential problem, we suggest you educate yourself on the matter so that you’re better prepared by looking into responsible gambling. And remember to always be supportive and non-judgmental, otherwise, chances are that you’ll make the situation worse and limit your ability to have an influence.

Naturally, if you think the problem is too big or you don’t know what to do, you too can seek help through GA or a doctor.

Talking to a person who has a problem is not an easy feat, and the chances are that just speaking to them will affect you. Remember that you are doing it to help them. Also, nothing that you say is going to make them stop. That is a long process they have to go through themselves, with your support and understanding.

Like many addicts, the chances that they will deny the problem, or try to make it sound like you are the root cause, this is not the truth. Harsh words will have a negative effect on your relationship. Here are some suggestions we feel could help both you and the gambler;

• Tell the gambler what their gambling is doing to you and how it makes you feel bad. Express your emotions in a thoughtful and honest manner.
• Avoid attempting to manage the gambler’s life. It won’t work and you’ll be miserable as a result.
• Inform the gambler that you wish to assist. They could experience a loss of control, embarrassment, or humiliation. You can suggest that you’ll be there for them.
• Treat them equally in all respects. Don’t attempt to shield them.
• Don’t take on their burden; rather, assist them in their battle. Saying “I won’t do something for you, but I’ll be here with you while you do it” is an option.
• Let them accept accountability for their actions. Let them handle their job and creditors, for instance. Don’t aid them in their lies and deceit.