How Can You Stop Gambling?

We're here to help

Table of Contents

Want to stop gambling but don’t know how or where to begin? Tired of the never-ending cycle, and of feeling like there’s no way out? If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re worried yourself or a loved one has a problem with gambling. The good news is you’re in the right place. Help from our gambling rehab programme is available, and there is a much brighter and happier life on offer than the one you have been living. Recovery from gambling addiction is possible, and you can start your journey today.

Do I have a problem?

Gambling addiction is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, as ‘persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behaviour leading to clinically significant impairment or distress’. To understand more about whether you or someone else may have a problem with gambling, take this short ‘Do I have a gambling problem?’ questionnaire from our website. You can also try to answer the following questions as outlined by the NHS, to see if you have a problem. The NHS suggests that if you score a total of 8 or higher, you may be a problem gambler.

How to stop gambling

Here are a few suggestions to help you break free from the addiction cycle and start your journey of healing and recovery.

1. Admit you have a problem

The first step is often the hardest. To admit you have a problem with gambling and that you need help, such as gambling programmes or therapy, requires much courage and honesty. What’s more, denial is a defining feature of addiction, so many addicts will pretend like nothing is wrong despite all evidence to the contrary. Remember, acknowledging to yourself and to those you trust that there is a problem, is the best and bravest thing you can do for yourself.

2. Hand over control of your finances to someone else

Quite simply, you can’t gamble if you don’t have any money. It can help to hand over control of your finances to someone you trust, such as a family member or a close friend. You can arrange for them to pay your bills, manage your credit cards and limit ATM access, as well as helping you start budgeting: the point is stopping your ready access to cash. This can help you start to address your gambling problem, but is by no means a permanent solution.

3. Build a support network

As every recovering addict will tell you, building a strong support network is crucial to recovery. You cannot do this alone. Addiction is a disease of isolation, and recovery is about connecting with yourself and others. There is so much support out there for those in recovery from gambling addiction.

– Try attending a 12-step support group like Gambler’s Anonymous, patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. This powerful self-help model has proven success for millions worldwide, whether suffering from an addiction to alcohol, drugs, sex or food. Regular attendance at meetings is encouraged, as a means of receiving identification and support. A key part of the program is to find a sponsor, a former gambler who has experience in recovery and can guide and support you on your journey.

– GamCare is a charity offering information, support, self-help resources and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK. It also runs the National Gambling helpline. If you need help you can call them on 0808 8020 133

– The National Problem Gambling Clinic is a specialist NHS clinic for problem gamblers. You can refer yourself if aged 16 or over and living in England or Wales.

4. Keep active

Research has proven that exercise is a fantastic resource in recovery from any addiction. Regular exercise releases a host of feel good endorphins, creating a natural high and keeping feelings of stress, anxiety and depression at bay. This is why we offer physical exercise classes as part of our gambling rehab programmes. There are many different forms to try, from running or swimming, to yoga, boxing or tai-chi. It’s about finding what you enjoy and getting involved!

5. Keep busy

Having a structure and routine and staying busy is essential in addiction recovery. Boredom can be a huge trigger for relapse. Anything that keeps your mind focused on an activity – whether its exercise, volunteering or simply meeting up with friends – means its less likely that you’ll battle urges or thoughts of relapse.

6. Seek professional help

If you’re suffering with a gambling addiction, it’s important to find the right kind of professional help to stop. For most people, a residential stay at a private rehab clinic is the best option. Gambling programmes include different types of therapy, which delve into dysfunctional patterns of thought and behaviour, as well as identifying the underlying psychological issues and motivations for gambling. A relapse prevention plan is also essential, to ensure the gambler can remain abstinent from gambling activity after leaving treatment.  You can contact us for more information on our gambling addiction treatment programme at The Providence Projects.

If you’re reading this and think that you or a loved one may suffer from gambling addiction, then a residential stay at an addiction treatment centre offers the best chance of a stable, long-lasting recovery. To find out more about the private gambling rehab programmes we have on offer at The Providence Projects, please contact one of our experienced team of counsellors or complete our quick and easy contact form. Our counsellors are equipped with the knowledge and the skills to help you make the decision that feels right for you and for your family, and we believe in offering the best rehab package for each individual. Please remember that recovery from gambling addiction is possible, help is out there, and things can get better.

Picture of Paul Spanjar

Paul Spanjar

Paul is passionate about high-quality addiction treatment and truly believes that, with the right treatment, anyone can recover.

Learn more →

Table of Contents

We're here to help

Reach out to our expert support team 24 hours a day

MORE RESOURCES

Blogs on addiction

close
Get Help Now
Get started on your journey to recovery.
Request a call back
Request a call back
Send us your details and one of our expert advisors will call you back.
Live chat
Live chat
Chat confidentially online with one of our addiction specialists.
Speak to us
Call 0800 955 0945
Our addiction specialists are here 24 hours a day on 0800 955 0945.