Deciding to stop gambling
Research suggests that people decide to stop gambling long before they actually stop. Once you decide to stop, it is normal to still feel the urge to play. Remember that stopping is a process – a journey rather than a destination. It takes time.
At IROEA we fully support your intention to stop gambling. Below, you will find suggestions to help you with the process. Ultimately, the most effective method is to request the support of your loved ones. In the short-term, delete any gambling applications from your phone and consider using blocking software like Net Nanny, and the self-exclusion options on IROEA member sites.
It is very likely that you will continue to feel an urge to gamble for some time. Do not give up! Every time you refuse to act on the urge, you rob it of a little bit of its power.
Find someone you can trust – whether it’s a good friend or a family member, a counsellor, or a friendly voice on a helpline – and have an open and honest conversation about your gambling. Sometimes talking about a problem is all it takes to solve it.
Identifying the trigger that gives you the urge to gamble is the first and most important step towards overcoming addiction. When you feel the need to play, consider your headspace. Are you angry or upset, are you trying to escape from a relational or work issue?
It is easier said than done, but consciously choosing to do something else helps alleviate an urge to play. Consider what you can choose to do with your time instead of gambling. Not all options will work, and those that do may not do so forever, but finding something you enjoy doing that helps you think of something else will alleviate the urge to play.
There are no magic bullets. Overcoming addiction requires taking it one day at a time. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s completely okay! Be kind to yourself and remember that recovery is a journey and not a destination. Take any setbacks in your stride.
