Right Steps to Prevent Gambling Addiction
The purview of gambling has been reserved for players with proven capacity to keep it responsible. Gambling is indeed a fun event that can be leveraged to break boredom and make the best of one's time. However, when the art of gambling becomes an irresistible activity that a player hardly exists without, it then becomes a problem. Problem gambling or addiction brings ill-feelings to a player when he or she fails to oblige the urge to do so.
This problem of gambling has been caused by overindulgence of oneself, underlying health problems such as depression, anxiety, drug addiction, or bipolar disorders. Some players in order to feed their addiction are trying to find the answers on how to get around Gamstop self-exclusion service to continue spinning slots. In this article, we shall discuss gambling problems and x-ray the steps needed for victims of gambling addiction to recover from it.
Compulsive gambling signals
Most of the time, addicted gamblers are found denying their problem while some don't even realize they have a problem with gambling. To them, there's nothing ever wrong with having as much fun as possible gambling, no matter the repercussions arising from it. Nevertheless, the fact remains that certain compulsive gambling signals show up in some gamblers, but they don't even recognize them or deliberately disregard them.
For instance, it's a sign of uncontrolled gambling when, as a gambler, you see yourself gambling with money meant for your feeding and overall sustenance. This doesn't come as a surprise to many, but if you are doing this, you might have a gambling problem. Also, when you feel really awkward, uncomfortable and unsettled because you haven't gambled, then there's a problem. Borrowing money or selling valuable possessions is another sign that you have a gambling problem that you should fix-up.
Concealing your gambling activities and getting irritated at any little advice about your gambling activities is also a sign that you are compulsively gambling. Feeling comfortable and not sullen over a significant loss of money and wanting to get them all back at once at every cost, is a signal of gambling addiction.
Mental health steps to tackle gambling addiction
Realize problem
As already noted with Trans4mind, so many addicted gamblers don't even understand that they are addicted to gambling or are gradually giving in to addiction. This is especially common among people who have experienced losing streaks consistently, which usually deludes them into chasing their losses at all cost.
What happens when you chase losses at all cost is that you unwittingly sign up for anything possible to recover your losses, even addiction. Some addicted gamblers already know their addiction problems but are in constant vehement denial, which often emboldens them and compounds the problem.
Now, you have to realize that you have a problem and accept it, irrespective of how hard it may be. This is important because, without first realizing and admitting you have a problem, no solution can ever work for you.
Increase your support
Gambling can be a very tedious, cumbersome, and daunting task when you embark on it alone. More often than not, getting out of addiction requires help from other people who understand your position and are genuinely ready and capable of helping you solve it. It's also hard to own up to the problem and seek support, but that's the best thing you can do. There are some counselling services available for problem gamblers such as BeGambleAware etc. Thus, seeking support from trusted friends, partners, colleagues, siblings, and professionals is very paramount to your healing process.
Look for an activity to replace gambling
Yes, it's part of your recovery process, because you need to fill the void left by your gambling addiction. It has to be with worthwhile activities that don't remind you of gambling, such as biking, hanging out, watching movies, jogging, walking in a park, among others.
Platforms that can help
Gambling addiction has become an increasing source of concern to many well-meaning bodies, organizations, and authorities around the globe. Thankfully, the matter has motivated several efforts to help people grappling with gambling addiction anywhere and everywhere in the world. To this end, some platforms have been established to tackle gambling addiction head-on. Some of such platforms include the following:
Manaaki App
The Manaaki app is a mobile app seeking to help people grappling with gambling addiction by providing practical tips to them. The application was designed by Auckland University's National Institute for Health Innovation in conjunction with Deakin University and Hapai Te Hauora.
The mobile app is designed with priority to provide a fast, convenient, accessible and lasting solution to gambling addicts. Slated for launch after the Coronavirus lockdown, Manaaki can be a panacea to gambling issues.
Gamcare
Gamcare is a leading gambling solution platform designed to assist UK players battling with addiction to gambling. It's a charitable platform that leverages technology to lift addicted gamblers from the unfortunate pit of addiction.
Addicted gamblers can access self-care and help at their website, or get support from their competent team of staff, or call in with their problems. Friends, colleagues, spouses or siblings can seek help for their loved ones as well.
Gamban
Gamban is an application that helps gamblers deactivate and block access to all online gambling platforms on your device. Gamban has been licensed by the UK Gambling Commission to be accessible on GamCare.
Gamban itself allows people to curtail their gambling excesses by cutting ties with all online gambling platforms on your phone. Try using directly on their website or through Gamcare support networks.