Gambling addiction is considered an impulse control disorder. It is also known as pathological gambling, gambling disorder, or compulsive gambling. When someone is a compulsive gambler, they don´t have control over the impulse to gamble.

The following tips will help you move towards the road to recovery from this disorder.

1. Understanding the Problem

The American Psychiatric Association identifies gambling as a mental health disorder similar to addictions triggered by alcohol and drugs.

Be honest with yourself when you think your gambling habit is controlling you. You can also ask a loved one about their opinion of your gambling for a better understanding. Stop the temptation to deny that there is a problem and start seeing the negative effect gambling on your life and family.

2. Avoiding Temptation

Gambling is a strong urge or temptation. By avoiding the triggers, you can avoid the thoughts and feelings that push you towards gambling.

For example, if driving by a casino after work ignites the thoughts of gambling, it is better to avoid that route and take an alternative way home. Just as someone with a drinking problem should avoid going into a bar, you have to identify and avoid your triggers. You can work with a loved one to develop a list of triggers and find ways to avoid the temptation.

3. Finding Alternatives

It is important to prevent triggers that amplify the cravings. It is ideal to find healthy alternatives to gambling that distract you away from the addictive behavior. By substituting gambling with positive habits, you can shift the focus away from the urge to gamble towards something good.

Some gambling alternatives include:

• Physical activities and hobbies
• Meditation
• Volunteering at a hospital or animal shelter
• Traveling
• Family fun activities

4. Consider Consequences

You can think about the serious consequences of your gambling such as:

• Emotional pain caused to your loved ones
• The financial hardships you put yourself and family in
• Any lies you told to disguise your addiction from others

Instead of feeling guilty, use this thinking of consequences as a way to motivate yourself to avoid gambling.

5. Joining a Support Group

Once you come to terms that there is a problem, you can seek help from a support group.

Gamblers Anonymous is one such group specifically designed to meet the needs of people with gambling addictions. The support program operates around the familiar 12-step approach popular with other support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

6. Seeking Professional Help

Treatment from a mental health or addiction specialist could be the difference between a life of financial ruin versus living in financial stability.

Professional treatment methods will help you find a way to be away from gambling. You can develop skills to say ´no´ when you feel the urge to gamble.

If your gambling is severe, consider seeking professional help as soon as possible.

With professional counselors and therapists widely available, the only thing you need to do is to recognize your problem and seek help.