Self-Help Advice
Although there is no substitute for professional help, here are some simple and practical measures to reduce gambling:
1. Limit the amount of money you spend gambling
Set a limit from the start on how much you are willing to spend on gambling in a session or in a week. Stick to it!
Leave credit/cash cards at home when you go out to gamble.
If you use a betting account, ask them to place a limit on it - say £50 - this works for online casinos too!
On pay day, aim to pay all your priority debts first (mortgage, rent, council tax, food, etc...).
2. Reduce the amount of time and days that you gamble
Set yourself a limit on how many times a week you will gamble (e.g. twice a week) - be specific and name the days.
Avoid those "I'll just have a quick go" scenarios.
You can set your alarm on your watch or phone to remind you - even your PC will have a calendar reminder alert you can use.
3. Don't view gambling as a way of making money
Always remember that you are buying entertainment.
Always be prepared to lose - if you win, know that it will happen by chance.
Never spend your savings or investments on gambling.
Ask friend and family not to lend you money if you ask them.
4. Spend time doing other activities
Spend more time with family or friends.
Take up a new hobby or interest or revisit one that you enjoyed before gambling took over.
Join a social group or organise events with friends who don't gamble.
Talk to other about your worries or concerns rather than 'bottling' them up.
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
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"I was always a casual gambler but now I have become a loner and my entire days are consumed with it."
Rick
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