Addiction of any kind is a critical health concern. The problem is particularly serious when it comes to gambling. This activity is often viewed as a form of leisure or a way of passing the time. It is difficult for those who have become addicted to realize that they are already developing an impulse-control disorder.
So, what can be done to avoid falling into the compulsive gambling trap? Go over the following tips and learn how you can defend yourself from becoming a pathological gambler.
Choose gambling options less likely to result in addiction
Not all forms of gambling have the same tendency to induce addiction. Playing the lottery, for example, is not as addictive as playing slots and most other games in a casino. You can play at sites like Your Lotto Service on a regular basis, for example, without developing the symptoms of problem gambling.
The reason for this is the very nature of the games. Lotteries have their fixed timelines. There are specific intervals between draws. Players cannot rush the games or do it more often than the frequency of the draws. They can do it daily or twice a day, but not more often the official draws are held. In contrast, casino games allow players to have their own pace and play as many times as possible. Slots, specifically, are highly addictive.
Use self-exclusion
For those playing in online casinos, there is a feature called self-exclusion that allows players to voluntarily lock themselves out of their accounts for a specific period. With this function activated, they cannot access their accounts and play. Some casinos, however, allow players to request a forced lifting of this feature.
Find ways to deprive yourself of access to your money
You can’t engage in gambling if you don’t have the funds for it. That’s why a logical solution to restrain yourself from overindulging in the vice is to prevent yourself from accessing your cash. You can ask a family member or a trusted friend to control your ability to use your money. You can let them monitor your transactions or have the PIN codes or passwords to your bank accounts. If you have credit cards, consider canceling them altogether.
Seek help
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Addiction is an extremely difficult opponent because it entails fighting yourself. You are your own enemy, which usually means the fight always ends in a stalemate, or your good side ends up losing. Enlist the help of a family member or close friend to help you get through the challenge. Be open to the possibility that you are already losing control of yourself. It is only by acknowledging the problem that you can do something about it.
Gambling addiction is a severe problem, but it is not difficult to avoid. It is a big challenge to resist it. However, most people can overcome it with the right attitude and by asking for help.
