10 Ways to Get Rid of Gambling Urges
If your gambling has become out of control, now is the time to stop.
Rob Nease
1 min read
A different Rob from YouTube shares with us how we can get rid of urges to gamble. Whether you have been sober for some time or are just now getting started on your journey to recovery, these tips are most valuable. Watch the YouTube video for the tips!
Delay your urges. With gambling addiction, urges come and go. Redirect your energy for a few minutes and you will find that the urges will disappear. Rinse and repeat.
Exercise. I personally work with a personal trainer and enjoy exercising. It is a great way to relieve stress!
Channel your energy. Find something to do that is enjoyable.
Take a walk without your phone. Our smart phones are full of advertisements and temptations to gamble electronically. Sometimes it helps to put it away.
Positive self-talk. Gambling can reoccur when we think of thoughts of shame and put ourselves down. Do the opposite and practice positive self-talk.
Avoid triggers. As you go through your recovery journey, you will learn what these are.
Remember the harm your gambling caused. This is a big deterrent for me. I remember the last day I gambled. My throat was dry, I could not take a few minutes to get a cup of water, and I lost a ton of money. Why would I want to ever go back to gambling once knowing that is the outcome?
Join a support/12-step group. These are necessary for recovery. Share your story and struggles in a confidential forum among people who understand.
Start a book or TV series. This is a great way to redirect your attention to something that is entertaining, useful, or both.
Meditation and mindfulness. I include prayer with this step. Practice these to become more aware of your body and understanding of its needs.
There you have them! Ten awesome ways to graduate from the desire to gamble.
Yours in recovery,
Rob