When you have an urge to gamble and you are suffering from an addiction to gambling sometimes the urge can hit quite hard, and you may not know what to do. There are different things that you can do to stop yourself in your tracks rather than return to gambling and continue that downward spiral into despair.

If you have a gambling addiction or a severe gambling problem, you are most certainly not alone. Gambling problems are pervasive throughout the world as a result of easy access to casinos, online gambling, and other gambling establishments.

Sometimes when the urge to gamble hits, you may have been asked by friends or family to go and gamble because it has become such a popular pastime.
For some gambling is recreational, but when you have an addiction to gambling or serious gambling problem, this addiction can ruin your life, and the lives of your loved ones.

Here are 5 tips to stop the urge to gamble when you have a severe gambling problem and want to stop yourself from returning to gambling.

1.Call a trusted friend or family member who knows about your problem. Tell them that you are having the urge to go back and gamble and you are really just looking for a little support so that you do not go and place that bet.

2.Find out about your nearest Gamblers Anonymous Meeting, also known as G.A. Attend that meeting, and if none are going on that day, you can easily find an A.A meeting that will provide the support that you need on that given day. Just look for an open meeting and you will be welcomed with open arms. This will put you in an environment of recovery, and you will have less of an urge to gamble.

3.Go shopping or to the bookstore. Browse through the books and get a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you go to the mall, treat yourself to something nice, especially because you made a good decision for yourself by not going out and gambling. When you beat the urge to gamble, rewarding yourself is a good thing, and you will really feel good when you do this.

4.Put on your gym clothes or some walking shoes. Go for a very long walk or run, or visit your local gym and get a good workout. Exercise changes your brain chemistry in a positive way by releasing certain chemicals called endorphins. These brain chemicals alone can stop you from gambling and seeking out that adrenaline high.

5.Make plans with a friend to go for dinner or even just have a cup of coffee together. A lot of times you may be triggered to gamble out of loneliness. You want to make sure that if loneliness is a trigger to gamble, that you get into the company of people so that you do not go out and place that bet.

It is hoped that these 5 tips were helpful to stop you from gambling if you have an addiction to gambling and a strong urge to gamble.

Remember that gambling can destroy your life in many ways, and that returning to gambling can have many negative consequences in your life.

Remember you are worth saving yourself from this dreaded addiction, and that life is truly better when you stop gambling.

Author Bio: Michelle S. Tee is a self help coach and author who specializes in addiction to gambling and severe gambling problems.

Category: Self Help
Keywords: addiction to gambling, severe gambling problem, urge to gamble