Are you wondering why there is an article advising you on how to stop gambling pokies on the largest casino blogging website in New Zealand DashTickets? It’s because we want to draw a clear line between gambling for fun or as a hobby and a gambling addiction. The government of New Zealand takes responsible gaming seriously, and for good reason!
Let us begin with clearing out the air. Gambling isn’t a bad habit you picked up along the way. Addiction isn’t a choice you make on a whim, but it is a chronic disease of the brain. If you need help, you should get it without hesitation or shame because that’s what you do to get better. Much like how you’d intervene when a friend or a family member is drinking too much or is spending too much of their money shopping online, this is the same!
Now that it is out of the way, here’s how you spot the bug of addiction in your brain. Bear in mind that your brain is a part of you, and it will trick you into lying to yourself. Resist it.
Is gambling, preparing for your next session, or thinking about your wins and losses something that you can’t seem to shake?
Are you unable to manage your gambling cravings, even after trying to cut down or stop?
Is gambling still exciting for you, or are you devoting more time and money to it in an effort to feel that dopamine rush?
Has your gambling caused you to miss deadlines at work, school, or home, or has it caused relationship problems?
Is it common for you to downplay or exaggerate the extent to which your gambling affects your life?
To support your gambling habit, have you taken out loans, sold things, or dipped into savings?
Has your gambling caused you to feel irritable, anxious, prone to mood swings, or even depressed?
Is gambling something you do when you need a break from worrying or feeling down?
Was your answer positive to one or more of these questions? It could be time to get some assistance if you notice any of these symptoms in yourself. Even if you don’t spot signs of addiction in yourself, continue reading anyway. This information will come in handy either for yourself or others who suffer from it.
Steps Towards Recovery
So, we’ve made the first step. Acknowledgement. Next, we take tangible steps to get better.
Seek Support and Develop Coping Strategies
Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups for help. Talking to a professional will help you take strategic baby steps.
Avoid gambling as a coping mechanism for stressful or anxious feelings. Pick activities that give you a hit of dopamine, like exercise or a hobby. If you still feel it necessary, ask your doctor for medication to help deal with mental issues like anxiety and stress.
Make Self-Exclusion a Priority
Ideally, you should avoid anything that could attract you to wager. Cut off access to gambling applications and websites. That is until you can resume leisurely gaming.
Once you’re back in the game, it’s important to set clear boundaries for your gambling. This could mean setting a budget or restricting the amount of time you spend at online gambling sites or casinos. You might want to look into the self-exclusion programmes that certain casinos or online gambling sites provide. These programmes let you temporarily stop gaming if you so want.
Final Thoughts
Getting sober from an addiction to gambling is a process that requires patience and persistence. Take the time to celebrate your milestones. As you strive to beat your gambling addiction, remember to relish the good things in your life. Learn from your setbacks and stay committed to your recovery plan. Relapses might happen, but you have to remember to get back on track.
Sophia Novakivska has already been spending 12 years on everything related to gambling writing. Slot and casino reviews, comparisons, top options for different audiences, news, how-tos and gambling history - she knows the area and proved it with her publications on Better Collective, AskGamblers and Gambling.com. For four years, Sophia is into NZ iGaming niche where she analyzes the online casino bonuses, live games, new slot releases, and sport news. Sophia’s credentials: GLI University’s iGaming testing & compliance course (2020) and UKGC-approved Responsible Gambling certification (2022).
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