Do books work?

Anything that will give you an insight into kicking problem gambling is useful. There are plenty of books out there, whether they be self-help ones or memoirs of reformed gamblers.

I found the help here fantastic in my attempts to kick my addiction, helped the most. Support here is key, I've found.

I can't say I've read any of the self-help books on problem gambling, but the one I hear most of is by a guy named Philip Mawer.

Thanks for your reply! What support have you used which has helped you the most? Like urges! I wish I could just flick a switch and not think about it ever again. Ill have a look into the author and see if I can get hold of the book.

Youtube is actually a good resource, if you search ted talks addiction, it will come up with several seminars about addiction.

Also there are several documentaries on there to watch as well.

I recently watched one seminar by an ex gambler, if you search "problem gambling with michael burke" you will see a video thats over an hour long. It's worth a watch

Firstly, you did the right thing with self-exclusion. It's a vital step in tackling this. If you haven't got a block in place on your computer, grab K9 (it's free!) to block gambling websites and have your partner put a password in to so that you won't be able to unblock the sites and ruin your progress and recovery.

Moving on from gambling is a gradual thing. Take it a day at a time, always remembering you've made what is the right choice. Your at a fork in the road, this a journey, take the right path in recovery and you'll find it easier as the time passes.

For me, when I started, the two most useful things when urges were coming at me were to have a recovery diary on here that I could write in, whilst have the support of others in the same boat. And Also I found this helpful - distracting myself from these thoughts by putting my mind into something else, which early on were things like dvd boxsets, books and simple things like walks and bike rides.

There are many other things that will prove helpful though. Picking up a book or two that might help you understand problem gambling and ways to conquer it will be of benefit to you though.

I remember early on reading a autobiography of the snooker player Willie Thorne, which dealt with problem gambling extensively. It was a boost for me in recovery, so know that reading from people's experiences, either here or in book form can help greatly.

I'd give the Mawer book a go though, if you're seeking ways of overcoming problem gambling, as it's called 'overcoming problem gambling'.

Stay strong. And you're very right in your username.. Gambling is just that.

All the best

Alex

I keep the Philip Mawer book Overcoming gambling problems with me all the time. It has proved an enormous help during my recovery and I would endorse and recommend it to any problem gambler and their partners/family.

Good Luck

Micky

Cheers Micky! I'm going to get my self a copy and give it a read!

I would highly recommend 'allen carr - easy way to quit gambling'

You can ask the library as you won't need to keep rereading it.

It will certainly work if you have tried willpower and relapsed... It explains in detail the addiction and removes any urges.

His smoking book has been in the top 100 books for years and years and has made millions of smokers quit and never relapse.

It is very very effective treatment (for me)