How to tackle the urge

As someone who has struggled with addiction, I understand the urge to resign oneself to the idea that gambling is an acceptable behavior. However, I strongly question this logic and believe that it is essential for gamblers to establish clear rules and guidelines to live by in order to avoid the regret and shame that often follows addictive behavior.

As an addict, it can be difficult to trust our own faculties when they are so easily triggered. Therefore, it is important to have a set of rules in place to guide our behavior. Here are some rules that I believe are crucial for a responsible gambler to follow:

1. Have someone close to you administer your funds when you are unable to do so yourself. This could be a trusted friend or family member who can help you manage your finances and avoid spending money on gambling.

2. Always have at least one person you can confide in. This could be a therapist, counselor, or support group. Having someone to talk to when you are feeling triggered can be incredibly helpful in preventing a relapse.

3. Turn off media if you feel triggered by gambling ads. Many people find that exposure to gambling advertisements can trigger a desire to gamble. If you are susceptible to this, it is important to avoid these types of ads as much as possible.

4. Seek active help to understand your thoughts and feelings better. This could involve therapy, counseling, or support groups. By understanding the underlying issues that drive your gambling behavior, you can develop tools to better manage your urges.

5. Understand that being proactive now can help you avoid losing later. By taking steps to address your addiction now, you can prevent further financial and emotional damage down the road.

6. Educate yourself to the level of a super expert so that you can better understand yourself. Read books and articles about addiction, attend workshops and seminars, and talk to other recovering addicts. By becoming an expert on addiction, you can gain insight into your own behavior and develop strategies for managing your urges.

Ultimately, responsible gambling starts with a change in attitude. Instead of resigning ourselves to the idea that addiction is a disease that we cannot control, we must take responsibility for our actions and actively work to manage our behavior. By following these guidelines and seeking help when needed, we can avoid the regret and shame that often follows addictive behavior.