Gambling addiction is a complex issue that requires professional help, but you can begin to overcome your problem by changing your thinking patterns. Specifically, you should try to avoid triggers and replace them with healthy activities that will keep your mind busy. Some ideas include volunteering at a local animal shelter, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness exercises like deep breathing. Additionally, you can set positive goals and tasks for yourself each day to help you feel accomplished. Lastly, you should practice gratitude to increase your positivity and shift away from maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Many people who struggle with gambling addiction use it to escape from reality and experience a sense of hope and control. While this can be beneficial in the short-term, it’s not worth it monetarily and can cause serious problems. In addition, underlying issues such as depression and anxiety can lead to high-risk gambling behavior. Fortunately, there are ways to break the cycle and quit online gambling.
A common way to stop gambling on slots is to limit your exposure to the games. If you know that you’re prone to betting too much, you can avoid online casinos or even delete the apps from your smartphone. It’s also important to avoid people and places that make you want to gamble, such as the pub where your friends play, or the casino where you used to go.
Another option is to use blocking software that communicates with licensed operators and alerts them when you are at risk of excessive spending. These programs are usually easy to download and offer customizable parameters that you can adjust based on your needs. Some of these programs are even designed to encourage responsible gambling by encouraging you to place smaller bets.
Some casinos offer self-exclusion, which allows you to request a 6-month ban from their premises. The process varies by location, but you can ask for a specific supervisor and explain your situation to them. Some casinos will allow you to register for a self-exclusion program online, while others require you to fill out a form at the casino’s front desk.
Self-exclusion from individual gambling websites is a great way to stop online gambling, but it’s not as effective as self-exclusion from all gambling sites. In the future, you may be able to use technology to block gambling ads on all platforms. However, for now, you should try to focus on blocking ads from the most popular gambling websites. In addition, you should check out the RTP and volatility of different slots before making a decision to play them. This will help you choose a slot that will pay out more frequently and minimize your losses.