Stop Gambling Addiction

Gambling has become one of the most widespread activities. People worldwide gamble regularly, including those who live in Australia. And it is not surprising at all. Since online gambling has become available via any mobile device, the problem of gambling addiction is not some distant alarm signal.

Here, on the Casino Reviews site, we take the addictive gambling problem seriously and introduce all possible solutions to prevent problem gambling. If you want to know more about gambling addiction, read all the sections provided thoroughly. If you have any questions, please reach customer service. It is available round the clock.

What Gambling Addiction Is

Gambling addiction is a situation in which you simply can’t stop gambling. Also known as problem or pathological gambling, it causes harm, affecting all spheres of life, including work, family, social connections, etc. These are the most common signs of gambling addiction:

1. Financial problems: you spend more money than you can afford and then seek cash for the new session. You can even borrow money or take out a loan.
2. Mental health problems: anxiety, depression, fatigue, frustration, guilt, shame, and a whole spectrum of negative emotions influencing your mood and life overall.
3. Problems at work: you may forget about work or not fulfill your previous responsibilities. The colleagues may see some changes in your behavior as well.
4. Issues in social life: you miss meetings with friends and avoid any social activities.
5. Criminal activity: you can be engaged in some kind of burglary, or theft, or you can drive fast, breaking rules.

These are the obvious signs indicating that you suffer from a problem gambling. It can affect your whole life, including work, family, friends, social interactions, etc.

Why You Need to Overcome Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is a serious problem that a person should try to overcome. Why? The answer is simple. It can affect different aspects of your life, mainly your mental and physical health. Here are some common consequences of problem gambling:

1. Impact on physical health: sleep disturbances, cardiovascular complications, gastrointestinal issues, obesity, etc.
2. Impact on mental health: depression and anxiety, suicidal thoughts, alcohol or drug addiction, emotional distress.

Feeling this way is not ok at all. In the long term, pathological gambling may destroy your life and lead to negative consequences no one wants. That’s why overcoming gambling addiction should become a priority.

Here are a few steps that will help you to recognize the problem and start fighting it:

1. Acknowledge the problem of addictive gambling.
2. Seek professional help or ask your close people to help you find it.
3. Join support groups (Anonymous Gamblers Community is the most popular among Australian gamblers).
4. Develop healthy coping mechanisms like replacing gambling with fave hobbies or pastimes.
5. Implement financial control techniques, such as limiting constant access to funds or asking your loved ones to save money.

Although basic, these tips may help you to start your journey of healing!

Resources for Help If You Have a Gambling Addiction

If you feel you are suffering from problem gambling or your loved ones notice the signs of it, you should seek professional help. It can be a helpline or a therapist. If you struggle to do it alone, ask your partner or parents to guide you through the process. On our website, we’ve collected helplines and resources for help. Here are some of them:

1. Gambling Help Online: the helpline for immediate support. The advantage of the service is that it is fully free and private. Plus, it offers a live chat. If you want to talk to a specialist, call this number: 1800 858 858. Website: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
2. BetStop: a national self-exclusion program, which helps players to block their accounts in all online casinos. Website: https://www.betstop.gov.au/
3. SHARC (stands for Self Help Addiction Resource Centre): supports family members who are suffering from gambling, alcohol, or drug addiction. You can contact them at 1300 660 068.
4. Turning Point: another organization supporting people in need, namely those who suffer from gambling, alcohol, or drug addiction. For immediate advice call 1800 250 015.
5. ReachOut: it provides Gamblers Anonymous and Smart Recovery programs. For consultation, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

If you suffer from pathological gambling or your loved one experiences gambling addiction, just contact specialists at one of these organizations. Most of the helplines work 24/7.