How can I kick a gambling addiction?
366729
I don't know how you feel about 12 step programs, but someone very close and dear to me did Gambler's Annonymous and it REALLY helped him. At first he was skeptical, especially because they talked about a "higher power" and he's not the religious type and didnt want to join some cult - but he found an idea of a higher power just as a better life that is meant for him that he can have if he gives himself over to it and there were all types of people there. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but I can tell you that he has not only stopped gambling but he has a better relationship with his family, is dating and working, is a more open and honest person and just generally happier.\n\nIf anything it wouldn't hurt - you are not forced to stay if you dont want and you are not forced to pay money for it, so worth a try. \n\nI wish you the best!
525541
There's no remedy for this addiction.  My husband has been drawn in by its siren call and I'm not far behind.  My only suggestion is to do your best to pump up your points level when you're not at work so that you're not constantly focused on it while you're supposed to be a functioning member of the business world.\n\nbut then again... screw it... I have to get to the next level!
624825
Random Payouts. Psychologically your mind knows that the next hand, the next spin COULD be the BIG WIN. Some people get so into it that they are SURE they will hit big on the next spin, or the next hand, So sure that they can't put it down. That is when it becomes a habit like alcoholism or drugs. Gambling can be a gamblers cocaine!
946725
Wear ear plugs.\nAnd play the lotto so you can move:\nTry this, it's free to play and you can hit the 1,000,000 jackpot.\nhttp://www.netwinner.com/?signupCode=littlepinkdaisy\nYou also get a percentage of your referral's winnings and you get points when a referral signs up.  You get points for matching numbers even if it is only one.  You can trade in these points for gift certificates at various stores!  \nhttp://www.netwinner.com/?signupCode=littlepinkdaisy
603615
Try to create a habit that's not as bad to substitute for it.\n\nTry to find the worst consequence that could come out of your habit. Think about it every time your habit occurs.
154668
Gambling is like a drug. It's an addiction. It possible that the person is trying to quit yet is having trouble concentrating due to the affect gambling has on the brain. Many gamblers don't even realize they're gambling money with chips until, you know, it's too late.
128919
Yah, go to Yahoo Groups and form Yahoo Ask Answer and Discover Annonymis (YAADA), become addicted to that.  Constantly pos that you have that group in here soyou feed your addiction.
210693
sit in a bar/somewhere with a slot machine and watch the slot machine untill someone puts a sizeable/fair sum in, then when they do not have a return from this, there is a chance you could win something, do not play if it is clearly just paid a big win, however some machines offer a repeat chance immediately after a big win so keep that in mind.\n\nremember to always buy the barman/lady a drink after a decent win, so they can inform you of the state of the slot machine payout next time you walk in to play the machine!
843898
A little gambling for fun is not banned by a particular do and don't in Buddhism.  Of course you can't cheat because that would fall under stealing which is prohibited.\nAny kinds of addictions are not allowed or considered a good behavior to have.  One is not supposed to be too attached to other things because they are not permanent and not a true path to happiness or Nirvana.\nYou may be happy after winning, but it won't last.  Eventually you will and most do lose.  The money or prize you win will also be gone or used up.  The other side of the coin is losing which will obviously cause harm if you spend more than you should, or just the sadness of losing your money.  The gambling addicts also forget about other things and are consumed by the acts and thoughts of gambling.\nSo it is best not to gamble.  If you feel like trying once in awhile with small amount of money, there is no need to feel uptight about it.  You should know yourself.  If you are prone to addicting behavior, don't start!!
946097
LMFAO  I know we must be kin :))\nMy hubby and I will have to try that ( He drinks while I gamble) LMFAO
237392
I have never heard of a drug to treat gamblers.  HOPEFULLY YOU ARE SEEING A DOCTOR IN REGARD TO THIS.  Here is a link about the medication but it says nothing about using it for gamblers:\n\nhttp://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,8070|Nalmefene,00.html\n\nHere are some links that do relate this medication to gambling addiction:\n\nhttp://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=37126&nfid=rssfeeds\n\nhttp://www.umphysicians.umn.edu/news_detail_objectname_Gambling_Addiction_news.html\n\nGood luck!
174768
Try working.\nPlay Lottery.\nGo to a Casino.
89533
Ummm ... do you have a specific question about them? I can tell you that it is the most effective kind of reinforcement and that it is the reason why gambling is addictive. When you aren't sure when the reward is going to come you tend to think it's always right around the corner. I hope that helps!
662864
Things to remember:\n1.Drinks are free when you’re gambling. Sitting at a bar and playing a few dollars in a poker machine will get you a free drink. Sitting at a machine in the casino will get you the same. Tipping the waitress or bartender a dollar or two will keep her coming back. If you walk up to the bar and order drinks, you’re going to pay lots more, even for soda or bottled water.\n2.Player’s Cards: Before you begin gambling, get a player’s card. Most places offer sign up deals (a coffee cup, a free meal, assorted coupons). If you get a card where you’re staying and you use it while you’re gambling, you can “save” the points and use then toward your room when you check out. Some casinos will combine accounts for married couples, some don’t. I always get a card in my name and ask for a second card. I play with one and my husband plays with the other. That way all the points are going to one card, and accumulate faster. Plus … you’ll get offers in the mail for your next trip!\n3.Beware of time-share people! As you walk through the hotels and along the strip, you’ll be approached by people who want to give you free show tickets, free tours, free meals, etc. These are time-share sales people. They promise freebies in exchange for an hour of your time. I warn everyone about this but some people just don’t listen. A friend of mine decided an hour of her time was worth giving up in exchange for a show. So her and her husband accepted, were put on a bus and taken to a “presentation” and weren’t bought back for SIX hours. Their only escape would have been to take a cab back to the strip but that would have been expensive and they wouldn’t have gotten their “free” show tickets. The best way to get these people to lose interest in you and move on to the next person is to say, “Thanks, but we’re leaving tonight.” \n4.Free Pulls: Some of the casinos offer “free pulls” on a special slot machine as you walk in the door. There are usually no strings attached, you pull the lever and win something. Usually it’s a key ring or a hat; sometimes it’s a free buffet. Sometimes it’s a coupon for a “fun book” (a book of coupons for that casino). To get the fun book, you can be sure you’re going to have to walk to a far, far corner in the casino. They want to get you WAY inside. \n5.$40 for $20: Some casinos offer $40 in slot play for $20. What they don’t tell you is that it’s on a bank of “special” machines, and you can’t cash out for cash. Instead, you play the $40 and then choose a prize based on the credits. So before you hand over your $20, take a look at the prizes being offered. If there’s something in there that’s worth paying $20 for – have fun. If not, keep walking.\n6.Valet: If you’re going to be renting a car while you’re there, valet parking is the way to go. For a $2 tip, you can park at a hotel or casino and visit the nearby hotels and casinos.\n7.Bus: If you use the busses that run up and down the strip, put your wallet in your front pocket. Vegas is the favorite vacation spot for pick-pocketers, too.\n8.Cabs: Cabs are more expensive than a bus, but faster and less waiting. Almost all hotels have a cab line outside one of their doors, a line of cabs waiting for the next fare. A hotel employee will whistle for the next cab in line when you ask for a cab. \n\n\nThings to see (and most are FREE!):\n1.The Freemont Street Experience: Every night there is a light and music show that stretches for blocks. It’s an amazing thing to see … and it’s FREE. Freemont Street is in downtown Vegas, you’ll need to take a cab if you don’t have a car. The street is blocked off from traffic and you can stand in the street and look up and watch the show. (Another place to keep a close check on your wallet.) There’s a different show every 30 minutes, beginning at 8:00 or 8:30 PM. Show times and pictures can be seen at: http://www.vegasexperience.com/  Be sure to
298995
I have a bf whos mom and him go gambling atleast once or twice a month.  They spend like $300 at a time and usually end up losing.  You need to find an addiction group to join. Basically that is all gambling is, is an addiction.  It will ruin your life and the lives of people around you if you continue on this way.
218952
Find an accountability partner -- a spouse or a good friend that's around you a lot.  Make sure that person calls attention to you every time to swear.  You're probably swearing more than you think you are.\n\nCome up with some sort of "fine" for every offense; perhaps a quarter or a dollar that will eventually go to your favorite charity.  The combination of a partner and some "skin" in the game should give you the proper incentive to rid yourself of the habit.
488799
you can try www.addictinggames.com