If you’re struggling with online gambling, there are several things you can do to help. One is to use a blocking tool like Freedom, which prevents you from accessing dangerous websites. Another is to identify triggers that cause you to gamble, and then find healthy, empowering activities to replace them. Finally, it’s essential to seek counseling and professional treatment if you have an addiction to gambling. This is the best way to gain control of the issue before it takes control of you.
Getting back in control of your online gambling addiction starts with understanding that this isn’t just a matter of willpower. Neurological research has linked non-drug behavioral addictions (such as gambling) to similar changes in the brain chemistry that occur with drug abuse. This means that even if you know that gambling is not worth it monetarily, your brain still experiences the same dopamine rewards that occur with drugs. This makes breaking the habit difficult.
To overcome this, it’s important to reframe your mindset and understand that gambling is not just an activity – it’s a psychological and physical addiction. This will help you change your behavior and make more informed decisions. Taking a more mindful approach to your gambling will also reduce the amount of money you lose.
You can start by identifying your triggers, which are the situations or emotions that cause you to want to gamble. Then, work with a friend or support group to come up with coping strategies to deal with those triggers. For example, if driving by the casino after work makes you want to play slots, consider taking a different route home. If watching sports is a trigger, switch to another sport or TV show. Finally, spend time with friends and family members who don’t gamble so that you can keep your mind off gambling.
Ultimately, the key to stopping gambling on online slots is to make it a priority to take care of yourself. Seeking counseling and treatment is the best way to do this, as it will give you the tools to handle the underlying issues that are driving your addiction. Whether you seek this through Pyramid Online Counseling or another reputable counseling outlet, it’s crucial to get started as soon as possible.
In addition to finding a counselor, it’s important to take steps to stop gambling on online slots by removing temptation from your home computer. This could mean deleting your favorite games, avoiding advertising on gaming sites, or using a blocking tool to block gambling ads. In addition, be sure to only play games from reputable providers. The quality of slot games varies from one provider to the next, and this can make a difference in your gaming experience. For instance, branded slots may have a lower payout percentage than other slots due to the cost of licensing. Branded slots also tend to have fewer and less frequent bonus rounds. This can lead to you being disappointed when you do win a large sum of money.
