Football season is a few weeks away, which is one of the most bet on and most popular sports in the United States. It’s so easy to sit on the couch, put your feet up and just stare at Fan Kings or Draft Duel or whatever those apps are called nowadays, blindly placing lotto parlays that will never hit. Some of you are smart and do not gamble on sports you know next to nothing about or how to bet. If you fall under that, congrats, you have control over your gambling and know when to stop. I am talking to the guy (or gal) who just placed a bet at 3:00 AM chasing some Japanese baseball team because all their MLB picks lost the night before. Or the person staying up until 12:00 AM placing a bet on New Zealand Soccer because they lost all their corners and goals scored on Premier League soccer. Or the person who put a lot of money on a heavy favorite in darts but lost to a last second comeback by the dawg. Or someone who bet on Cricket (Can you tell that happened to the writer of this guide?)
Sports gambling has been the fastest growing form of gambling over the past 4 years since it was legalized. Also, probably the most easily accessible as it fits right in our pockets. Probably another reason there are more and more people realizing they have an addiction or lost their relationship because they hid it from their significant other for some time. Over the last 450 plus days of being away from the bet, there’s a lot I learned, not just about myself, but mostly how to stop gambling on sports.
Point of this guide is to help those who knowingly have a gambling problem and want to stop gambling, specifically sports gambling. If you fall under those who know how to control themselves but are still looking to quit sports betting, you can keep reading too. It might cost you…. just 10 mins of your time to read this guide and reflect.
1. Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is basically telling the sportsbooks you do not want to keep giving them your money. You have a problem and want to stop gambling. Whether that's short term or for life. When you self-exclude, they'll ask if you want anywhere from one to five years. Some might ask if you want lifetime ban, or something along those lines. I always tell others to be excluded for a lifetime. If you choose the shorter term, after the ban has been lifted, you’ll just end right back where you were trying to leave. Sure, one to five years away from gambling could be great as long as you’re really trying to recover from the addiction. Maybe even love your life too much, gambling has no room to fit in. Which is really the goal in our recovery. Live a life where gambling does not fit in anymore.
The more barriers set in place to make it harder to use your mobile device to gamble, the better. There are other apps out there that can help with that. One is gamban. It’s an app to help block the use of gambling apps. There's a small fee but let's face it, you would’ve used that money to put down on some 10 leg TD parlay anyways. Use that money to help your future by placing more barriers in place to help stop from gambling. Another app you can use to block these betting sites is betblocker.org . Like Gamban, except its free. Each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and both should be investigated equally.
2. Support
This addiction makes us feel alone. Maybe our friends and family know we are gambling, but not to the extent we are. So, we sit in our dark, lonely office/living room/ bedroom watching sports, staring at our phones placing these demonic bets. The best thing you can do is find a community of people going through similar struggles whether that is a Gamblers Anonymous meetings, Smart Recovery, r/problemgambling on reddit, or facebook groups. You’ve used mobile applications to fuel your addiction, now use them to fuel your recovery.
It’s my baby, so of course I am going to drop my discord server that I created to reach other humans (and I say human because we are human, we make mistakes. We can also get ourselves out of said mistake and live a healthier, more sustainable life).
Founded with the mission to provide a safe and understanding space for those struggling with compulsive gambling, this online community has become a beacon of hope for individuals seeking support and solidarity on their journey to overcome addiction.
Within the virtual halls of this Discord server, members find a sense of camaraderie and understanding that is often lacking in their day-to-day lives. Here, individuals from all walks of life come together to share their experiences, offer advice, and lend a listening ear to those in need.
One of the most powerful aspects of the "Compulsive Gamblers in Recovery" Discord server is its emphasis on empathy and non-judgment. Regardless of how dire our situations may seem; members are met with compassion and encouragement rather than condemnation. This culture of acceptance fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, empowering individuals to confront their addiction head-on.
Moreover, the server provides practical resources and tools to aid in recovery efforts. From tips on managing triggers to information about local support groups and therapy options, members have access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help them navigate the challenges of overcoming compulsive gambling.
But perhaps the most valuable aspect of this community is the shared journey towards recovery. By connecting with others who understand their struggles intimately, members gain a sense of hope and determination that fuels their commitment to change. Through shared victories and setbacks, they learn that they are not alone in their fight and that recovery is possible with the right support system in place.
As the stigma surrounding addiction continues to diminish, online communities like "Compulsive Gamblers in Recovery" play an increasingly vital role in providing accessible and inclusive support for those in need. By harnessing the power of technology to connect individuals from across the globe, these communities offer a lifeline to those who may otherwise feel isolated and hopeless.
The "Compulsive Gamblers in Recovery" Discord server stands as a testament to the transformative power of community in overcoming addiction. Through empathy, support, and shared experiences, this virtual space serves as a beacon of hope for individuals on their journey towards a brighter, gambling-free future.
If you're ready to take the next steps in getting help, check out the “Compulsive Gamblers in Recovery” Discord server.
3. Alternatives for your time
Finding alternatives for your time is incredibly important when you're trying to stop sports betting and recover from a gambling addiction. One of the biggest challenges in quitting gambling is figuring out what to do with the time and energy that used to be consumed by placing bets, researching teams, and watching games. Without healthy alternatives, there's a risk of falling back into old habits simply out of boredom or a sense of emptiness.
By discovering new activities and hobbies, you can fill that void with something positive and rewarding. Engaging in activities that interest you—whether it’s picking up a new sport, learning a musical instrument, volunteering, or pursuing creative projects—can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy that gambling never truly delivers. These new pursuits can help you build self-esteem, form new social connections, and develop skills that enhance your life in meaningful ways.
Moreover, finding alternatives for your time helps create a new routine and structure in your daily life, which is crucial for maintaining long-term recovery. Establishing a balanced schedule filled with activities you enjoy reduces the temptation to return to sports betting and reinforces a lifestyle that supports your well-being. It's about creating a life that feels fulfilling and worthwhile, making it easier to stay committed to your recovery journey. By investing your time in positive and enriching experiences, you can move forward with a sense of purpose and joy, leaving the destructive patterns of gambling behind.
4. Physical and mental health matters
When it comes to stopping sports betting and recovering from a gambling addiction, taking care of both our physical and mental health is crucial. Gambling can take a significant toll on our bodies and minds, often leading to sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, and chronic stress. These physical health issues can, in turn, make it even harder to break free from the cycle of addiction. By focusing on our physical well-being—getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and incorporating regular exercise—we can build the strength and resilience needed to face the challenges of recovery head-on.
Mental health is equally important in this journey. The emotional rollercoaster of sports betting, marked by intense highs and crushing lows, can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. Addressing these mental health issues is vital for a successful recovery. Therapy, whether individual or group-based, can provide a safe space to explore the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and other stress-reducing techniques can also help manage cravings and reduce the emotional triggers that often lead to relapse. By nurturing our mental health, we create a more stable and positive mindset, making it easier to stay committed to our recovery goals and rebuild our lives with purpose and clarity.
5. Educate yourself
Educating ourselves on gambling addiction, especially when it comes to sports betting, is incredibly important if we want to overcome and recover from this challenging habit. Sports betting can sneakily pull us in, often seeming like a fun and socially acceptable activity. The excitement of placing a bet and the hope of a quick win can quickly turn into a cycle of compulsive behavior. This can lead to serious consequences like financial problems, damaged relationships, and overwhelming stress. By learning about how gambling addiction works, we can start to recognize the warning signs in ourselves and take steps to regain control.
Understanding gambling addiction gives us the tools we need to break free. When we know how sports betting addiction develops, including the psychological triggers and how our brains respond, we can better identify our weak spots and find healthier ways to cope. Education also helps us see through the myths that often keep us trapped, like believing in "luck" or thinking we're on a "hot streak." Knowing about the support that's out there—like therapy, support groups, and financial advice—can make a big difference. It's about taking a well-rounded approach to recovery, tackling the emotional, mental, and financial aspects of addiction. By educating ourselves, we can build a solid foundation for a healthier, happier future.
6. Stop watching sports
For us compulsive sports gamblers, we don't need to stop watching sports forever. We just need to decide that sports aren’t for us right now. We must reestablish a new relationship with sports. Most of us have a sport and sport team we love regardless of if we gambled on them or not. It is okay to still feel connected to them but when you feel an urge while watching, take a step back. In its place, we need to find alternatives to gambling. Change up your habits. Both of which I have already written blogs on, so check them out. Stepping back will allow us to regain control of our mental and physical health’s as well as re-evaluate our priorities:
- Reducing Triggers:
- Watching sports events often acts as a trigger for compulsive sports gamblers. The excitement, unpredictability, and emotional highs and lows can intensify the urge to place bets. By taking a break from watching sports, individuals can create a space for themselves to break the cycle of compulsive behavior and reduce the triggers that lead to unhealthy gambling habits.
2. Preserving Mental Health:
- Compulsive gambling can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Watching sports with the constant temptation to place bets can exacerbate these issues. Taking time away allows individuals to focus on their mental well-being, seek support, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
3. Financial Stability:
- Sports gambling can quickly escalate, leading to significant financial losses. By abstaining from watching sports, individuals can avoid the temptation to place impulsive bets and regain control over their finances. This break provides an opportunity to assess and address any existing financial challenges without the added pressure of ongoing sports events.
4. Reevaluating Priorities:
- Stepping away from sports allows compulsive gamblers to reevaluate their priorities and interests. It opens the door to discovering new hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones, and pursuing personal growth. Breaking free from the constant cycle of sports gambling provides a chance to rediscover other aspects of life that may have been overshadowed by the addiction.
5. Breaking Patterns:
- Habits and addictions often thrive on routine and repetition. Taking a break from watching sports disrupts the patterns associated with compulsive gambling. This interruption can serve as a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and the initiation of positive changes in behavior.
While the love for sports is universal, it's important to recognize when the enjoyment of the game transforms into a harmful compulsion. For us compulsive sports gamblers, taking a hiatus from watching sports can be a crucial step towards regaining control over their lives. It's a chance to prioritize mental and financial well-being, break free from destructive patterns, and rediscover a healthier and more fulfilling way of living.
Recovery from a gambling addiction is not one size fits all, nor most. Everyone’s recovery looks different. The important thing to remember is that you want to live a better life than what gambling brought. Some of these steps towards abstaining from sports might work for you, some of it might not. Figure out what works best for you and do it.
Stay grinding, stop gambling. Life gets better. One day at a time.
No comments:
Post a Comment