Conquer Your Gambling Addiction for Good
Gambling addiction is actually classified as an impulse control problem by the American Psychiatric Society, rather than an addiction. It’s marked by the persistent urge to gamble despite negative consequences for the individual and those around them.
Not everyone who gambles has a severe problem. Only around 2-3% of the population are considered “problem gamblers,” according to studies from the National Gambling Impact Study Commission. However, more people are finding it difficult to reasonably limit the time and money they spend on online gambling. Clearly, tackling gambling issues early on is crucial.
There are several ways to address gambling problems, including medication like SSRIs, counseling (especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and peer support methods such as Gamblers Anonymous. Research from the University of Missouri-Columbia also shows that about a third of people with serious gambling issues can recover using self-help techniques.
### Helping Yourself
Self-help requires strong motivation and commitment from the gambler to control their impulses. Admitting you have a gambling problem can bring feelings of shame and guilt, which you need to work through to move forward. Keeping a journal of your recovery journey can be very helpful and provide a way to track your progress over time.
A key step in self-help is to avoid situations that trigger gambling behavior. For many, this involves managing the availability of money and credit. Having access to credit cards, loans, or cash can increase the temptation to gamble. So, how can you navigate modern life and avoid the need for credit?
### Prepaid Credit Cards
One effective solution is using a prepaid credit card. These cards allow you to load a specific amount of money onto them, which you can then use at sites that accept credit cards. By using a prepaid card, you can set a strict limit on your gambling expenditures. There’s no risk of accumulating debt or interest charges because you can only spend what you’ve loaded onto the card. This also helps maintain your credit rating.
Some prepaid cards come with features that let you track spending via text or email, which can be private or shared with a support buddy. Additionally, prepaid cards offer a safer way to handle winnings, as you can transfer them directly onto the card, avoiding the risk of carrying large sums of cash. These funds can be withdrawn or transferred to a bank account later.
Managing a gambling problem is undoubtedly challenging, but with tools like prepaid cards, it’s a challenge that can be effectively managed.
