• What strategies do experts recommend?

  • Sources:

    Experts recommend several strategies for managing gambling addiction:

    1. Change Your Environment: emphasizes that gambling addiction is closely linked to addictive behaviors triggered by dopamine and endorphin releases. To combat this, he suggests surrounding oneself with supportive, positive influences and avoiding environments or people that encourage gambling. Doing so requires making intentional changes, like distancing from individuals who normalize gambling 1.

    2. Community Support and Accountability: underscores the importance of joining support groups like Gamblers Anonymous and engaging in programs like twelve-step plans. These provide accountability and a community, which are crucial for recovery from addiction. It's vital to own one's decisions and not merely rely on internal realizations 2.

    3. Professional Guidance: highlights the necessity of professional support, like therapy, especially when dealing with intense addictions. He points out that a desire to change must come from the individual, but professional guidance can direct and support this process effectively 3.

    4. Structured Abstinence Support: suggests using structured tools and frameworks to abstain from addictive behaviors. For severe cases, residential treatment might be necessary, while outpatient approaches with structured plans can help those with milder addictions. Gathering data, setting objectives, and identifying problems linked to the addiction are key steps 4.

    Implementing these strategies can significantly aid in managing and overcoming gambling addiction, but it is essential for individuals to be actively involved and committed to their recovery journey.