Gambling can be a fun hobby when once plays in moderation. Sometimes people are unable to limit their gambling and it becomes an obsession for them; such people suffer from gambling addiction. Gambling addicts behave in the same way as anyone addicted to any substance which is to the detriment of their lives and those of their family and friends. Gambling addiction, like others, can be overcome with treatment and support.
Overcoming gambling addiction needs positive attitude towards recovery and various other help modes.
Self Help
Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step to overcoming gambling addiction. Once you admit to yourself that you need help, you can begin to pull yourself out of the addictive behavior. That is not to say you can do it all on your own, but this is the beginning of healing.
One way to help internet gamblers get over their gambling addiction is the use of softwares that block online gambling websites. These programs have a list of URLs of gaming sites to block and use a search engine style reader to determine whether the website is safe for the user. The programs tend to make use of the 'no uninstall' feature. Once the program is put onto the computer, it cannot be removed which helps the gambling addict avoid relapse.
Support Programs
There are many online methods that are available for help in overcoming gambling addiction. These can come in the form of online forums for recovering gambling and internet gambling addicts. There are also chat rooms on many of the popular online programs, like AOL and MSN that are set up for gambling addicts who are seeking help or support. These are voluntary and fall under the heading of self help programs. The people involved are voluntary participants who support one another in their battles against their addiction. There are also professionals and counselors available for advice or consultation.
You can also find self help websites that offer professional consultation information on how to overcome your gambling addiction. There may be fees associated and some involve actual medical facilities. These programs are professional and physician led. A simple online search will enable you to find gambling addiction assistance locations in your own area.
Offline assistance comes in the form of the global Gamblers Anonymous program which has regular meetings in various locations throughout the world. This program is pervasive and helps people in all stages of their addiction recovery. There are many other programs which usually involve some form of a 12 Step process for recovery.
Medication
There is not much in the form of medication that is available currently. There are medical studies that are researching the usage of Nalmefene, a drug used in combating alcohol addiction.
