10 Steps !

Came Across this Today and added my own thoughts.

Andy

STEP 1: GET RID OF YOUR MONEY
If you want to stop gambling right now, the first step begins by stopping to carry money. This includes credit cards, debit cards, access to bank accounts, checks, loans, etc. If you want to stop starting right now, block all access to money. Carry only a very small budget for food each day and thats it.( absolutely no more than $5). The only time casinos won't let you gamble, is when you don't have what they want......money.

STEP 2: GET HELP TODAY

Help is out there in many forms. Gamblers Anonymous is one. Inpatient Treatment is another. There are therapists, counselors, & life coaches out there trained to help you stop. Good help seems to come from ex-gamblers themselves because they've been there, & they understand. Don't know where to turn to for help?

STEP 3: JOIN A COMMUNITY OF RECOVERING GAMBLERS
Recovering in numbers is key. It may sound funny, but joining a group of fellow recovering gamblers gives you strength & power over your gambling. You help yourself and others triumph over a common enemy. You make lifelong friends who will always understand and care.
This step can be done by attending Gamblers Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, & finding online support and help. for online communities you can join today).

STEP 4: SUBMIT YOURSELF TO A PROGRAM OF RECOVERY
What does this mean exactly? It means you must submit,commit, & trust in the program of recovery you choose. You trust that the program will solve your gambling problem, as long as you never give up on it.

STEP 5: CARRY RESOURCES WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES
Get or print off pro gambling recovery literature & carry it with you at all times.
Read it daily, especially in first months. Have phone numbers listed for people to call who support you in your recovery. Call them ANYTIME you need to. Know what to do & who to call if a thought or urges to gamble hits you....(and unfortunately they will).

STEP 6: BAN YOURSELF FROM GAMBLING (ONLINE AND OFF)
If you go to a local casino, take a caring friend and ban yourself for life.
If you play online, contact the online casino and have your account closed permanently, & demand to be banned from their site. If you gamble online, get gamblock today.

STEP 7: REMIND YOURSELF WHY YOU're STOPPING, & FOR WHO.
Make a list of the people you love & love you back. Put up pictures of them & when you see it, remember that's who you're stopping for.
Recognize that if you gamble, you're letting them down.
Remind yourself of all the bad things that have been caused by your obsession to gamble. If needed, list them out. Connect your gambling with the the negative consequences its brought into your life.

STEP 8: STAY HOPEFUL
Only those who never give up on themselves & their program of recovery beat gambling. Know that there are 1000's of recovering gamblers. There are 1000's of people who once were severely addicted to gambling, haven't gambled for months and even years. Know that if they can do it, you can too. (because it is the truth).

STEP 9: HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE FOR YOUR NEXT URGE
When your next urge comes, what will you do? You'll need to know the answer to this. Carrying recovery reading & phone numbers help. In the moment, you'll want a plan of action to take when the urge to gamble attempts to overwhelm you.

STEP 10: GET 1 ON 1 SUPPORT.
Stopping Gambling isn't easy. A gambling problem is very strong, plays many tricks on on our minds, & tries to convince us of many lies. In the beginning the constant thoughts and urges to gamble can be intense. Combat this with the previous 9 steps & a one on one coach, sponsor, or therapist. Its best to find someone who's been in your shoes, but hasn't gambled in quite some time.

These 10 steps are an excellent start to stopping gambling today.