What are /r/problemgambling's favorite Products & Services?

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1. Many states and countries offer free counseling
2. Additionally, talk with her about it in depth. Try to find out as much about her thoughts, habits, etc. Addiction thrives on isolation so taking will be uncomfortable for both of you, but works very well.
3. GA has worked really well for me as it gives me a support group and success stories to learn and grow from.
4. I’ve created a podcast that highlights everything I have learned and used in my 8.5 years free from my addiction. I also share my story and others come on to do the same. I think you both can learn a lot from listening and I believe it will help.
5. Get her the Allen Carr’s Easy Way To Quit Gambling

Hope this helps.

Jamie

man thats when it hits hard... When you're tired in bed and can't sleep.

Those evil thoughts sneak in.

BE WEARY of your thoughts.

be ready to catch them and say: "hey FUCK YOU."
Because after all, those very thoughts are the ones that got you to lose thousands of dollars.

Honestly when i think about this i become so resentful towards those thoughts.

FUCK EM! Become like a pokemon collector and catch each one of the thoughts with a proud smile, turn it into a game.

Every time you think to gamble get a habit to substitute that will give you a similar dopamine release, like a computer game... I recommend 'agar.io'. Its a online game that gives you a similar feeling.

KILL IT BROTHER!

What really helps in the beginning is, try to find a way to not acces the bank/salary. I know it sounds childish but if you can't acces you can't gamble. Film yourself now and talk to yourself how you feel today. Watch it every day.

Read this book and listin to the audiobook

https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Stop-Gambling-Control/dp/1782124489

You need to change your perspective

I would recommend reading The Power of Habit. It deals with addiction and gambling. It's a fantastic book. Secondly I would suggest you start working out. Finally, remember that casinos are always profitable in the long run. You might get lucky in the short term but will eventually come out a loser.

Yes. While the dollar amounts will differ, we all have been where you are. I know personally how devastating it was and now how freeing it is to be 8.5 years removed. I have a podcast full of tips, interviews and other things to help you quit. It’s like a GA meeting on your own time. Also, be sure to grab Allen Carr’s Easy Way To Quit Gambling . Finally, message me anytime. We are all here to help so use the resources available.

Hey! This is the one I bought but there are others- https://www.amazon.com/Gambling-Addiction-Journal-90-Day-Recovery/dp/179156240X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3E5F7Y842K82&keywords=gambling+addiction+journal&qid=1652703238&sprefix=gambling+addiction+journal%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1-spons&amp...

Wishing you all the best!!

I used GamBan for a while and it worked fine. For what it’s worth… software is a good bandaid solution in the short run, but she needs to get to the root of problem to really “treat the disease”, or she will continue to find other ways to gamble. Highly recommend Women and Problem Gambling by Liz Karter, as a good starting place. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0415686377/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_H4MMK7PR5P6TZCS4C65A

an outstanding question, FF76.

In order for me to genuinely respond, "everything is fantastic", I would simply have to know that, up to that point in the day, I had focused as much energy as is possible on working recovery.

my work isn't that stressful, and I'm single and I have no kids.

so I really only have two ways that I can spend my day:

1) mindlessly distracting myself with entertainment and pleasure-seeking

2) proactively connecting with others (GA phone calls, etc.), working on connecting with my Authentic Self, practicing mindfulness

as long as I'm doing the second option, then everything is *fantastic*, regardless of the size of my bank account, my waist size, etc.

Hi ! Whenever you start asking yourself if gambling has become a problem, it has ! Don't feel bad for not being in as bad a situation has other members of this sub.

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I am really interested in your take on treating ADD in order to help with impulsive thoughts. Would you recommend a product like this one ?

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https://www.amazon.ca/Happy-Calm-Focused-Concentration-concentration/dp/B01C6QIDYA/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?keywords=adhd+medication&qid=1645139262&sprefix=adhd+me%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMldYQz...

The problem is that you're betting money that should be for other things like rent, food, savings, student loan debt, etc. Go get youneedabudget which is completely free if you're a student and start budgeting your money so that you always know what your money should be being used for. If you know that you have $400 meant for savings $300 for this month's food, $500 for this month's rent and a bunch of money for other specific expenses and you find out you only have $100 that you can blow off for fun, you're waaaay less likely to gamble away money you can't afford to lose.

It's honestly been a life saver for me.

A parental control app can block selected apps completely or with flexible time rules. In your friend's case, I would suggest that he only keep those apps and games which are necessary for him and block App Store or the banking apps. When the app store is blocked, he cannot download the paid apps. If the banking apps are blocked, then he cannot submit the payment info in the final purchase process.

Thanks for kind comments - so far so good im glad to report. Though I have been checking I haven't got any free spins lurking in my email junk folders. So I am cleaning up my PC, might have to change email addresses/close down and do a clean install and install anti-gambling software.

I found this - anyone else here use it? ---> freedom.to (freedom software) (also installed and run betblocker)

It was reading about my brain chemistry and stages of gambling addiction which was my wake up call. I do understand I have fried portions of my brain pathways which have turned my problem gambling to pathological. I don't like that its true and it means that there is no cure/quick fix only abstinence from now on.

I am trying to get it in my head that gambling addiction is basically like heroin or crack cocaine addiction. It does the same shxx to your brain and the damage once done is permanent. Then i am trying to convince myself that Gambling is only a tiny facet of what is available in the world and to give it up means more time/energy/money to enjoy those other things.

It sounds like it might be true but today i dont feel convinced by it.

nearly 9 hours since this Day 1 and I haven't gambled yet today - come on day 2

Holding you accountable: have you set yourself 5 minutes to look into (and purchase/download) the following book?

“I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi

You’ll beat this, no doubt ☺️

If your like me, that can use indisputable logic to rid yourself of this evil once and for all, I find that this book has helped me a lot:

https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Stop-Gambling-Control/dp/1782124489

It can be a tough read, but I’ve probably read it 3 times already.

I really liked the Goodbye Gambling app - it's still being beta tested but it works really well. Have someone you trust setup the master password on it. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gambling.site.blocker.goodbye.gambling

Since the pandemic hit, most mental health professionals have switched to telehealth (phone or video conferencing like Zoom). So you could look for a provider anywhere in your state. There is a specific intervention for loved ones of a person suffering from an addiction, including gambling. It's called Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Therapy (CRAFT). If you can find a therapist who offers that, that could be helpful for you. Also there is a book that is a self-help book geared for loved ones. Get Your Loved One Sober. It focuses on alcohol but many of the same principles apply to a problem gambling context. Disclaimer - I have no ties to this book and do not benefit in anyway if your purchase it.

There is an e-book option, (US link, couldn't get the UK link to load) but not for free (unfortunately). I always recommend the audiobook format because the book is written with steps to follow and it's easier to get bored and skip to the end with the written book. It's truly not boring, but there are parts that don't necessarily apply to every person.

Nine years ago I was in your shoes. I got extremely lucky when my phone dialed out from my pocket and I got caught as I was not willing to come clean. Looking back, I now realize that had I pushed through that uncomfortableness earlier I wouldn't have created most of the issues I was now facing.

It's going to suck. People might leave your life. But they might do that even if you don't come clean. I know I was obsessed with the fantasy that I would win big, fix everything and never have to come clean. But that was never going to be the case. When I won, I continued to play and it was all going to come out eventually.

The best $7 you will spend will be on Allen Carr’s Easy Way To Quit Gambling.

This one for Android is pretty good. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gambling.site.blocker.goodbye.gambling it includes a function that blocks what you are using to bypass GamBan. It's new and if you give the developer feedback as you go along (such as sites that aren't blocked yet) they'll give you a couple months free I think. I haven't found anything useful for my PC yet. Of course, there are ways around anything if you want to gamble badly enough. I just have control over all my finances to someone I trust. It's the only way I'll stop. Good luck.

Welcome.

For tips, you can check out the podcast I created. I share what’s worked for me and have other guests that share their stories.

Also, check out Allen Carr’s Easy Way To Quit Gambling . I only wish I had read it sooner. It’s really good.

Finally, just keep posting and sharing here or anywhere. It helps you and everyone else.

Jamie

Hey Alex. Glad you posted and are seeking help.

As you travel, consider starting with a few resources in addition to posting here. 1. Allen Carr’s Easy Way To Quit Gambling is an incredible book that has helped many. 2. The After Gambling Podcast is something I created to share what I’ve done to quit gambling since July 15, 2010.

Those two resources along with this Reddit sub should help you get started on your path to becoming a non-gambler again.

Jamie