How to get out of ludomania: a step-by-step plan
Ludomania - a pathological craving for gambling - destroys not only finances, but also relationships, psyche and quality of life. However, with a systematic approach and an informed solution, the problem can be overcome. Below is a realistic and consistent plan for overcoming ludomania, tested by the practice of specialists in behavioral disorders.
1. Recognition of addiction
The first and key step is to honestly acknowledge the problem. As long as a person denies addiction, any attempts to "control" the game are useless. It is important to accept the fact that you are not coping with excitement on your own and need systemic help.
2. Damage analysis
Analyze the consequences: financial losses, family conflicts, reduced performance, debts. Record everything in writing - this will help you see the scale of the problem and motivates you to move forward.
3. Complete abandonment of the game
It is impossible to "play a little" with addiction. It is necessary to exclude:
It is also worth limiting access to the Internet if you are playing online, and installing anti-casino filters (for example, GamBlock, BetBlocker).
4. Financial isolation
Transfer financial management to a trustee (spouse, parents, friend). Use cash only, close credit lines, block online access to accounts.
5. Seeking professional help
An independent exit is possible, but extremely difficult. Recommended:
6. Self-locking unit
Apply for self-exclusion at casinos and gaming services. In Australia, this can be done through:
7. Leisure planning
The free time from the game must be filled:
The game often replaces emotions and goals - it is important to return them from other sources.
8. Working with triggers
Determine what provokes the desire to play: stress, boredom, loneliness, salary, advertising. Study these triggers and make a plan to replace the response to them (for example, walking instead of opening a slot).
9. Keeping a diary
Write down:
This will increase awareness and help track recovery dynamics.
10. Maintaining sobriety
Getting out of ludomania is not an event, but a process. Even after 6-12 months, traction can return. Keep in regular contact with the community, consultant, family. Regularly reminding yourself why you decided to quit is an important element of resilience.
Conclusion
Getting out of ludomania requires discipline, honesty and support. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have already overcome addiction - this is possible for you. The main thing is to start, not stop at the first difficulties and remember: you are stronger than your craving for the game.
1. Recognition of addiction
The first and key step is to honestly acknowledge the problem. As long as a person denies addiction, any attempts to "control" the game are useless. It is important to accept the fact that you are not coping with excitement on your own and need systemic help.
2. Damage analysis
Analyze the consequences: financial losses, family conflicts, reduced performance, debts. Record everything in writing - this will help you see the scale of the problem and motivates you to move forward.
3. Complete abandonment of the game
It is impossible to "play a little" with addiction. It is necessary to exclude:
- access to online casino accounts;
- saved passwords;
- bank cards tied to gaming platforms;
- gambling apps.
It is also worth limiting access to the Internet if you are playing online, and installing anti-casino filters (for example, GamBlock, BetBlocker).
4. Financial isolation
Transfer financial management to a trustee (spouse, parents, friend). Use cash only, close credit lines, block online access to accounts.
5. Seeking professional help
An independent exit is possible, but extremely difficult. Recommended:
- counseling a psychologist or psychotherapist specializing in addictions;
- participation in support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous;
- Australian helpline call: Gambling Help Online, National Gambling Helpline.
6. Self-locking unit
Apply for self-exclusion at casinos and gaming services. In Australia, this can be done through:
- BetStop (National Self-Exclusion Register);
- internal self-locking systems on operator sites;
- browser extensions with blocking casino sites.
7. Leisure planning
The free time from the game must be filled:
- sports and physical activity;
- volunteering;
- training;
- restoring communication with loved ones.
The game often replaces emotions and goals - it is important to return them from other sources.
8. Working with triggers
Determine what provokes the desire to play: stress, boredom, loneliness, salary, advertising. Study these triggers and make a plan to replace the response to them (for example, walking instead of opening a slot).
9. Keeping a diary
Write down:
- days without playing;
- thoughts related to the desire to play;
- progress and disruptions (if any);
- goals and achievements.
This will increase awareness and help track recovery dynamics.
10. Maintaining sobriety
Getting out of ludomania is not an event, but a process. Even after 6-12 months, traction can return. Keep in regular contact with the community, consultant, family. Regularly reminding yourself why you decided to quit is an important element of resilience.
Conclusion
Getting out of ludomania requires discipline, honesty and support. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have already overcome addiction - this is possible for you. The main thing is to start, not stop at the first difficulties and remember: you are stronger than your craving for the game.
