MOTIVATING YOURSELF TO STOP
If you
are in a crisis situation and likely to self-harm immediately ask for
professional help. Once you are no longer in danger of harming yourself you can
continue with this advice.
First
you need to decide if your goal is to become completely abstinent and never
gamble again, or to control your gambling to acceptable levels. List
reasons for and against complete abstinence and controlled gambling, to help
you decide on your ultimate goal.
You need
to be honest to your partner, about your level of debt and perhaps seek
financial assistance.
If you
are committing offences to support your gambling habit: stop any further
offence immediately; take responsibility for your actions – accept the
consequences, with legal help; discuss your actions with your partner.
Avoid drinking before or during gambling; talk to your partner rather than drowning your sorrows indrinking after losing; if you are dependent on alcohol and/or drugs, consult your doctor; in a crisis seek help immediately rather than turn to alcohol or drugs which may increase your risk of self-harm.
Keep in
mind that overcoming gambling will considerably improve your quality of life.
You may
feel ambivalent about giving up gambling – it is necessary for you to understand
your motivation. Write down at least ten reasons to stop gambling and list them starting
with the most important. Do the same for reasons to continue gambling. Compare
the two lists – can you see that your behaviour is affecting not only you but
also others close to you; your gambling arises from selfish reasons and causes
problems in all aspects of life; your stress levels would be much lower if you
stopped gambling.
Others
can help motivate a gambler by: Not pressurizing the gambler to seek help, since
nagging tends to lead to resistance to help. Ensure the gambler takes
responsibility for action to stop gambling. Provide him or her with information
on what help is available. Protect
yourself against any debts the gambler may incur and remove yourself from being
responsible for these debts.
Consider
the benefits for yourself and others if you stop gambling. Determine your level
of motivation – are you realistic in your goal?
SOURCE:http://www.haveigotaproblem.com/media/downloads/Motivating%20Yourself%20To%20Stop.pdf
If you
are in a crisis situation and likely to self-harm immediately ask for
professional help. Once you are no longer in danger of harming yourself you can
continue with this advice.
First
you need to decide if your goal is to become completely abstinent and never
gamble again, or to control your gambling to acceptable levels. List
reasons for and against complete abstinence and controlled gambling, to help
you decide on your ultimate goal.
You need
to be honest to your partner, about your level of debt and perhaps seek
financial assistance.
If you
are committing offences to support your gambling habit: stop any further
offence immediately; take responsibility for your actions – accept the
consequences, with legal help; discuss your actions with your partner.
Avoid drinking before or during gambling; talk to your partner rather than drowning your sorrows indrinking after losing; if you are dependent on alcohol and/or drugs, consult your doctor; in a crisis seek help immediately rather than turn to alcohol or drugs which may increase your risk of self-harm.
Keep in
mind that overcoming gambling will considerably improve your quality of life.
You may
feel ambivalent about giving up gambling – it is necessary for you to understand
your motivation. Write down at least ten reasons to stop gambling and list them starting
with the most important. Do the same for reasons to continue gambling. Compare
the two lists – can you see that your behaviour is affecting not only you but
also others close to you; your gambling arises from selfish reasons and causes
problems in all aspects of life; your stress levels would be much lower if you
stopped gambling.
Others
can help motivate a gambler by: Not pressurizing the gambler to seek help, since
nagging tends to lead to resistance to help. Ensure the gambler takes
responsibility for action to stop gambling. Provide him or her with information
on what help is available. Protect
yourself against any debts the gambler may incur and remove yourself from being
responsible for these debts.
Consider
the benefits for yourself and others if you stop gambling. Determine your level
of motivation – are you realistic in your goal?
SOURCE:http://www.haveigotaproblem.com/media/downloads/Motivating%20Yourself%20To%20Stop.pdf
