How to Stop Gambling on Online Slots
If you struggle with online gambling, you are not alone. Many people feel compelled to gamble, despite the fact that it’s damaging their lives and finances. Unfortunately, overcoming gambling addiction isn’t easy and requires a lot of work on your part. You must retrain your brain and take steps to put more barriers between you and your addictive behavior.
A common mistake that heavy gamblers make is to blame themselves when they can’t stop. They assume that they aren’t disciplined enough or that if only they could be like their non-gambling friends, things would be different. However, there is a much deeper issue at play: online gambling changes your brain’s chemistry in the same way that drug addiction does. Every win triggers a burst of dopamine, our natural reward chemical.
This change in chemistry can trigger the same cravings, impaired control, and withdrawal symptoms that are associated with drug addiction. Even worse, it is extremely difficult to overcome this problem without help from a trained professional. It’s important to find a treatment facility that specializes in gambling addiction and understands how to address it. The good news is that there are a number of practical ways you can limit your gambling activities and protect yourself from online gambling addiction.
One of the most effective strategies for avoiding gambling addiction is to set a fixed spending limit and to stick to it. This is especially important if you’re playing slots. You need to understand that slot machines are addictive and can easily drain your bankroll if you’re not careful. It’s also a good idea to choose slot games with fixed maximum payouts, which will make it easier for you to keep track of your wins and losses.
Another way to reduce your risk of online gambling addiction is to use a gambling blocker to prevent access to gambling websites on your computer or mobile device. You can download a free service such as Bet Blocker or a premium paid service such as Gameban. These services will block all gambling-related content on your phone or computer and can be very helpful in early recovery. Alternatively, you can also try purchasing a non-smartphone or a phone with limited internet access to avoid this temptation altogether.
It’s also helpful to identify and avoid your triggers, which can include things like driving by a casino after work or watching sports on television. If you’re struggling with an addiction to online gambling, it may be a good idea to talk with a friend or family member about the issues that are causing your addiction. They may be able to offer additional support and advice that can help you quit gambling for good.
It’s also a good idea to set up a regular time to play slots, such as after dinner or during the weekend. This will help you establish a routine that will remind you that gambling isn’t just fun, but it’s also necessary to maintain your financial health. Lastly, you should always make sure to play on secure websites that guarantee fast payouts.
