3. Be realistic.
Don’t expect the problem to simply go away because you have finally been able to admit that it exists. Admitting the problem is a big first step but it really is only that – a first step. Understand that it will take time, effort, and perseverance to really overcome the problem. Take each day at a time. Don’t expect miracles and be patient. Once again this is something that will probably be particularly hard for the problem gambler. Often they have impulsive, impatient personalities. Slow, painstaking progress is anathema to them. Yet this is what is needed to overcome the addiction; there is no quick fix. Take one day at a time and set yourself realistic targets. Don’t be tempted to think too far ahead or make sweeping pronouncements about the future. You are only setting yourself up to fail. Think about today, set manageable goals and let yourself know how good it feels to succeed in attaining them. You can then build on each little victory as you move forward with your life.

4. Understand your problem - get professional support.
Compulsive gambling is a psychological problem and you should seek professional help and support in order to deal with it. It is very important that the gambler and their friends/family recognise that this is a serious and complex problem – the gambler cannot simply stop. In today’s society counselling services and support groups are an accepted and available way of dealing with a wide range of psychological disorders. Counselling or therapy is no longer the preserve of the privileged classes or those wishing to find solutions outside of traditional medicine. It is now understood that services such as these are a vital way of maintaining the health and wellbeing of the population. For a compulsive gambler self help groups can be a lifeline. You can attempt to deal with the problem yourself but you are much more likely to find a successful and lasting solution by talking to people who understand. Self help groups will allow you to tell your story to others who have been in similar positions, and to listen to their stories in turn. Your problem is unique to you but there will undoubtedly be many similarities with other people’s situations. You will feel less alone, less isolated once you hear what other people have gone through. Professional counselling services are another possibility. Here you can discuss your problem with someone trained to listen and to help you draw out the underlying causes of the problem. They will guide you on how to deal with these causes. You will probably come to realisations about your actions much more quickly than if you try to work through things alone or with non-gambling friends and family. Your GP or local health service will be able to refer you to counselling services and provide you with information of self help or support groups. You can also access this information yourself using the telephone directory, the internet or notice boards in your local library or community centre.

5. Be positive.
It is important to stay positive if you are to overcome a gambling problem. Going over and over the damaging things you have said and done will not help your recovery. It may be necessary to apologise to others in order to face up to what has happened as a consequence of the addiction. But this does not mean that you should continue to persecute yourself day after day. Mistakes were made; you are now dealing with them and moving on. Going over and over things, wallowing in guilt and self-pity will get you nowhere except back in the casino or betting shop. It is important to understand that you are responsible for your actions, but that you were in the grip of a psychological disorder and your thoughts and reasoning processes were hampered by this. By the same token now that you are working to resolve the problem you must take responsibility for yourself and your recovery. Only you can do this, so your state of mind and approach to the situation is of paramount importance. Remain positive and you will go a long way towards helping yourself without even realising it.