6. Be sensible.
It almost goes without saying but a recovering problem gambler should avoid places where they will be tempted to gamble. This doesn’t mean never walking past a betting shop or completely avoiding televised sporting events that you would ‘normally’ have gambled on. Just be sensible. If you are feeling weak or vulnerable on a particular day then be more careful to avoid gambling locations. If you’re having a good day perhaps try confronting yourself with some former gambling opportunities but take a trusted friend along. For example if you associate a certain pub or bar with gambling, then go there with a friend. You will need to make big changes to your social and leisure time activities, but attempting to cut yourself of completely from the outside world will only lead to pent up frustration and anger that could drive you back to gambling. Try and find alternative leisure time activities. Use friends and family for support when you are feeling particularly tempted to gamble. Don’t be afraid to speak up and explain that you are having a bad day and need a bit of extra encouragement. People will do everything they can to help you, but they can’t read your mind, you need to ask for help when you need it and be realistic and sensible about your strengths and weaknesses.

7. Money matters.
Compulsive gambling is not simply a financial problem but as a recovering compulsive gambler you may benefit greatly from having someone else help you manage your money. This is a big, frightening step for many people. Relinquishing control of your finances has an intimidating finality about it. The problem gambler tends to believe that they have a superior understanding of money matters and that they are able to manage their finances very well. Despite crippling debt and dire financial straits the gambler will cling on to this fallacy until they have moved forward with their recovery enough to understand that this belief is part of the problem. So allowing someone else access to and partial control over your finances is an enormous step towards coming to terms with compulsive gambling. It is a hard, solid admittance that you have lost control and need help, and therefore is often one of the most difficult steps to take. An overwhelming debt problem will hinder your recovery. Seek help from a trusted friend or family member and if necessary seek professional advice. You may need to give your debit and credit cards to someone to look after until you are in a position to use them again. A debt counselling service can help you solve financial problems and allow you to deal effectively with the compulsive gambling that has led you to this point. Financial worries may seem overwhelming at the time but do not allow them to interfere with the process of dealing with the real problem: gambling.

8. Learn to enjoy life without gambling.
For a long term compulsive gambler the concept of enjoying life will have become lost under the addiction. For years the everyday pleasures in life have taken second place to gambling ‘responsibilities’. As you work to recover from the addiction it is important to actively seek out other leisure time interests. Get involved with friends and family, accept invitations and try to socialise even if you don’t always feel like it. You may feel embarrassed and ashamed about your situation but try not to wallow in self pity or punish yourself with isolation from social occasions. You need to get out there and enjoy yourself. Remind yourself why you are working towards ridding yourself of the gambling problem – to get on with your life. The recovery process shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you’re financial situation has improved sufficiently don’t be afraid of rewarding yourself with something that you previously couldn’t afford because all your spare cash went into the bottomless gambling fund. Recovery is about rebuilding self-worth and self-respect; learning to enjoy life again is an important part of this process.