How To Overcome Gambling

This lesson addresses two issues—gambling and addiction to gambling. It also relates those issues to your relationships with God and the people you love.

1. How To Overcome Gambling Addiction
2. How To Overcome Gambling Addiction Problems
3. How To Overcome Gambling
4. How To Overcome Gambling Addiction

Paintcode 3 3 7 download free. A Christian in Arizona tells about her husband's experience:

'My husband worked with a man in Oregon who spent each evening after work playing slot machines in a bar. He not only was obsessed with the hope of winning, he became so mesmerized while he was playing that he could shut out all thoughts of family responsibility. After that, his shame would trigger the next episode as he hoped to win back his heavy losses.

A recovery program, one-on-one counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes may help you overcome your gambling addiction. If you don't treat your gambling problem, it can lead to serious. Here are some tips that will help you to overcome gambling addiction. Admit the gambling addiction. The first step to overcoming a problem is admitting it exists in the first place. The same thing applies to gamble addiction. You must first agree that you have gambling issues and be ready to seek a lasting solution. We hope that these steps help you heaps and develop a path for your happy life! If you would like to hear more from us regarding different effective ways to overcome gambling and other addictions, please. A solid way to beat that gambling urge MUST READ. Today is my first day actually of being a recovering gambling addict. I have lost thousands, stolen from my family, lied, and lived with a tremendous amount of guilt due to all the harm gambling has inflicted on my life. I dream of a world debt free and bet free.

'My husband tried to pull this man from the bar several times, as he knew that on pay day the man would often spend his entire paycheck. Then he would go home and face his family in fear and anguish. This never stopped him though; he continued and borrowed money from my husband and many others until he was so in debt he didn't know where to turn.

'In the end the debt consumed him and devastated his family and friends. At that point, the man could take no more and shot himself in the head to end it all. It was terribly sad. After his death my husband felt much guilt too. He wondered if he could have done more to help his friend. This is an example of typical collateral damage. Addictions and suicides lay a guilt trip and many other psychological burdens on the loved ones.'

What Does the Bible Say About Gambling?

In this lesson we will address the gambling-related problems that are obvious, like spending the grocery money and becoming addicted to gambling. But first, what is wrong in principle with gambling?

The fundamental issue is this: When one person wins money, it's because other people lost money. Hoping to win means you are hoping that others will lose. Not just lose a contest or a prize—lose their money so you can win their money! In a casino, you may think in terms of the casino losing the money. But where does the casino get its money? From all the many disappointed people who lost their money—many of whom are poor and gamble in desperation, clinging to the fantasy of 'rags to riches.' Gambling is never win-win. It is win-lose-lose-lose-lose.

This is contrary to God's great commandment to love your neighbor. After all, 'Love does no harm to a neighbor' (Romans 13:10). We're also instructed, 'Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep' (Romans 12:15). God wants us to have true empathy for others! In gambling, you feel like rejoicing only when others feel like weeping, and vice versa. We're told, 'Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others' (Philippians 2:4). You'll be helping other people and helping society when you don't support the gambling industry.

Is the prevalence of gambling exploding?

2 Timothy 3:1-2, 4
In the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money..lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

The mushrooming mania for gambling, especially in Western nations, is one major example of this prophecy being fulfilled. Only 50 years ago, most Christian Americans thought of all gambling as being evil. The gamblers went to Nevada and New Jersey. But many things have changed. Today, most people don't read the Bible, know much of what it says or pay much attention to the Ten Commandments. Governments have legitimized gambling with state-run lotteries and other forms of legalized gambling. And people tend to think that if something is legal, it is mora—which often is not true.

With the boom in betting comes the corrupting consequences: deep indebtedness, depression, despair, broken homes, criminal behavior, suicides and many other tragic repercussions that affect individuals, their families and society.

Will a large number of gamblers become addicted to gambling?

John 8:34
Jesus answered them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.'

Just look at the statistics. A large percentage of gamblers are already addicted. Many would not admit it, because they are in denial. A gambler may admit to having 'a few problems' with it—like spending too much money, getting deeper into debt and spending too much time away from family—but it may take a major crisis ('hitting bottom') before he or she admits to being a problem gambler, a compulsive gambler or an addicted gambler—enslaved to gambling.

John 8:32
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

We are creatures of habit. The more we do anything, the more it becomes routine. One bad habit leads to others, and a bad habit often becomes a psychological addiction, which is enslavement. God wants you to be free from bad habits and addictions.

It's easy to see why gambling is addictive. A win is a thrill that whets the appetite for more. A loss is often followed by more playing in hopes of recouping the loss. And, for many, it is escapism from reality and responsibility. (The 'Related Resources' listed below offer valuable guidance in dealing with addictions.)

How does gambling relate to the Tenth Commandment against coveting?

Exodus 20:17
'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.'

Covet means desire, but it implies a wrong kind of desire, like greed. When you gamble, you are coveting your 'neighbor's' money. You are not earning the money or offering goods or services in exchange for his (or her) money. You want his money while offering nothing in return. Therefore, your desire for his money is coveting.

And Paul said that covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5; see also Ephesians 5:5). Why? Because it is a desire that is stronger than your desire to love God and put Him first in your life.

What does the Bible teach about materialism?

1 Timothy 6:9-10
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Materialism—the love of money and the things money can buy—is related to coveting, and as this scripture shows, it is often self-destructive. Someone is materialistic when money and physical things have become more important than relationships and spiritual values. The Bible says, 'How much better to get wisdom than gold!' (Proverbs 16:16). And being materialistic can cause you to lose out on the most valuable thing of all—eternal life! Jesus said, 'Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!' (Mark 10:24).

How does the biblical definition of love relate to gambling?

1 John 3:16-17
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Love can be defined as 'the give way' rather than 'the get way.' God is the greatest giver: 'He gives to all life, breath, and all things' (Acts 17:25). He is the source of 'every good gift and every perfect gift' (James 1:17). Therefore, God wants us to follow His example and live a life of giving. Use your time, talents and energy to give to others. Gambling, however, is focused on get, not give.

How is gambling contrary to the biblical work ethic?

Proverbs 13:11 (New Living Translation)
Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.

This verse is contrasting all 'get-rich-quick' schemes, including gambling, with honestly earning an income. Consider also: 'A greedy person tries to get rich quick, but it only leads to poverty' (Proverbs 28:22, New Living Translation). Money gotten quickly usually disappears quickly.

The Bible repeatedly praises hard work as noble and a key to success. See Proverbs 10:4; 12:11; 21:5; 28:19-20. Spend your time productively, such as in getting an education, working and serving others.

How should parents teach their children about important issues of life, including gambling?

Deuteronomy 6:7
You shall teach [God's ways] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

God encourages parents to make teaching an everyday part of life. This includes discussing good and bad examples from the news, from entertainment and from personal experiences.

Tragically, real-life examples probably won't be hard to find. Some researchers consider gambling the fastest-growing teenage addiction. The youth of America today have never seen life without legalized gambling, which makes it seem acceptable. Eventually many of them will be tempted and pressured by their peers to gamble.

So what can we do to steer them in the right direction? Children need good role models. If adults don't practice what they preach, their words will do little good. If we don't want our children to be gamblers, then we must set the example. Then all during their growing up years, we need to thoroughly teach them what is wrong with gambling (and the typical sleazy culture of casinos) and teach all the right things they need to do with their lives.

What about private gambling and gambling when losses are limited to a few dollars?

Luke 16:10-11
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

Here are two common questions: What about putting a few quarters in a slot machine 'for the fun of it'? And what about a private game among friends when the maximum amount anyone can lose is very small? Aren't these harmless exceptions?

First, remember how addicting gambling is. Big habits generally begin with small steps.

Second, these are matters of personal conscience. There are differences of opinion among people of godly character. But we encourage you to think in terms of principle. Going back to the previous section, what if you had a son or daughter watching you? Wouldn't your example make it more difficult to convince him or her of the evils of gambling? Why not just play for poker chips, match sticks or a high score? With all decisions that we face, let's ask ourselves, 'What would Jesus choose to do?'

How can I get the strength I need to overcome my gambling addiction?

John 16:24
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

First, you must come to the point where you fully acknowledge that you have a progressive addiction, and therefore you must stop all gambling and permanently abstain from it. If you go back to it, your compulsive behavior will start back as strong as ever.

Then turn your life over to God. The Bible reminds us over and over to rely on God by reading the Bible, praying and even fasting for His help and strength. Be aware that one of the keys to answered prayer is obedience to God's commandments (1 John 3:22). Those who repent and are baptized can receive the Holy Spirit by which God strengthens us. And remember that no matter how many times you slip up, whenever you are sincerely sorry, ask for God's forgiveness and recommit to avoiding the sin, He will always forgive (1 John 1:9).

The Bible also teaches us to reach out to others for help (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Two people can be much stronger than one alone. Take advantage of all the resources and supports available to you—factual information, professional counseling, your minister, godly friends and support groups. (Gamblers Anonymous gives excellent support and doesn't cost anything.) And ask others to pray for you (James 5:16).

Once you are in control of your life, you will experience real peace and joy. May God guide and bless you as you pursue recovery.

Apply Now

Visit the Gamblers Anonymous Web site. Even if gambling is not a problem for you, you will find this list of 20 questions quite interesting and informative. The more times that a person answers 'yes' to these questions, the more likely he or she is a compulsive gambler or has a gambling problem. If nothing else, this knowledge may help you to help someone else.

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Related Resources:

How To Overcome Gambling Addiction

So, what does it really take to beat a gambling addiction?

Two basic requirements for quitting gambling

It's quite simple, really, when you get to the essence of what it takes to quit a gambling addiction. The problem or compulsive gambler first has to genuinely want to quit gambling. That's easier said than done. Many problem gamblers go for years without coming to that realization. When and if they do, it's often only a fleeting desire and not compelling enough for them to take action. That's the second basic requirement to quitting gambling: you have to go through the difficult work it will take to overcome your addiction. But the excuses can come up quickly:

• 'I don't have the time. I can't take off work.'
• 'I don't really have that big a problem.'
• 'I can quit anytime I want.'
• 'My gambling isn't hurting anyone.'
• 'What I do is my own business.'
• 'I don't need shrinks prying into my affairs.'
• 'No way am I going to some rehab clinic filled with addicts.'
• 'I don't have the money to pay for treatment and my insurance won't cover it.'

There are many more reasons people tell themselves and others about why they can't or won't go into treatment to overcome their gambling addiction. Maybe you've even used one or more of these. The point is, until you are ready to say honestly to yourself that you genuinely want to quit gambling forever and you're willing to do whatever work it takes to do so, you'll never overcome your addiction. Period.

How To Overcome Gambling Addiction Problems

What's needed to beat a gambling addiction?

What are the kinds of things that you have to do and that have to change in your life for your gambling recovery to be successful?

Get rid of these assumptions. This won't be easy to accept. Some popular assumptions about gambling are merely traps. By buying into them, you're only defeating your ultimate goal – to quit gambling.

• Willpower isn't enough — Many well-meaning self-help gurus may tell you that with strength of willpower, anything is possible. For a problem or compulsive gambler, willpower may only last until the next urge pops into their mind — and won't leave. Tell a starving man that willpower will make the hunger go away and see how good that does. Same principle applies with the gambling addict. You can't tell yourself that you're strong enough to stay away from gambling and expect that it will do anything other than reinforce your feelings of worthlessness, remorse, guilt and shame when you go right back to gambling.

• You can't manage your gambling — Another assumption gambling addicts and problem gamblers make is that they can somehow manage their gambling. The person may say they'll only gamble on every other day, or once a week, or limit themselves to a specific amount of money or block of time. The truth is that any gambling at all is like pouring gasoline on a flame. Once it starts, it's not going to stop anytime soon. The problem gambler and the gambling addict have long since passed the point of turning their back on the tables. Their compulsion to gamble has taken over their lives, often to the point of complete ruin — financial, family relationships, social, loss of job/home/personal possessions, physical, psychological and legal. There isn't any managing of gambling possible for the gambling addict.

• You're not sick — While opinions are divided on whether or not addiction is a disease, get out of the mindset that you're sick. You're not dying of cancer — that's a disease. Gambling addiction is a type of impulse-control disorder — and it's completely treatable. People who look upon themselves as sick have a built-in excuse: 'It's not my fault. I can't help it.' Ditch that assumption right now. It won't do you any good, and will probably derail your efforts to overcome your gambling addiction.

Successfully overcoming your gambling addiction

The following strategies, techniques and beliefs are essential to successfully overcoming your gambling addiction. You learn them and incorporate them into your life through counseling, treatment, behavioral therapy, support meetings – and practice.

• Take back the power in your life — You've relinquished power to your gambling addiction. Through treatment, you will learn how to take back the power to make your own decisions, instead of having your addiction control you.
• Learn how to deal with stress — For many gambling addicts, the only way to deal with stress is to escape through gambling. Learn effective techniques to minimize everyday stress and how to cope with unavoidable stress when it occurs.
• Stop labeling yourself an addict — Negative labels are self-perpetuating. Yes, you have an addiction, but you are doing something constructive about it. Learn to think of yourself in recovery.
• Envision a future full of possibilities — free of an addictive lifestyle. Everyone needs to have goals, something they strive for. Learn to envision your life free of addictions, a life that is full of possibilities.
• Mend relationships — Often problem and compulsive gamblers have hurt those they love most, family members and close friends. It's time to repair that rift, and rebuild close relationships. Remember that those who love and care about you want you to be part of their lives again. Work on making that happen.
• Find a deep life purpose — Why are you here? What deeper purpose does your life hold? Through envisioning, meditation, counseling and discussion you will discover what truly holds meaning for you. This will serve as a foundation upon which to build your future. Reconnect to your values — or form new ones.
• Change your mindset — Learn to stop thinking that you're doomed to forever be a gambling addict, or that it's too late to change. Instead, learn to recognize the positive attributes that you possess and work on developing and fostering them.
• Use your mind's power — Give yourself credit, which means using the power of your mind to help you work through often contradictory emotions and thoughts. Biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy will help you channel your energies in the right direction. This will help you remain on track with your goals.
• No more lying — This simple practice has to become embedded. You must learn to tell the truth in all situations. Practice being truthful — and this will be difficult for gambling addicts so used to telling falsehoods. Start with small things like if you're hungry or thirsty or if you want to discuss a certain topic or not. The more you tell the truth, the easier it will become.
• Be in control — Related to taking back the power, being in control means that you make this an inner belief. Learn self-management techniques.
• Understand why you've been stuck — What caused you to begin gambling in the first place? What perpetuated the habit until it became an addiction. Once you've identified the reasons, you will learn new behaviors to change your life.
• Quash your urge to gamble — This is critical to your successful recovery, as urges and cravings will pop up at every opportunity. You will learn tried-and-true techniques to quash these urges.
• Rebuild your self-esteem — Gambling addicts have extremely low self-esteem. Through counseling, discussions, lectures, group exercises, meditation and other therapies you will rebuild your sense of self — self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Eliminate guilt, shame and deprivation — All these are negative constructs that have no place in your life in recovery. You will learn to recognize them when they seek to take over your mind and how to banish them forever.
• Learn to manage your money — Maybe you've left a swath of financial ruin in your wake. Perhaps you've lost everything, including home and personal possessions. You probably owe a great deal of money to many creditors, including personal loans from family and friends. You will learn how to manage your money and put your finances back on track through practical techniques.
• Identify bad habits and learn how to change them — Habits are rooted in repetitive behavior. Not all habits are bad, and you will learn to differentiate between the bad and the good. Time to ditch your old bad habits and replace them with constructive new ones.
• Take responsibility for your problems — Being honest and in control of your circumstances means that you take full responsibility for your problems, and not just your gambling addiction. Once you take ownership of your problems, you can work on solving them.
• Learn to live on your own terms, free of dependencies — You may not be able to see this as a reality until you are many months past treatment and into recovery. But it is a goal to strive for. In fact, you probably can't even imagine being free of your gambling addiction. You will, if you choose to keep to the two basic requirements: sincerely want to quit gambling and do whatever hard work it takes to make that happen. In fact, related to bad habits are other dependencies that you may also choose to relinquish, such as drinking, smoking, overeating, etc.
• Look at recovery a rewarding and exciting — A future of limitless possibilities, a regained sense of self-esteem and self-confidence, fully in control, accepting of responsibilities, loving and close relationships — and the ability to pursue your dreams — these are what you have to look forward to in recovery. In short, your life in recovery will be every bit as rewarding and exciting as you want it to be.

How To Overcome Gambling

Remember, you are in control of your life. Make it what you truly want.

In summary, what does it take to beat your gambling addiction? The answer is: all of the above. And, yes you can do it. So, if you're ready, why not start now?

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How To Overcome Gambling Addiction

https://www.addiction.com/3200/overcome-gambling-addiction/