New Year’s Resolution: Recovery from Gambling Addiction Posted On
Happy New Year, everyone! The time has come for many resolutions to begin. Unfortunately, many people lose sight of their resolutions before the end of January, and if your resolution has anything to do with recovery from gambling addiction, then you want to make sure to stay on track.
The first thing to keep in mind is that whether you’re starting or continuing, recovery is not a race, but rather a lifestyle change. Therefore, the satisfaction of a happier, healthier lifestyle will be enjoyed over time. A lifestyle change takes time, practice, and support. Here are some steps you can take to keep your New Year’s Resolution on track:
Set Goals
State to yourself something like, “I want to feel free from my need to gamble.” Write your goal down and keep it in a safe place, but a place that you can see it. Having a goal in mind can help you keep focused on that goal so your decisions, throughout the day, will fit in with that goal.
Seek Help
You can begin by calling the NYS HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (or 1-877-846-7369). Find a Gambler’s Anonymous meeting to attend. Find a counselor in your area to begin, or continue, your recovery with focus, confidence, and help. We all can use a little help. We are social beings, so reach out to those who are willing, and waiting, to help you.
Find Support
Talk to friends or family about your resolution to start, or continue, recovery from your Gambling Addiction. Find the support you need everywhere you can. The more people who know your goals, the stronger your support network will be.
Change Your Routine
If you used to go somewhere to gamble each morning, go somewhere else each day so that you aren’t tempted. Change what feels “normal.” It will be difficult at first, but after a week or two, you may begin to feel that this new “normal” is, simply, normal.
Take Care of Yourself
Eat a balanced diet. Stay active and exercise regularly. Try to incorporate 1 more serving of vegetables and 1 more serving of fruit in your day. Go for a 10 minute walk. Remember, to be extraordinary, all you need is to add a little “extra” to your “ordinary” routine.
Congratulations on your resolution to enter or continue your recovery!
