Avoiding And Diverting Urges -

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A few ideas which may be helpful

GIVING THE FINANCES TO SOMEONE ELSE TO LOOK AFTER—This can sometimes be a matter of pride, however, finding someone trustable to look after finances can be a blessing in disguise. Having money on hand is one of the biggest triggers.

BANNING ONESELF FROM CLUBS OR PUBS—This is also hard to do with compulsive gamblers because it feels like saying goodbye to an old friend and many will have reservations about this, however, it may be a wise option to take.

NOT KEEPING LARGE SUMS OF MONEY AT HOME—This is another big trigger. Knowing that there is a sum of money at home somewhere will play on gambler’s mind. Keeping a small amount for emergencies and enough for a day’s use is a better choice.

CANCELLING CREDIT CARDS—Gambling on credit is never a good choice for any compulsive gambler. It doubles the trouble. Not only is the money borrowed and gambled, it has to be paid back as well, which will serve as a trigger later on.

TAKING SOMEONE ALONG TO PAY BILLS, DOING IT ELECTRONICALLY OR ALLOWING SOMEONE ELSE TO PAY THEM—Another reason to not carry cash alone. Bills have to be paid, however, there are many ways to do that, rather than taking cash to pay for them.

FINDING SOMEONE TO TALK TO DURING THOSE ROUGH TIMES WITH URGES—Having someone to talk to with an open mind without being criticised can help the gambler re-direct thoughts of gambling. A family member, a good friend or a counsellor can be of great help in times of need.

ATTENDING SUPPORT GROUPS—Support is vital in finding ways to avoid urges. Having contact with people that are in the same situation or having been there will make way for open conversations in finding solutions—and what’s more important, it doesn’t make one feel alone.

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE BANK—To make limitations on ATM withdrawals, to make clauses in contracts where no mortgage top-ups are allowed or cheques cashed without another person signing and perhaps to not allow cash withdrawals from credit cards if any are kept.

GIVING A LITTLE TIME TO STOP AND THINK WHEN URGES COME—Urges are fleeting and usually don’t stay for long once thought diversions are in place. Taking a few seconds to a minute to run the thought of urge through the memory bank can help in recognising reality and what can happen if the urge is acted upon.

USING A RUBBER BAND ON THE WRIST—This has been used successfully by many. When an urge for gambling comes, one only needs to remember the rubber band, take hold of it and snap it against the wrist. It often gets the person back to reality where a little more thought can be put into place.

NO LENDING OF MONEY FROM FRIENDS AND RELATIVES—This is a matter of choice, but just like with credit cards—it is borrowed money. Exercising self-discipline here is up to the individual, but very helpful in the long run.

GOING FOR A BRISK WALK — Walking is a terrific way for taking the mind of things. One round around the block could save a person from acting out on those urges.

GETTING BUSY WITH SOMETHING—Finding something else to do is a good mind diverter. It may not be an immediate gratification, however, it may only take a couple of minutes to avoid the urge, while something else is done.

By John Sabados

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