Let's start with the simple choice: Do you consider yourself to have a gambling problem affecting your happiness, security, relationships, finances, etc? (Yes or No)
Now, here is something a bit different: Do you have a "gambling problem" which you can sometimes control for years? Either you make enough income to call it "adult play", so you do not have real problems, and/or you simply stop for a long time. Then - months or years later - it gets worse again and you are in trouble.
If it's hurting your relationship and your finances it is something that you have to deal with right away when you're gambling activity is hurting these two areas it's not good that you keep it rolling for years even though you are managing it well, there will be a time that the problem will become unmanageable or both your relationship and finances will deteriorate, I experienced having issues with addiction in a short period and I fixed by stopping my addiction, that's the best way to deal with it, stop and focus on your finances and relationships, these two are more important than anything gambling, so gambling should be on the backstage
(First question was above)
(Second question) Either way, when it's time to stop, how exactly do you do it? (For example) Change other habits, go new places, exercise more, stop drinking, simply "swear off" gambling... How exactly do you stop? Thank you.
I just focus on my relationship and my work and stop gambling for some time, I do come playing but I make sure that it will not harm things that are important to me, in life, you should know your priorities, and those priorities are the things that will make you stronger.