Topic: Tips on how I controlled my Gambling addiction. (Read 484 times)

Once your mind and emotions arent fixed or simply saying that you arent dedicative on quitting or stopping or simply controlling your gambling habits then you would really be failing out on stopping your addiction.
It is really just a matter of self acceptance and good control about your aims and goals through gambling whether its for entertainment or for making yourself rich which we know that it is really a very wrong
mindset to mold whenever you do deal with gambling which this kind of motive or intent would really be pushing you into the line on which it would result into desperation which comes next on your action
ending up on that multiple or severe losses which would really be worsening up the situation whether you could able to recover from it or would be totally messing up your entire life because of it.

It's impossible that you won't noticed that you are already addicted to gambling. The obvious reasons of it is that you are overbetting, can't accept your losses and then you will find ways to go back and play more only to revenge your losses and so on. See even other people already noticed it because you are being told.

The truth is that you know it but you are just acting like you didn't know or you are only denying it in other words. What you did there, leaving your friends is right. It's always being said that we only need the right people which have the same interest as ours as they are the ones that can help us grow.

Those are hard to ignore therefore I salute you with that determination you are showing. You are really serious on changing yourself for the better. Betting isn't bad though as long as we have a control to ourselves.

You stopped betting by stopping betting? Most of what you said basically boils down to changing your habits and this is really good advice. The hardest part about breaking addictions can often be breaking a friendship, this might be true for people who take drugs in the same environment on a regular basis - the only way to stop can be leaving friends behind who do not want to change. It's all about identifying triggers like you say, if you've always placed a bet when watching football, then maybe switch to watching a different sport until you get it under control. In the early days you need to concentrate on those triggers, if you feel the urge then do something to distract yourself - like you said going for a walk or finding that new hobby, it will quickly dissipate.

It's mind over matter which is hard for gamblers who aren't able to control their emotions. They let their urges and desire win over what doing what they think is right. If we don't control our emotions in the first place, it will be the one who will take over on controlling us which could lead to wrong decisions or worse, to gambling addiction.
Avoiding anything that is related to gambling will be the best step for us to get rid of betting but to totally eliminate it, we should learn how to discipline ourselves.

Don't get in over your head! This is one of the best pieces of advice when it comes to gambling, trading, investing, and many other things... Simply don't get in over your head! And if you must, we all had such moments when we risked a lot, make sure you have a cover, just in case things go wrong!

Every vice is playing with fire! I said it many times! Fire can be the best friend or the worst enemy, I guess that saying has roots all over the world! So don't overdo it! Keep the control, set up some limits... simply if you don't do it you will sink, vice will eat you sooner or later! It will eat you and it will create so many side effects (read problems) to the point where you will not be able to change anything! It's when you sink to the bottom and there's no way out! Don't let yourself reach that position! Because if you do you will probably do some desperate move that will ruin you even more!

If it hurts you just turn away! Look somewhere else for fun and thrill! Something that doesn't hurt you! People are different, there must be something for all of us... something that we enjoy and that makes us happy and not hurting us in the same moment!

There aren't any tips that I can't give to you sir, but the only thing that I can say you is to find other type of hobby (drawing, sound, movie, ecc.) and absolutely don't look at any kind of activity that remember to you

gambling, because also if you watch a football match, you'll be attracted to submit a bet. A detox period could help you, do this for some months, and once you're ready and clean, you can start to watch football match and

other sports activity. Please ask help also to your family.

I have to thumbs up for you, the four different methods you do, rarely other people are able to do it, but you managed to overcome your gambling addiction, great man.

Moving house to another area and avoiding meeting with friends, this is the most bitter method that has been done by many gambling addicts, This really takes time. How to control this emotional, indeed, to overcome addiction, you have to do what you do.

My advice, for point number 3, you should not stop watching football, it's normal, watching it is also a hobby and entertainment, The important thing is that there is a commitment and principle, if you go to the stadium, don't bring an Android cellphone, just bring enough money, you don't have an Android, or go to the stadium with friends who don't like to gamble.

(Link where I got the image: https://cheezburger.com/16754181/a-modest-group-of-entertaining-memes)

Ooopss! Sorry!

But seriously though, gambling addiction isn't a walk-in-the-park issue and I am pretty sure that there is no size fits all method that can help solve issues like this. If there is one certain method that helps eradicate, if not lessen the addiction, it would be seeking professional help or having someone you can rely on.

It's not that gamblers don't know but I think a lot of them underestimate their own issue so they wouldn't focus on it as much as they should before it gets worse.

As a sports bettor, it's understandable as sometimes you're better off not watching any matches than getting tempted to gamble if you still allow yourself to watch a match from time to time.

That is actually true- knowing that you are suffering from an addiction is one thing; but the actual execution of a plan in order to address such issue is another.

When a person is involved in something that is addicting in nature, they tend to rationalize their behaviour saying that what they are doing is entirely normal. But once they admit to themselves that they are indeed suffering, they have two (2) options: either they continue; or they address it. If you choose the latter, then the chances of one recovering from such addiction is greater.

There are tons of reviews, guides, tips, and even videos on how to overcome addiction but recognizing that you are suffering from it is the very first big leap of faith that someone has to do that will open so many new doors to recovery.

Based on your post you have good control and gambling is not yet really getting a hold on you, compulsive gamblers can't do that, you cannot reason with compulsive gamblers, it's important that have control of yourself in the early stage of addiction if you are drawn on gambling, any reasoning will not work and any control will be futile, all of us are in a struggle to not fall into becoming a compulsive gambler, it's a quicksand that every move you'll be drowning.

The decisions seem hardcore in my opinion but if it will work with others then who am I to judge.

Stopped watching the game that you love? In this case, football. In my case, basketball.
I doubt I can do that. Basketball was my childhood sport and I cannot just let it go because I want to stop my gambling addiction if ever I did.
Think of it as just for entertainment and forget about betting. If it's the sport you really love then the gambling problem should not be a wall to entertain yourself.

A self-awareness and gambling plan is the best solution for this, if you have a plan before taking some to play a game it is good if you have a designated amount to play with per day and like in trading set a stop loss and take profit because too much is really bad. Once it is hit already that's a call for a day to make sure you won't extend too much money to play and if you feel that it is not already worth it too play and you feel tired just try when you think are good enough to prevent getting greedy.

You have already done good in your life to overcome the problem of gambling addiction. Gambling addiction is the toughest problem for a gambler but unfortunately, they don't know how to solve it. You are lucky to have friends who care about you and can advise you to make a bold decision finally.

It takes courage to admit we have a gambling addiction problem and tell our friends and family. We should respect people who are addicted to gambling and should be helped to get out of their problems.

That temporary satisfaction mostly leads gamblers to addiction. You said it right. Disorders and financially unstable will be the result of

uncontrolled gambling engagements, think of something that can help you to avoid making such mistakes and be

Responsible for facing the consequences of whatever side effects of your participations. Playing to enjoy but in a good

way could give you enough space to think and not to get addicted.

first I wanna congratulate you from achieving that goal , it is not easy to handle that situation because I once there and yeah its a struggle that hardly to beat but once you succeeded then there is the price of a lifetime.

just make sure that you will never fall to addiction again mate because you have done a great job here.

How I wish it is that easy mate  for many of those who are still addicted.

The view about gambling whether it’s bad or not depends on the person financial and mental situation because gambling might not bad for you because you have money and mentally ok but for some people that having some depression and other mental disorder then gambling will be bad. Gambling is design to let people lose money that’s why there’s always a house edge on every game. There’s a high chance for a person with mental disorder or financially unstable to become addicted because they are getting temporary satisfaction on it once they win some of there bets.

It's like you are well disciplined for you to strictly followed those rules in quiting gambling, it's not easy for an addicted gambler to easily change their habits, it's takes a lot of self discipline and determinations to do way with those gambling habits, I believe other addicted gamblers who wanted to quit gambling will learn from you because addiction had wrecked and bankrupted a lot of gamblers, I commend you for your efforts in finding a solution to your gambling addiction, if this work for you it will also work for other addicted gamblers.

Congratulations on quitting smoking and thinking about not being a gambler anymore. I am really surprised how you managed to get rid of the addiction through the steps you indicated, but I don't think they will be effective for other gamblers. Getting rid of addiction is not easy even though you feel that you succeeded in escaping. You should take professional advice in order to enhance your desire.

Gambling too much, can be harmful and by the time you realize that, it is too late and it is difficult to quit. So if you play it to an extent from the beginning and take it as a fun or entertainment so that you can quit whenever you want.

I personally feel that gambling isn't bad but playing too much and getting addicted to it is bad.

Have you been a compulsive gambler so far? From your story, it sounds like you are one of the problem gamblers.
I don't know why you seem to have such a big problem with gambling. Addiction is a natural thing if you are actually a gambler, but you forget the main point that you should never bet for money.

But some of the tips you have provided are actually good enough to help you overcome your gambling addiction, but maybe you shouldn't leave all your friends and something you love like football. Control your emotions and turn your attention to something else if you really don't want to gamble anymore. That is much more advisable than trying to stay away from your friends.

The environment in which we live is indeed very influential in overcoming gambling addiction. If we are in an environment where a lot of
people play gambling it is quite difficult to stop gambling. Even though our intentions are strong to stop gambling, but it's often tempting
to gamble again if we're still in an environment where we can easily get access to gambling. If indeed our addiction is severe and really
messes up our lives, we really need to consider temporarily moving to an area where there is no internet access at all. In these areas apart
from preventing us from being tempted to gamble again, in a new environment can make our minds refreshed and can make us think clearly.

But fortunately, when I became addicted to gambling, I didn't have to move to an area without internet access, just with a strong intention
in me, I can control my urge to gamble. It wasn't easy at first, but in the end, with strong intentions, I was able to succeed in making myself
no longer addicted to gambling. But not all gamblers can be like me, so it's a good idea to consider moving to an area where it's far from
the casino and there's no internet access.

Sometimes even moving to another area cannot help a gambler overcome his addiction because he still has access to the Internet on his mobile and he can succumb to temptation at any time. So if you decide to completely renounce gambling is better to go to the deaf places where there is no access to the Internet. Such a move will be a good constraint even for a person with weak willpower. I think that two or three months in such an environment will help to cope with the problem.

Lolz ... this is a bit hilarious,

Please mate I think you just scanned my thread and didn't read to graps my point, you have to go back and read my thread and replied post once again to get the general point I'm making by looking at the title and context that answered this question.

You having to post in this section does that mean you're addicted to gambling?  If no then think of it.

Remember when you're addicted to something you literally over do it (out of control i.e don't have a control over that stuff ).
However, Taking bold steps that helps you to control your addiction into such thing and have it done the proper way doesn't mean total stop from participating in sporting related activities if your problem is solved.


Therefore I used that strategy to pull myself out out of the situation I found myself then.
 I have passion for sporting activities that's why I'm still engaged in sporting related activities.
Thus I'm not addicted to gambling, So I play safe when I want to Play.

 

Thanks for explaining all your suggestions OP. I honestly think penalization of yourself anytime you feel need of gambling is very good idea. Also I think finding new habits is always good idea. Bitcoin or crypto in general is cool community to be part of. And you can still make money over it by trading.
On the other hand I think blocking yourself from watching football matches is extreme. Sports is something very healthy for people, and competition is cool. I wouldn't do that so.

Well, this is indeed quite good but as you said, things like this will be very difficult, especially for those who already have families because of the fact that moving houses like this obviously requires a lot of money and there are definitely hassles in taking care of the administration (at least in my country like that).
But indeed for single and not yet have any bond this is good enough to do.

Based from these reasons, it looks like one of the major issue why you were addicted to gambling is because of peer pressure. So, I guess that is also the reason why you decided to bet even your college tuition or fees. Anyways, it's a good thing that you were able to identify the peer pressure you've felt and was able to avoid and stop it. However, you have made extreme measures to stop your gambling addiction.

As for me, the only common situation we've had is that I've also lost and got broke and have decided to control and minimize my gambling expenditures. Also, having a support (either a friend or someone you know) and a hobby will help your gambling addiction.

Your tips are wonderful and it helped you overcome one of the greatest form of addiction that affects the finance of addicts. Just like other forms of addictions it is very difficult to break free from. But you must ensure you continue with your tips to ensure that you are not exposed to those activities that triggers the addiction.


I assume you are not married and have no children. For the married, relocation is quit expensive and stressful. You need to consider the children's school and your spouse place of work. Although there is no sacrifice that is too big to to be free from gambling addictions, but relocation might be very challenging.

I don't think one needs to relocate to another area out of his zone to avoid being tempted to gamble. Taking myself as an example, when I decided to put a stop to all my gambling activities, I decided not to visit friends who we usually gamble together, I stopped going to gaming centres in order not to be tempted to gamble but I didn't go on any vacation because I was determined to stop gambling based on the funds I have lost in the past, I believe the best advise that will help any addicted gambler to stop gambling is self determination not vacation or relocation.

Gambling addiction is NOT clinical depression and I don't think that it can be cured with remedies.

Anyway, congratulations to OP for getting rid of his gambling addiction.
Having a toxic social circle is a major reason why so many people are falling into various kinds of addictions and unhealthy behavior.
You did the right thing by getting rid of your toxic friends and trying to develop some positive habits.
A man is his habits and stopping the negative habits while building positive habits is a big part of growing up as a person.
I have one question. Do you have other addictions, like smoking cigars/weed or drinking? If yes, you should get rid of them as well.
Awareness meditation can be great for self-improvement, but it takes lots of time and consistent effort.

you forgot to mention the most important thing in leaving gambling , and that i to put your family in center of everything because accept it or not? you will never survive the addiction without our love one's helps.
this is also the main reason why most of gamblers are not succeeding in their fight against addiction because they still hide the reality and not seeking help from their family.

I must admit that the 3rd point is a great one as I once was an addicted sport betting gambler but the one thing that helped me the most was not being in front of the TV or PC to watch football games.I then started to play slot machines and got also addicted to them in a very short time but after one session that lost me huge amount of money I told myself that I will only play a certain amount weekly and stick to it no matter a loss or a win.So managing your bankroll can lead you to move away from gambling addiction too,this last one needs a great amount of self control though.

Bravo Op. Many people would want to be in your shoes right now because they have totally lost it - their wife, family, job and relationships. Obviously you got out while you still can without the help of a Therapist. You were able to regulate your emotions and act accordingly until your goal was achieved. For me, one of the most important steps in overcoming any addiction is getting an accountability partner. They are non-judgmental  and you can always run to them whenever you experience a withdrawal symptom or feel triggered by a thought or situation that could make you to relapse.

From the ordering of problem solving regarding gambling addiction,  I think he will consider his decision to leave home only because of the impact of gambling addiction due to the influence of his friends, everyone has different ways of solving problems and I am sure they will not leave their home and family for a long time. So I agree with your opinion, family is the main home for everything and they will provide support for the therapist's recovery so he can return to a better life.

If its because of friends you have got you into gambling, taking a break  from them for awhile will also give you a rest from the addiction. You are lucky to have friends who are into gambling also which they most likely also suffer the same struggle like you to which you can hep each other to over come this. Some doesn't have friends that also struggle gambling addiction. Especially a wife or moms, they got into gambling because of a bad relationship, which in turn resulted to a money problem. Relocating seem extreme but if it works, that's good.

with some of the points above that you mentioned did it work for you ?  or is it running?  from the four points you mentioned the thread I think is good especially daring to make decisions.  but gambling disorders like addiction are not as simple as the 4 points you mentioned.  Addictive is a physiological disorder and to deal with its prevention you need special treatment and involve several partners such as parents, family, close people or you need therapeutic treatment.  Why is that ?  because after all addiction is difficult to get rid of and it's a bad habit and has the potential to reoccur.  so my advice for people who are addicted to require the involvement of the family or therapist.

The first problem was identifying that you had an addiction problem, which is really great imo! The next steps could pretty much deviate differently, it can either be to completely stop it like what OP did, or deviate and instead replace it with something else which is actually great for you such as finding a hobby. I didn't realize this till I was like 20something, doesn't even need to be a fix for gambling, just learning something in general about something you truly like to do or want to do is a really great experience.

Step 4 is a really good step to do imo, it's like stepping out of your comfort zone (though in this case, it's a toxic zone) and expanding the options or activities you can have/do.

However, this method does not necessarily work well when applied to other people. It's good that you can detect that you are addicted to gambling because many people don't realize that they are addicted because they feel they are still using the money they deserve, even though in my opinion if our minds always want to gamble, it is already a sign of addiction.
I don't agree with the third way because watching sports matches is a natural thing and it's also good for relaxation it's just that if it's a way to avoid gambling then go ahead.

To quit an addiction, it start from the mind and if your body is willing to let go with the limit you set for it otherwise, the above you highlighted over there might just  be a time waste and you wouldn't know when you start gambling again.
For example, you cut ties with gambling shops isn't enough, we have gambling casinos that you can now access via phones and laptop and do you know what, you don't need to browse through to see them, you may just be surfing through your phone and before you knew it, and adds may just pop up and redirect you to a gambling bet which may even want to offer you to a 300% bonus on first deposit, if you're not prepare with your mind that you are letting go of gambling, you will always one way or another go back to it.

Wow. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to go through with all of that. Congratulations to you for trying so hard to get rid of your gambling addiction. Although it is a bit strange that you would continue going on a gambling subforum even though it might entice you to gamble again?

Moving so just that your friends would leave you alone is a bit extreme. Could you not have just talked to them about your gambling addiction? They may have been a bit more understanding than you might think. Burning bridges like friendships is kind of a last resort measure.

I am rooting for you, buddy! Don't fall back into your old habits!!

These suggestions are only possible for gamblers who are really determine to overcome their gambling addiction and stop for good.

I think relocating to another area away to temptation is the best thing to do. Much better if the place has no internet access so you can enjoy the place and not thinking about gambling. A place like farm or near the beach can help you unwind. Its like a temporary vacation, and you'll be back to reality (working, socialize with other people) once you get over your addiction.

It is not easy to realize that we have a problem with gambling and it requires wisdom to work on it because people tend to ignore it and continue to play. Lucky you if you can control your addiction by doing many things that can regulate your mind so that you don't think about gambling. This is a difficult thing, especially for people who are already addicted to gambling, but they also definitely have a chance if they have the will to overcome the addiction. It must start with ourselves and a great determination to get out of addiction problems.

It is not very easy to stop gambling addiction just like what many persons are facing now. Gambling addicted started as a result of consistency in engaging in gambling activities so we need to be also consistent in handling it. The urge to gamble can be reduced if we take necessary precautions in ending it. For a gambler to end gambling addiction, he need the help of a psychologist, family and friends to help the victim to halt the interest of future gambling influence from neighbors or colleagues.

Yet you are still here, posting in the gambling section, surrounded by all those online gamblers, gambling banners and all that. You're telling us that you don't read match prediction threads? If you do then what's the point of distancing yourself from football?

If I was trying to stop gambling I would cut my Internet cable

Wha ever works right! Well like you said, these are the steps that resulted in your putting gambling addiction in check but this point 3,
Its on a whole new level. I mean, it's way too serious if I were to be in your shoes but yeah, it offers some discouragement as you don't get to know the current standings and forms of various teams. Of course the league table might offer some idea but still, watching some games is way better and that nails it just alright. I wouldn't do that though.

I think the most important step to fighting any addiction is your firs identifying and admittance that, this is a problem.  At that point, the next you would be about is looking for solutions if your willing to solve it and when you do, your sure to improve.

Good thing you have controlled it in your own way. It does mean that other people also have their own way to address their problems.

Thanks for sharing your tips but that would not change the fact that everyone needs to suffer big consequences in order to learn. I really don't like tips and advice from anyone thinking that would be a big help. We will be those who will create our own solution to our problem since we are not in the same boat.

Hope you continue being changed. It's fine to gamble even breaching our limit as long as we remain responsible.

such step really needs strong determination from the person himself. if he will not act after identifying his problem, then, he will suffer all the possible repercussions of his activities. if you are sincere about your lifestyle change, you only need yourself to achieve a new lifestyle. not many people can keep up with the change but you will feel rewarded if you achieve your goals.
congrats to the OP for following his desire to change!

 
I think you really made a nice decision, being addicted to gambling is not really a good, am not saying gambling is bad but being addicted is bad, whenever we are gambling, we should always gamble responsibly, we should always know when to stop gambling. It's really nice the way you stop relating with your gambling friends, if you don't stop relating with them, they will still endup being forced to gamble whenever you see them gambling.

I hope you were able to complete your university education OP, because I am familiar with someone that was unable to finish school as a result of a similar situation.

Substitution is a good way to break addiction, rather than deciding not to do anything when you decide to stop a habit, it is best to try occupy and find interest in other activities, in OP's case it was shifting interest to bitcoins, good one!

This may be difficult and discouraging to many who are considering quitting gambling, Say me for instance, and I love to gamble on my favorite sports football, The premier league will be on fire next season, plus the world cup is coming up...how can I keep to the resolution of not watching football or any sport, it will surely be difficult and will require a lot of discipline to keep to. A milder approach can be reducing the sporting activities rather than preaching halting it completely.

This solution may not be possible for many, a better approach to me will be letting your friends know why you can no longer roll with them so much, if they truly are matured individuals, they will give you your space temporarily to find yourself.

It solved my major problem as at that time which was that "addition"  ,I brought up this article because it helped me in the past come back to normal betting guy and I do think it might equally help someone who finds theirselves in this kind of situation and may be looking for a way out, Therefore after I saw improvement in me, my social life activities was back and my life is moving and betting smoothly without such addiction.

Sometimes we have to disassociate ourselves from colleagues that influence and push us to gamble. It may not take forever but if it could keep us away from gambling, we should sacrifice our friendship for a while for our own good. There are really steps that we have to take and things to sacrifice if gambling has invaded our entire life.
We might easily say that we should control ourselves but to a person who has been addicted to gambling, it's already a hard thing. They have to give up anything that keeps them from gambling.

These are very interesting and useful suggestions even if from a certain point of view they can be really "hard" (not everyone can change houses or friendships in a short time)...

I am curious to know more.
Why did you decide to change your betting habits?
Was there any event in particular?
From 1 to 100 how much do you think your betting habits have changed taking these changes?

In my opinion, these recommendations can really help if you are faced with a gaming addiction. I always say that if you decide to beat a gambling addiction you need to change your place of residence (at least for a few months) and find yourself a new hobby that will bring you pleasure. Sports and studying cryptocurrencies are really interesting activities that will benefit you.

I'm really happy for TS that he was able to overcome his gambling addiction!

From the looks of it, seems that you stopped gambling because you realized that you were already broke. I mean it is very hard to stop gambling if you are addicted to it and you have money to gamble because you won't care what other people will say because you are winning but if it is the opposite then you have no other option but to quit.

Hiding from your friends is not forever, one day you will see each other and before you knew it, you are at it again. Why, because you have the money. Have experienced that also but if you are firm on your decision to stop gambling, you need not relocate, it's your strong will that will put an end to it.

Don't quote me wrong mate revisit the title of this thread which says "how I controlled my " Gambling addiction" and not how I stopped gambling.
I went ahead and listed how I put a permanent stop to my addiction and I didn't mean permanent stop to betting in order to clear readers and writing this thread does not mean it happened recently, this was my past experiences back days when I was in the University.
There is a different between being a gambler and being a gamble addict, Hope you understand.
Thanks

Good you identify your problem on time before it destroyed you but running away from you problem isn't actually solving it. Sure it'll disappear for the main time but studies shows that when former addicts are in bad times (depression etc) they tend to return back to their old ways. What assurance do you have of not returning back to gamble if you were in a financial situation. Glad you found Bitcoin but I hope you aren't coming with the mentality of gambling with it because you might be disappointed and get pushed back.

It seems the search of finance assistance was the reason behind your gambling problem. You needed funds to push through school, now what are you doing that's giving your funds to avoid the temptations of gambling resurfacing. Investing in Bitcoin requires funds so substituting gambling with Bitcoin and avoiding your friends isn't enough as you can always encounter gamblers in different form. Even in the crypto space we have gamblers that embark in trading shitcoin etc.

Did your why become solid as time goes by? I think saying that parts that you have "penalized yourself", "stopped visiting sites", "no watching of entertainment" and "relocating" is just some of the ways that you can really get rid of something like addiction. It's still going to be hard and you need to find a solid "why".

I think this is the 3rd or 4th times to see a suggestion, tips, methods that related to gambling addiction within a week. It just varies on specific event but the steps and method is all generalized. I believe creating a mega thread for discussion like this including tips and all the subject I mention above that related to gambling addiction is more approriate.

Anyway, Relocating is the least I will do in case I encounter this gambling addiction. If you have a wife or family(if you are still single), Let other manage your finances and open up to them about your problem. You can’t gamble without money so let others handle your money and get only the money that you need formpersonal expenses.

To answer your question those steps I listed above helped me come out of such addiction and have control over myself  I now bet moderately now in the sense that I do not only rely on betting as the only source of income I now engaged with lots of things that is yielding me income unlike when I put all my attention in gambling.

I was living in same street with them and which happens that we normally meet at the gaming shop in that street to bet games.

This mean you're trying to say you're already free from gambling addiction because you're avoid any kind of gambling activities correct? Well if this is true, then why you're still discuss about gambling related as you're want to keep away from gambling. I wouldn't surprised if in the next few weeks or months, I will see your account carrying a signature about casino projects

If most of what they did was gamble and pressure each other to then it might not be much of a loss for op. Also I'd think trying to get past the addiction would be more important than those friends at least for the first couple of months/years. If gambling was a big part of their group/life then op or the group might feel rejected if they go back too soon too.


The medical help could point in this direction but I think addictions are easiest to replace with an enjoyable hobby (as long as you pick the right one - especially if there's similar aspects to the previous addiction; such as the social aspect op mentioned).

I know every gambler will definitely have the same problem but it can be controlled how from my own desires, I have also experienced it but I have never left gambling but I know my own limits and emotional control so that it doesn't plunge me into making a loss that spends everything .

I do this gradually and often discuss with friends or other relatives how to prevent but not give up gambling, it is certainly a long process.
Now that I understand and never push myself just because I want to gamble, I interpret this as my pleasure or hobby that doesn't hurt me, meaning I use the money I have prepared.
But after all there must be an intention in us that addiction is a dangerous thing.

It's just always been the mentality. You can still watch football if that's the sport that you really love but you only have to stop the urge of betting at every game. Your football stars might get sad if they knew one of their fans is not supporting them anymore or literally just watching their games.
There's nothing wrong in that.
I am glad at how much change you did just to avoid it but isn't it too much to ignore friends? You can still text them or whatever means to contact them but it doesn't mean you have to meet and gamble again. They are still your friends and they have the right to know what's happening to you so that they won't worry.

Not everyone can do that honestly, leaving their friends and relocating from the area is a big step and does need a lot of money and emotional support as well. Therefore I do think what you did was admirable and at the same time it is specific to your situation, therefore people have to understand that all situations are pretty much individual so what worked for you couldn't have worked for someone else since they might not have the required investment. Thus I do think that one can always :
1. Get medical Help
2. Contact the Gambling help section in their country, you can even talk online to the experts
3. Make sure you do not use the website by collectively banning them from your phone/account.

First of all congratulations on beating your gambling addiction. We have several addiction problems in our family, I know that any form of addiction is hard to overcome. My cousin is struggling with drug addiction and lives for more than two years on a farm now because he cat be alone. My uncle is addicted to cigarettes and tried probably 15 times to stop already. It's very hard to overcome an addiction on your. Reading through the things that helped you to get better I especially feel the last part. You write that "friends" give you pressure to gamble more, that really hurts because I had similar experiences in the past. It might be hard to realise but they are not real friends. If friends try to convince you to do things that are bad for you, they are no real friends and we need to avoid them. I had people like that around me in high-school who wanted to go out drinking every night. It took me a long time to realise they are no friends who actually help me.

I'm glad that you did it, you are not yet fallen into a compulsive gambler, and don't need a physician to cure yourself of addiction, every one of us has ways to solve your addiction, and you're lucky to find yourself your own ways to control your addiction keep doing that and you will not fall into a compulsive gambler, remember an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

Good action taken because from that you can really get out slowly on gambling and also maybe if you have excess money on hand or you are using your debit or credit card better cut it because sometimes if you have money you will get urge to gamble especially when you hear some news about it especially if you accidentally see a big event on mainstream media. But since you already do a big move to take care on your addiction for sure you became a freeman in next couple of months.

Good move there.  I believe you have the iron will to fix your gambling addiction.  It is good that you identified the problem sooner and are able to admit and undergo self-treatment. 

Lol, it looks like you and your friends are very close.  Sadly they influenced you in the wrong way.   Friends like that should be avoided and it's a great thing that you decided to move out because I believe there will be an issue if you just ignore them and did not move away.

Identifying that you have a problem in the first place is a great initial step. I think you should discuss in more detail how you have become now and not just saying that you stopped and that’s it. Addiction is very hard to stop and that’s a challenge for everyone. It’s not an easy task to do so maybe you can share a more specific detail to what are the things that you have experienced that made it hard. Maybe then people can realize WHY it’s important to stop.

‌They said when you identify a problem then the solution is possible. Addition is a Big problem to Most gamblers out there and one very big challenge with gamblers is that they don't even get to notice they're already addicted to gambling even when they're told , I was a victim even to the extent I used most of my University school fees to gamble back days until when I realized myself and put a permanent stop to my addiction and now Play moderately.
 I have a lot of friends too currently involved into same addiction whom I have made necessary efforts to getting them out only few were able to buy the idea. So I'm talking from the point of experience. However, After lots of advice from my friends who saw where I was headed to coupled with the last bet that almost got me drop out of school then, had me took that bold decision.


                          HOW I DID GET TO SOLVING THAT PROBLEM

1•
I penalized myself by having myself deassociated from all kind of gambling friends and taking up a new friends who was into Bitcoin and have that time transferred to things related to crypto currency activities and it was actually part of what lead me into my discovery of Bitcoin and today here I am.


2•
I stopped visiting betting shops in my locality and online betting sites too.


3•
I stopped myself from watching football and anything related to footballing activities for months and I used those time to engage in
 other valuable things like going to the gym and reading more books during the time when there are important football matches going on.

 
4•
Relocating from my house to another area where my friends could not find me easily because there was this pressure from them why I
     suddenly started to ingnoring them so I had to relocate.