Changing thoughts and beliefs

Changing your thoughts and beliefs can be a very effective self-help strategy.

These may include:

Accepting that gambling needs to change
Thinking about how money could be better spent
Reminding yourself of the negative effects of gambling
Reminding yourself of the positive effects of not gambling
Making a resolution to change your gambling
Comparing costs and benefits of continuing to gamble
Reminding yourself that sometimes people win… but the system is designed for you to lose money
Focussing on not gambling, one day at a time
Concentrating on being strong or using will power
Making a daily affirmation such as 'staying positive' or 'letting go'.

Source:

Lubman, Rodda, Hing, Cheetham, Cartmill, Nuske, Hodgins & Cunningham (2015). Gambler Self-Help Strategies: A Comprehensive Assessment of Self-Help Strategies and Actions. Gambling Research Australia. Melbourne.