Our experts would like to offer some advice to those who don't know how to stop their pokies addiction and improve their mental and financial health. This guide covers the common signs of an obsessive punter, what triggers this behavior, and how they can deal with it personally or via outside help.
Punters who are at risk of developing a severe pokie dependence demonstrate all or some of these characteristics:
Someone who tried to stop gambling on pokies and failed has a higher chance of displaying all of the above-mentioned indicators.
Like any addiction, compulsive slot spinning has several causes. Combinations of these triggers can make it extremely hard for players to stop gambling pokies excessively and worsen their condition.
| Emotional | Pokies often become a coping mechanism that boosts dopamine and makes it easier for punters to deal with depression, stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. |
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| Environmental | The design of online slots often has players spend more time on them, and the machines' 24/7 availability makes it even easier to gamble at any time of the day. |
| Financial | Many punters can’t resist winning one more cent or getting another bonus or reward, which can make them stay longer at online slots. |
| Psychological | Obsessive players often keep spinning after near-wins, chase their losses, or think they’re about to win. |
There are several effective strategies addicted punters can use to quit pokies for good. They’ll help players deal with the root cause of their behavior.
To dull their craving for more slot spins, such individuals should avoid all types of risky behavior. There are several things punters can do to achieve the best results:
Step 1
Use browser extensions to block and stay away from online pokies.
Step 2
Delete any pokie apps from their phones.
Step 3
Delegate control of their finances to family members.
Step 4
Cut contact with those who still play slot machines.
Step 5
Carry around small amounts of cash.
Like dealing with addiction, learning how to stop gambling on pokies requires resisting the urge to play. Here are several tips former punters can use to improve their chances of recovery:
Those who decide to quit playing pokies find themselves with a lot of free time on their hands. We would recommend they check out the following alternatives to their former pastime:
| Art therapy | Making music, painting pictures, or crocheting helps recovering addicts get their minds off the urges and improve their mental health. |
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| Exercise | Individuals who struggle with how to stop pokies addiction can benefit from daily walks, riding a bike, or lifting weights. |
| Mindfulness | Former punters can check out deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga to reduce stress and deal with negative thought patterns. |
| Volunteering | Signing up as a volunteer at an animal shelter or hospital often makes compulsive gamblers less anxious and depressed. |
People who struggle to quit playing slots can’t deal with this problem alone. Sometimes, they require help from family members, social support groups, and professionals, which is what this section of our guide is all about.
Close relatives are usually the ones who spot problems in a punter’s behavior. They shouldn’t hesitate to offer their help to someone struggling with addictive slot spinning. Family members often assist overzealous punters in discussing their feelings and avoiding gambling triggers. They can even volunteer to hold recovering addicts accountable and keep them focused.
When a gambler still can’t control their urges, they can turn for help from a national support group called Gamblers Anonymous, which has the same 12-step program as Alcoholics Anonymous. This organization doesn’t charge members for participating in its meetings held all over Australia and helps the country's population of over 300,000 gamblers.
Sometimes, family members and support groups aren’t enough to keep former punters from regressing into their destructive behavior. In these cases, former slot spinners should ask for professionals and counter-gambling experts, which can be found at several governmental services, including:
These organizations help individuals stop gambling on pokies and get immediate support.
Punters who wish to leave slots behind and regain control of their lives should contact these organizations immediately, as there’s no time like the present.
They spend too much time and money on slots and react defensively or violently if someone tells them they have a problem.
Many people find it easier to quit slots for good altogether, but it all depends on the individual.