15 Life-Changing Activities Beyond Gambling: Transform Your Routine in 30-60 Days
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

15 Life-Changing Activities Beyond Gambling: Transform Your Routine in 30-60 Days

Discover life beyond gambling with this transformative blog! Break free from boredom-driven gambling habits by exploring a myriad of fulfilling activities. Research indicates that habit changes can take 30 to 60 days - a perfect window to incorporate new routines and witness life-altering shifts.This blog serves as a rallying cry to reclaim our lives from fruitless pursuits that drain our resources and bring unnecessary misery. It's time to prioritize living fully rather than fixating on uncertain odds or digital games. Take charge of your life today and embark on a journey toward a more fulfilling existence. Remember, life improves one step at a time.

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Book Reviews
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Book Reviews

Winter time is here which means we’re staying indoors more often now. Learn about three different books that cover freedom from our gambling addiction, a different perspective on the 12 step programs in general and dopamine, the neurotransmitter that plays a role in the reward centers of the brain. There are plenty other books out there that cover addictions whether it’s gambling or others, leave recommendations in the comments below. More book reviews to come later this winter/spring.

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Breaking Free from Discontentment: Overcoming Gambling Addiction
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Breaking Free from Discontentment: Overcoming Gambling Addiction

Explore the intertwining complexities of discontentment and gambling addiction in this insightful guide. Uncover the roots of discontentment and its influence on addictive behaviors, delving into the allure of gambling as an escape. Discover practical strategies, from seeking therapy to embracing gratitude practices and volunteering, as powerful tools in overcoming discontentment. Learn how meditation and a positive mindset can reshape perspectives, aiding in the journey toward recovery and a fulfilling, bet-free life. Join the discourse on breaking the cycle of discontentment and gambling addiction, fostering a resilient path to reclaiming a balanced and rewarding existence.

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Decoding the Neurological Labyrinth of Gambling Addiction: Unveiling the Brain's Struggle and Pathways to Recovery
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Decoding the Neurological Labyrinth of Gambling Addiction: Unveiling the Brain's Struggle and Pathways to Recovery

Delve into the intricate world of gambling addiction, exploring how the human brain succumbs to its grip. Discover the dopamine-fueled rush, cognitive distortions, and the gripping allure of escape that perpetuate this cycle. Uncover the challenges within the addicted gambler's mind, from the gambler's fallacy to cognitive dissonance, and learn how these complexities shape the relentless pursuit of the next win. Explore the neurological changes that heighten this addiction and the vital strategies—therapy, support, and rewiring techniques—essential for reclaiming control. Understand the battle within the brain and embrace the path towards recovery with compassion, support, and newfound hope.

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Creating Your Urge Jar: 30 Personal Distractions to Combat Addictions
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Creating Your Urge Jar: 30 Personal Distractions to Combat Addictions

Discover how to craft your personalized 'urge jar' – a powerful tool to combat addictive impulses like gambling or drinking. Learn the step-by-step process to assemble this jar of distractions, from identifying triggers to filling it with 25-30 activities tailored to your interests. Explore diverse ideas like bird watching, learning new skills, or even coding on YouTube. Embrace individuality in recovery, and join in by sharing your favorite activities or suggesting new ones in the comments to build a community of support and inspiration.

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How to Battle Urges and Overcome Gambling Addiction
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

How to Battle Urges and Overcome Gambling Addiction

In this blog article, we discuss the importance of recognizing and understanding the triggers that set off the urge to gamble. We provide tips on how to build a support team around you, distract yourself, and limit access to gambling temptations. We also emphasize the importance of seeking professional help and learning from past experiences to overcome gambling addiction. Whether you’re struggling with stress, boredom, or an adrenaline rush, this article will help you battle urges and take control of your life.

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Acceptance is Key
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Acceptance is Key

The blog discusses the importance of accepting losses and moving on from gambling addiction. It highlights the benefits of changing habits and replacing gambling with healthier alternatives to build healthy coping mechanisms. We also dive into the financial repercussions of gambling and provides tips on how to recover from gambling losses. It emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of the losses and learning from past experiences to foster personal growth and a better understanding

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Supporting a Loved One Through Gambling Addiction: Signs, and Tips for Recovery"
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Supporting a Loved One Through Gambling Addiction: Signs, and Tips for Recovery"

Discover the impacts of gambling addiction on relationships in our latest blog. Uncover the hidden signs that a loved one might be struggling, from dishonesty to financial changes. Learn effective strategies to support your partner or friend through this challenging journey, including fostering open communication, seeking professional guidance, and setting healthy boundaries. Explore ways to rebuild trust, manage finances, and encourage positive outlets for recovery. Remember, this path requires patience, empathy, and self-care. You're not alone—find strength in shared experiences and celebrate every step towards progress. Together, let's navigate this journey of love, resilience, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

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The Optimistic Journey: Navigating Gambling Addiction
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

The Optimistic Journey: Navigating Gambling Addiction

Discover the intricate relationship between gambling addiction and optimism in our latest blog. Explore how the allure of winning and the thrill of gambling can lead individuals into a cycle of dependency, backed by studies on brain chemistry. Uncover the cognitive distortions that often accompany optimism in the context of gambling addiction and learn about effective treatment and recovery options. Find the balance between hope and risk on the path to recovery in this insightful article.

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Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Confronting Gambling Addiction
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Confronting Gambling Addiction

Explore the paradox of interconnectedness and isolation in the world of gambling addiction. Uncover the hidden struggles of compulsive gamblers, often exacerbated by societal stigma and fear of judgment. Dive into the self-perpetuating nature of this "hidden addiction" and discover how it intensifies feelings of loneliness. Learn about practical steps to break the chains of isolation, from destigmatizing gambling addiction to encouraging open conversations. Discover the power of connection and community support in overcoming the grip of gambling addiction. Life gets better—one day at a time.

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Navigating the Path to Recovery: Understanding and Overcoming Gambling Addiction Relapses
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Navigating the Path to Recovery: Understanding and Overcoming Gambling Addiction Relapses

Embark on the courageous journey to overcome gambling addiction with resilience and commitment. Recognize that relapses are part of the process, not failures. Discover why they happen, from triggers to lack of support, and turn them into learning opportunities. Learn how to get back on track through self-reflection, reinforcing your support system, and adjusting coping strategies. Celebrate small victories and understand that recovery is a courageous, ongoing effort. Embrace challenges, celebrate victories, and move forward one day at a time toward an addiction-free life. Seek professional help, practice self-compassion, and remember, relapses are transformative when approached with dedication to learning and self-discovery.

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Opening up about Gambling Addiction: The Importance of Honesty in Relationships
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Opening up about Gambling Addiction: The Importance of Honesty in Relationships

Discover the impact of honesty in relationships when facing the challenging topic of gambling addiction. In this heartfelt reflection on a failed relationship due to undisclosed gambling struggles, gain insights into the importance of transparency, building trust, and seeking support. Learn valuable tips on how to initiate this difficult conversation with your significant other, offering guidance on what to do and what to avoid. Join the journey of rebuilding and find hope for a healthier, happier future. Don't let the shadows of addiction define your relationships—embrace honesty and change one day at a time.

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Understanding the Role of Therapy in Overcoming Gambling Addiction: A Path to Recovery
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Understanding the Role of Therapy in Overcoming Gambling Addiction: A Path to Recovery

Explore the intricate world of gambling addiction and discover the transformative power of therapy in the recovery journey. Delve into the behavioral roots of compulsive gambling, and learn how therapy identifies underlying issues, modifies destructive behaviors, and provides essential support. Uncover the diverse types of therapy—individual, group, family, and online—that contribute to a brighter, addiction-free future. If you or someone you know is battling gambling addiction, take the first step towards healing with the guidance of therapists and professionals. Remember, recovery is possible, and with therapy, there is hope for a better, addiction-free tomorrow

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Changing Habits: A Key to Overcoming Gambling Addiction
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Changing Habits: A Key to Overcoming Gambling Addiction

Overcoming addiction requires a transformation of habits, and for those struggling with gambling addiction, this shift can be a powerful step towards recovery. In this blog, we explore the journey of changing daily routines, incorporating healthier choices, and the positive impact it can have on battling addiction. Discover how physical exercise, meditation, and practicing gratitude can play pivotal roles in regaining control of your life and finding happiness beyond the urge to gamble. Join us on this transformative journey towards a brighter, addiction-free future.

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Self exclusion FTW
Gene Carangal Gene Carangal

Self exclusion FTW

Discover the power of self-exclusion in managing gambling addiction. Learn about the legal aspects and varying durations of self-exclusion across different states, with insights into the lifetime ban in Illinois and the process of lifting it after 5 years. Explore the consequences of reversing self-exclusion and the importance of this critical step in curbing compulsive gambling habits. Uncover the nuances of self-exclusion apps and their effectiveness in blocking access to gambling sites. Delve into the legal implications of trespassing if found at a self-excluded casino. Gain insights into international efforts, such as Australia's BetStop, a nationwide self-exclusion application.

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Recovery from Gambling Addiction: Practical Steps for a Better Tomorrow
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Recovery from Gambling Addiction: Practical Steps for a Better Tomorrow

Are you struggling with gambling addiction? Join me, a fellow compulsive gambler, on a journey to recovery. In this blog, I share personal experiences and valuable insights gained from engaging with the gambling addiction community on Reddit. Discover practical steps to break free from the cycle, starting with the crucial first step of acknowledging the issue. Learn about the power of self-exclusion and the challenges it presents. Explore the world of support groups like Gamblers Anonymous and SMART recovery, each offering a unique approach to overcoming addiction. While I delve into my own experiences with these groups, I emphasize that what works for one may not work for all. Discover the importance of seeking therapy and explore specialized treatment centers across the country.

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Honesty is the Best Policy
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Honesty is the Best Policy

Embark on the transformative journey of recovery by embracing the power of honesty. Acknowledge the hidden struggles of gambling addiction and learn how honesty can be the cornerstone of rebuilding relationships and trust. Discover the importance of being truthful with yourself and loved ones, breaking free from the secrecy that shrouds this often silent battle. Explore practical steps to openness, from sharing your struggles with trusted individuals to fostering genuine connections on the road to recovery. Take the first step towards a brighter future—one day at a time. Life after gambling addiction can indeed get better, and it begins with the liberating force of honesty. Start your journey now

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Four stages of a gambling addiction
Geoffrey Carney Geoffrey Carney

Four stages of a gambling addiction

Explore the gripping journey through the four common phases of gambling addiction: the euphoric Winning Phase, the tumultuous Losing Phase, the desperate Desperation Phase, and the dark abyss of the Hopelessness Phase. Join us in understanding the psychological traps that lead to compulsive gambling and the toll it takes on mental health. Trigger Warning: Discussion of suicide. Learn about the alarming rates of suicidality among problem gamblers and discover resources for support and recovery. There is hope at the end of the tunnel, and help is just a call away. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. Remember, it gets better—one day at a time.

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