Im a Teen with gambling problems how do i quit
There is something about your life that is making you seek an escape in a behavior you know to be self-destructive. You must identify the aspects of your life that you are dissatisfied with or attempting to escape from and resolve them.
You mention that your life at home with your parents "sucks." Perhaps this is the problem you should be focusing on.
If your root causes are not addressed you will simply move on to a different self-destructive behavior in order to escape.
You need to associate feeling bad with gambing instead of feeling good. When you gamble away, how do you feel if you are on the losing end that night? I would imagine not very good. Before you have the urge, just ask yourself, "Is it really worth most likely throwing away my money and feeling awful?Never think of the fantasy of possibly being that one lucky person that has a winfall. Think about reality, the most likely thing that will happen, a losing night. Another words, every time you have the urge, think of all of the things you can buy with the money you are most likely going to lose. Do you have any other hobbys? Sometimes you can channel your money and time into these things instead of gambling. This way, you actually get something for your money and really get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Spend more time with friends as well. Its really prioritizing how you spend your time more than anything. Sometimes people think of gambling as a release but there are so many other healthy ways to deal with stress.
Obviously the fun has stopped for you, but help is available from least expected sources; the Nevada Gaming Industry. You might want to visit www.IGT.com, a site sponsored by the flagship of gaming machine (slots) manufacturers which recognizes there are people attracted to games of chance who don't know when or where to stop playing before they've taken out a second or third mortgage on their homes or left their Harley or Beemer on a pawn shop parking lot. Bypass the announcements of new games and click on IGT's "Responsibility In Gaming" tab for some understanding references to help. Also, our Nevada casinos such as Harrah's offer online and telephone contacts such as 1-800-SOS-HELP, as while gambling for honors or money is an historical lure almost as strong as the basic sex urge, gaming industry leaders have come to admit some gamblers lack the usual on/off switch and are willing to assist (because they don't want lawsuits and other adverse publicity) troubled patrons.
Have seen some contributors mention GA or Gamblers Anonymous which is patterned after the 12-Step AA or Alcoholics Anonymous programs and if you stick with it, GA does work and is a very healthy approach to your problem solving ability. Search Casinos-Reno, Las Vegas or Atlantic City for specific help in your locale if you are a US resident.
May I suggest you replace your belief in random luck by eMailing me with a request for the truth about your chances at hitting it big on slots or table games?