| • | Figure out which people and places may place you at risk to gambling problematically. Have a plan on how to deal with these situations ahead of time e.g. avoid driving past the casino, pass on making purchases at variety stores if tickets are a problem. You may have to tell certain gamblers that you are taking a break.
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| • | Find a way to manage stress and negative emotions. Exercise is highly recommended for persons with gambling problems to prevent relapse.
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| • | If you are feeling very anxious or depressed see your physician. Be honest because gambling is often a health-related problem.
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| • | Get financial advice if you are very worried about debts and bills.
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| • | Ask a trusted friend or family member to manage your money for a while. Unfortunately access to cash and credit or bankcards can be a trigger to gamble.
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| • | Make others in your life aware of what you are working on and ask for their support. Ask to share your feelings when you need to.
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| • | Have a plan for every day, which will keep you occupied so that there is not too much down time, which may lead to gambling.
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| • | If you have any money find ways to treat yourself as a reward for the changes you are making e.g. an ice cream cone, a new CD, coffee with a friend.
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| • | If casino gambling is a problem you might consider self-exclusion which is a voluntary signing out for a period of 6 months.
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| • | Have support from a problem gambling counsellor.
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| • | Join a support group for people who share your recovery goals and understand the challenges you face.
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