How to Stop Gambling: Reddit Success Stories & Recovery Tips

By Michael Harrison

April 9, 2025 at 09:08 AM

As someone who successfully overcame a gambling addiction with help from Reddit communities, I'll share the most effective strategies I've learned from both personal experience and fellow Redditors.

Reddit offers several supportive communities for people struggling with gambling addiction. The most notable ones are r/problemgambling and r/GamblingAddiction, where thousands of recovering addicts share their stories and strategies.

Here are the most effective methods Reddit users consistently recommend for stopping gambling:

1. Self-exclude from all gambling platforms
    - Install gambling blocking software like Gamban
    - Set up self-exclusion on all betting sites
    - Remove gambling apps from your devices
    - Block gambling-related websites

2. Hand over financial control
    - Give account access to a trusted family member
    - Set up daily spending limits
    - Remove credit cards from your possession
    - Install spending tracking apps

3. Join Reddit support communities
    - Post your story in r/problemgambling
    - Set up a badge tracking your gambling-free days
    - Participate in daily check-ins
    - Help others by sharing your experience

4. Seek professional help
    - Contact Gamblers Anonymous
    - Find a therapist specializing in addiction
    - Use crisis hotlines when urges hit
    - Join local support groups

Many Redditors emphasize replacing gambling with healthy activities:

  • Exercise and sports
  • Reading and learning new skills
  • Spending time with family
  • Pursuing forgotten hobbies

A crucial tip from successful recovery stories is to be completely honest with yourself and others about your addiction. Many Reddit users report that "coming clean" to family members was their first step toward recovery.

Common triggers to avoid (based on Reddit experiences):

  • Sports betting advertisements
  • Online casino streaming
  • Gambling-related social media content
  • Friends who gamble regularly

Remember that recovery isn't linear. Many Reddit users share stories of relapses but emphasize that each attempt at quitting teaches valuable lessons. The key is to keep trying and stay engaged with the support community.

Take advantage of Reddit's anonymous nature to share your struggles openly. Many users report that helping others in the community strengthens their own recovery journey.

If you're struggling with gambling urges, immediate actions recommended by Redditors include:

  • Calling a gambling addiction hotline
  • Posting in r/problemgambling for urgent support
  • Taking a walk or exercise
  • Calling a trusted friend or family member

Remember, thousands of Reddit users have successfully overcome gambling addiction. Their stories and support are available 24/7, and you're never alone in this journey.

The most important step is to take action now. Don't wait for rock bottom – many successful recovery stories start with a simple Reddit post asking for help.

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