Build Your Own Barriers to Money

With problem gambling, money is the drug that fuels the addiction. When gambling becomes a problem, setting and sticking to limits on time and money spent is one of the first things to go out the door. This happens when someone has crossed the line into, at best, problem gambling, or worse, disordered gambling. If you’re in recovery from problem gambling or are starting to get worried about your gambling, making the effort to build barriers to getting your money can save you from financial and emotional distress. This may seem simple on the surface, but the addicted brain will subconsciously fight against putting any limits in place, because if you do, the addicted brain cannot survive.

It is so important in the beginning of recovery or even before you choose recovery, to remove as many temptations to gamble as possible. Money is a trigger for gamblers. Remembering a big win is a trigger to a problem gambler. Here are a few tips to consider personally to see if they might be helpful for you to stop gambling.

A great eye opener is to take a look at what access to money you carry with you every day. Take a look at your wallet. How much cash do you carry in a day? How many credit cards do you have in your wallet? What is the most money you can get with all those cards and cash? How about how much money is accessible in banking accounts that you can access on your phone? Add that all up, and it can get into the thousands.

Now you may rationalize carrying three different credit cards in your wallet for emergencies. What emergencies? A flat tire? How much would that cost? Once someone has crossed the invisible line into disordered gambling, there is no hope for control when it is so easy to get access to money. On this subject, take a minute and really think about how much cash or credit you really need on a daily basis. Do you need money for lunch, coffee, a bottle of water, or gas for the car? Would that be paid for with cash or a credit card? How much would the lowest amount be for one day? If you’re ready to fight this gambling disorder, then take only that amount – or less.

1. Remove as much access to money as you can. This can be difficult for two reasons: one is that you may not have such options open to you, and the other is that the addicted brain does not want to let go of control yet. Asking someone to help you control your access to money may seem childish, but this is one of the biggest decisions you can make if you want to stop gambling. It is nearly impossible to stop gambling if you have cash. This is the “deal breaker” for most gamblers trying to remain abstinent. It is also nearly impossible to fight an urge or craving to gamble if you have money in your pocket.

Any sort of block you can throw up to make it more difficult to gamble will help, or at least slow you down until the craving or urge has passed. The urges will happen less frequently and in a shorter intensity, the longer you are away from gambling.

• Dispose of ATM cards. This is the easiest way to get cash, especially at a casino. If you honestly need to carry it, go to your bank and ask to have a lower daily pull rate. Limit yourself to the absolute least you may need in a day, keeping in mind other ways you may be able to pay besides cash. Keep in mind that these days, businesses that only accept cash are rare!

• Limit yourself to one credit card. Limit yourself to one card for emergencies and ask the company to put a low limit on it, like $500. Some gamblers have frozen their cards in a glass of water in the freezer, so that by the time the card thaws out, then maybe the urge has passed.

• Direct deposit your paychecks. Most places of employment will do this for you. If you have reached the point that you can no longer have a banking account, then it is time to ask for help. Have someone trusted go with you to get the check and cash it. Ask them to hold the money for you, but you have to promise you will not get aggressive with them for money in the middle of an urge. If you can get an account, ask someone to be a second signature on the withdrawal, so it takes both of you to get money out.

• Have someone you trust help manage your money with you. Accountability is a big help when fighting an addiction. You can call or text 888-ADMIT-IT to get connected to financial resources for emergency situations as well as tools to help manage debt and rebuilding your finances for the long haul, including the FCCG’s free Financial Debt & Budgeting Toolkit. You must fill out a budget. so both of you will know exactly where the money is going and be able to show receipts. Have someone go with you when you go shopping, to make sure you don’t get cash back.

• Stay away from any quick loan or check cashing businesses. What seems like a quick fix is in reality a ball and chain with a very high interest rate. Keep in mind that they are not in business to give you a helping hand, but to make money off your need for money. It can lead to a vicious cycle.

• Think about making large amounts of money inaccessible. If you’ve got significant savings, consider sheltering it from the addiction by investing in a long-term CD or retirement account and reducing liquidity.

• Keep a record of your expenditures. This is so you have a handle of how much money you are spending and how much is gambled away. The FCCG’s free Financial Debt & Budgeting Toolkit can help you lay it all out!

If you really want to stop gambling, ask your family and friends for help. Ask them to remain firm on not lending you any money in the future, no matter how desperate your request may be. Be honest with them and yourself.  This takes strength but is the only way you will be able to stop! Remember part of this disease is pathological lying to others and to yourself, so it’s important to put up the guardrails while you’re in the right state of mind. Many disordered gamblers have attested to “blacking out” and can’t even remember how they got the money, how they drove to the casino, or how they got in front of the slot machine. That is how powerful this addiction is, so know there is no shame in seeking help!

The 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine is with You, Every Step of the Way

No matter where you are on the recovery journey or even if you haven’t started yet, the 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine is available 24/7/365 with resources that address financial matters, mental health problems, relationship difficulties, Self-Exclusion Programs to help you put up limits, legal issues, and so much more. Call or text today and speak to a compassionate HelpLine Specialist who will work to understand your situation and connect you with the best resources available in Florida.