[SOS, I am addicted to gambling - what to do?]

I'd have the following advice:

 

1. Tell someone you are struggling with gambling, a support organisation or a friend 

2. Use self-exclusion, (a) self-exclude from land casinos (in UK, it's nationwide from places where you need membership card ( block from individual online casinos (it will also work for any casino in their corporate group, © find blocking software for online casinos.

3. Distract yourself: if you're tempted to gamble right now, call a friend, call a gambling helpline, or go for a walk. If you're worried about avoiding in the future, look at your social support network - join meet up groups, sport teams, individual exercise, volunteer; give yourself thinking space.

4. Keep going: if you're addicted, get through an evening; if you're recovering get through the next day, week, etc

5. It's hard work, I'm still struggling, but keep going and there's one benefit I can guarantee if you can stop: you'll get back you're sense of individual agency and control.