The first three stages deal with behavioral change You haven't decided to make a change to stop gambling addiction, you are considering making a change and in the third stage you are planning to take action soon.

 

Stage 1: Precontemplation

 1. You haven’t decided to make a change to stop your gambling addiction.

2. You aren’t quite convinced the benefits outweigh the trouble of getting started on your road to stop gambling.

Strategy: THINK

·        This isn’t the time to take action

·         Gather Information

·         Educate yourself on how the change will benefit you.

·        List reasons for change

·        Weigh the benefits against the consequences of not changing

 When you believe that the pluses outnumber the minuses –

You will be ready to move forward.

Stage 2: Contemplation

1.  You are seriously considering change, but you are not ready to start yet with your hope to stop gambling.

(This is the stage of inertia; some people spend years stuck here.)

If you keep sliding back to the contemplation stage, it’s probably because you flung yourself straight into action too soon.

Strategy: Figure out what is blocking you.

·        Take an honest look: What’s really preventing you from getting started?

·        Get committed. Promise yourself you will overcome those obstacles.

 Stage 3: Preparation

1.      You have made a commitment and your planning to take action soon. You are contemplating  a stop gambling treatment program.

      (Probably within the next month.)

Strategy: Make a plan

Think through all the details:

1.      How will I begin?

2.       What am I willing to do?

3.      What do I need to begin?

·        Draw up a contract with yourself.

·        Set three goals:

1.       For the next month,

2.      For six months,

3.      For a one year

Reward yourself for each goal accomplished.

Set an initial goal your sure to attain: early success will propel you onward.

·        Develop a detailed contingency plan:

1.      Where will I go if I am feeling __________?

2.      How will I continue if I am feeling__________ about (people, places, or events)?

3.      What will I do on days that I am tired, angry and less focused?

·        Make a public commitment. Ask for support from your friends and family and have them follow up on your progress

Please feel free to email Keith if you have any other questions at info@istoppedgambling.com.

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