How to Stop Compulsive Gambling - Also Known as Pathological Gambling and Gambling Problems

It is estimated that as many as 5% of the adult population is at risk of developing gambling problems such as compulsive gambling. Many people find relief from this progressive illness by attending and taking part in meetings and a twelve step program such as the one offered by Gamblers Anonymous. Most therapists agree that using several forms of therapy to combat the problem of compulsive gambling offers the best chances of success.

Other than a support group such as GA, private therapy is also useful. Another method that shows great promise and offers the compulsive gambler some comfort and relief from the torment of the urge to gamble is guided meditation for relaxation. It is an easy way to program his or her own brain with a positive message that replaces the urge.

Meditation has been shown to relieve stress, as well as improving self esteem, and mental functions such as concentration. Meditation, like hypnosis, and certain applications of bio-feedback, as adjunctive therapy, has helped many people with addictions to relax and feel good while lessening the compulsive urges to satisfy their addictive behavior.

People report feeling better after meditation and feeling more relaxed throughout the day. Some report sleeping better and being able to concentrate and think more clearly. Meditation is easy to do, there is no way to fail at it, so people quickly get the benefits from it and often report feeling better after their first half hour. The effects also seem to be cumulative getting better and better the more the client meditates.

Some people join groups to meditate while others learn by doing it privately in their own homes using cds or MP3 files such as the ones that can be downloaded from the internet or even listened to online at... guided meditations for gambling problems.

The biggest benefits seem to be that they may be taken almost anywhere and used by listening to an MP3 player and headphones. That person wearing headphones and riding beside you on a bus or plane may be listening to a relaxing guided meditation and easily programming his or her mind to calm the urge to gamble or do some other destructive behavior.

The key to successfully using these relaxing guided meditations is repetition and a positive attitude. Because they are so simple to use many people are now using them on a daily basis.

Wil Langford, R. Hy., is a 54 yr. old. Clinical Hypnotherapist, Integrated Energy Therapist, and teacher. He is the author of, "Your Loved Ones, Your Self; finding and Raising the Family Within."

With hundreds of hours of clinical work, Wil is an expert on finding the keys to change unwanted behavior. His guided meditations for relaxation and habit control have helped many people to find happiness and change their lives for the better.

He is an expert on human consciousness and the author of Parts Consciousness Therapy. Will offers his guided meditations for gambling problems online and they may be listened to or downloaded at gambling problems relief. He may also be contacted by email there to answer questions free of charge.