Habit-tracking and habit-building apps have proven to be effective allies for many people looking to regain control of their lives and make positive lifestyle changes — including problem gamblers. With features designed to track progress, encourage positive habits, and manage stress, these apps offer practical support for quitting gambling, although they aren’t designed to serve as professional treatment methods. Here, we’ll explore how habit apps help problem gamblers and discuss some of the best available tools for building a healthier routine!
Understanding Habit Apps and Their Role in Gambling Recovery
Developing healthier habits can be a powerful way to prevent relapse and regain control, whether an individual is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, problem gambling habits, or other issues. Habit apps come in many forms, from daily trackers to mindfulness apps and daily goal-setting tools. While no single app or website can force you to stop gambling altogether, these apps work by encouraging users to monitor their progress, build routines, and adopt healthy coping mechanisms that aid in managing gambling cravings.
Tracking progress is essential for self-help as it provides tangible proof of growth and positive change. Apps designed to break down goals into manageable daily steps can also be valuable for addressing high-risk situations and recognizing signs and symptoms of excessive gambling. Through tracking daily victories, these apps help individuals make true lifestyle changes. Downloading a habit app can also help you talk more about your recovery with supportive friends, family members, support groups, or mental health professionals.
Key Features of Habit Apps for Managing Gambling Habits
Tracking Time Spent
One critical aspect of habit apps is their ability to monitor time spent on activities, especially those related to gambling online. Many individuals struggling with a gambling habit benefit from having a tool that lets them track where they spend their time. Time-tracking features in habit apps make users aware of unhealthy behaviors, like frequenting online gambling or card trading sites. From there, it can be easier to notice the signs and symptoms of a gambling problem.
Positive Reinforcement
A person’s mental health can be deeply affected by problem gambling behavior, especially when financial problems, family member conflicts, and low self-esteem become part of the picture (see also: our piece on ADHD and gambling). Habit-building apps often offer positive reinforcement, encouraging users to stick to healthy routines and prioritize self-care. For instance, an individual might set their goals as “pay bills on time” or “go 1 week without online gambling.” Through achievements and rewards, apps can boost self-esteem, which is an essential element in both mental health treatment and problem gambling recovery.
Routine and Stability
Habit apps are also great for creating structure, which is especially helpful for those dealing with limited social support or living through high-risk situations that might lead them to start gambling again. Setting reminders, establishing routines, and tracking activities provides structure and stability, reducing the chances of experiencing gambling cravings. As users stick to their routines, they can slowly replace unhealthy gambling habits with healthy behaviors.
Mental Health Management
Some people develop a gambling problem in response to depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. Habit apps with built-in stress management techniques, like deep breathing exercises or reminders to engage in physical activity, can be incredibly supportive. These strategies help problem gamblers manage emotional triggers and prevent relapse. Some habit apps also include information on mental health disorders (although it’s essential to make sure any information you’re reading on mental disorders is provided by a credible mental health professional).
Habit Apps Worth Trying
If you’re looking for specific habit apps that may aid in problem gambling recovery, consider the following options. These tools can help support mental health, provide a safe place to deal with the urge to gamble, and offer a path to regaining control.
The Fabulous
The Fabulous is an award-winning app designed to help users build positive habits by setting small, achievable goals. This app offers routines and exercises to improve mental health, which can be beneficial for anyone — whether you’re currently experiencing gambling urges or you’re tracking your progress resolving financial issues. From encouraging physical activity to providing reminders for self-care, The Fabulous supports overall well-being, making it an excellent tool for those looking to stop gambling and establish a healthier lifestyle.
Habitica
Whether you’ve only recently decided to stop gambling or you’re just looking for new strategies to manage unpleasant feelings during high-risk situations, building good habits is essential. Habitica combines habit tracking with an engaging, game-like interface that makes building habits fun. It allows users to set personal goals and track their progress, then offers rewards and incentives for reaching milestones. The game-like qualities can be especially exciting for individuals with a gambling habit, as it can serve as a replacement for visiting online gambling establishments without serious consequences.
Strides
Strides is a comprehensive self-help app that lets users track multiple habits, goals, and routines. It includes daily reminders and allows you to monitor progress, whether you’re quitting gambling or trying to rebuild trust with your family members. With clear visual tracking features, Strides can help users see how far they’ve come, making it a useful tool for identifying patterns and avoiding gambling-related harm.
Forest
Forest is a unique app that promotes focus and limits distractions, ideal for anyone looking to break away from gambling apps or online gambling sites. When users want to avoid certain behaviors, they “plant a tree” in the app and watch it grow over time as they refrain from distractions. Forest can encourage mindful living and help reduce the urge to gamble by reinforcing the importance of time spent on meaningful activities.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Future
The journey to overcome a gambling problem is undoubtedly challenging, but with support, determination, and the right tools, it is entirely possible to stop gambling and take your life back. Habit apps offer practical ways to track progress, manage gambling urges, and build a healthier lifestyle. However, an app alone may not be enough if you’re hooked on excessive gambling. We recommend combining these tools with support from friends and family members, self-help groups, and professional treatment options (especially for problem gamblers who are also dealing with mental health problems).
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, reaching out for help is the first and most important step. Contact our 24/7 toll-free helpline at 800-GAMBLER for confidential assistance, connections with support groups, and guidance toward a healthier, happier life.