While some may see writing in a journal as nothing more than a hobby, it can actually be a powerful tool for addressing problematic gambling behavior. There are an endless number of journal topics on overcoming problem gambling out there that can be written about—the only limit is your own creativity and determination. Plus, it’s a simple way to stay engaged with the recovery process every single day that anyone can participate in. To learn more and get started, here are several journaling exercises to overcome problem gambling for you to use in your writing.
Benefits of Writing Journaling Exercises to Overcome Problem Gambling Behaviors
Can writing in the pages of a diary really help someone move past gambling problems? Absolutely. Regularly grabbing your pencil or pen to write can help you address compulsive behavior in ways you never imagine. Here are four major reasons why writing in a journal can help you to overcome problem gambling behaviors:
An Easy Start
While initiating your journaling may be difficult if you’re not a writer, it’s a very easy way to begin your recovery. You’ll be able to write at your own pace about your gambling activities or other topics of your choosing. Nobody else is involved—it’s just you, the paper, and pen. By making it a daily activity, it can become a healthy habit!
Gambling Urges
A unique advantage of writing journaling exercises to overcome problem gambling is that it allows you to identify potential triggers. Putting the causes of your gambling urges onto paper can help you become more aware of your own feelings. In turn, you’ll be able to have better impulse control by avoiding triggers more carefully.
A Place to Write Your Thoughts
There are many powerful emotions involved with compulsive gambling that can be hard to process. A diary or journal is a great way to gather your thoughts together in one place, especially the more complicated feelings. You’ll find it’s a very relaxing activity that’s good for your mental health.
Tracking Progress
After finishing your daily entry, you’ll be able to celebrate your progress at the end of every day. In addition, writers can look back on their months of journal entries and see how much they’ve grown since they started.
20 Journal Prompts to Overcome Gambling
- What does your dream life look like?
- What goals did your younger self have?
- Write down your happiest moment in life.
- What relationships matter to you the most, and how can you protect them?
- Write about a person you know that has overcome life challenges.
- Write about the hardest parts of your life and how you overcame them.
- Write a letter to someone you love—it does not need to be sent.
- Write down five questions you want answers to.
- What do you tell people about yourself when you meet them for the first time?
- What skills do you want to learn after recovering from problem gambling?
- Write about the last mistake you made and what you’ve learned from it.
- What is a realistic goal you want to achieve this year?
- What are some ways you’ve made progress in the past week?
- What is something you want to forgive yourself for?
- When did you first realize you had a gambling problem?
- How would you describe your gambling feelings to your younger relatives?
- Write down what you’ve learned about yourself during your recovery.
- What are you most afraid of during your recovery?
- Write a letter to your future self.
- Reflect on your recovery journey so far.
In addition to writing journaling exercises to overcome problem gambling, consider joining gamblers anonymous meetings for further support. Contact 800-GAMBLER to find a support group near you and learn more facts on problem gambling.