Replace gambling with healthy hobbies like exercise, creative arts and volunteering to support recovery.
Combine hobbies with professional help, such as therapy and support groups, for effective addiction management.
Gambling addiction is a tough challenge to overcome, but with the right support, it can be done. Filling the void of gambling is also an important step towards recovery. Swapping harmful habits for healthy, enjoyable hobbies is a fantastic way to help you move forward.
If you’re working on recovering from gambling addiction, finding new activities can help curb the urge to gamble while bringing more joy and purpose to your life.
Gambling addiction is a challenging condition that requires professional care. At Broadway Lodge, we’ve been providing abstinence-based treatment since 1974. Our experienced team has helped thousands of people overcome addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex and gaming. Rehab might not be something you or your loved one anticipated, but it can be a powerful step toward taking back control and creating a healthier future.
Understanding gambling addiction
For some, gambling begins as occasional entertainment—a night out or a quick spin on a slot machine. However, gambling can evolve into a compulsive behaviour that consumes finances, relationships and mental health. The unpredictability of gambling, known as the “variable reward system,” triggers the brain’s reward centres, then locks individuals into a cycle of seeking that euphoria, even when losses mount. The emotional impact—stress, depression, and anxiety—can be devastating, making recovery seem daunting.
But, recovery is absolutely possible and many find replacing gambling with structured, enjoyable hobbies a crucial part of rehabilitating both mind and body.
10 Healthy hobbies to support recovery from gambling addiction
Here’s a list of engaging and healthy hobbies to consider integrating into your recovery process:
1. Exercise
Engage in regular physical activity to release endorphins, improve mood, and manage stress. Whether it’s jogging, yoga or weightlifting, the physiological and emotional benefits are scientifically proven to greatly improve your health.
2. Creative Arts
Creative outlets offer an excellent way to express feelings from surface level to deep raw emotions. From painting to drawing or pottery to songwriting, these hobbies can help you focus emotions that you may find difficult to put into words.
3. Music
Learning to play an instrument can be soothing and rewarding. Whether it’s guitar, piano or even singing, music has proven therapeutic effects.
4. Cooking
Experiment with recipes to build a passion for cooking. Preparing meals can be both creative and meditative.
5. Gardening
Gardening offers numerous benefits, from providing a healthy dose of physical activity to serving as an effective way to relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
6. Volunteering
Give back to the community through volunteering. Helping others fosters a sense of purpose while keeping you engaged in meaningful activities.
7. Learning a new skill
Consider picking up a skill such as coding, knitting, photography or a new language. Lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp and your focus productive.
8. Reading & writing
Dive into books or start journaling. Writing allows introspection, while reading provides an escape into other worlds and perspectives.
9. Sports & outdoor activities
Join a local sports club or discover new outdoor hobbies such as hiking or paddleboarding. These activities provide both physical exercise and social interaction.
10. Meditation & mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness helps you stay present and grounded, reducing anxiety and curbing impulsive behaviours.
How to make these hobbies part of your new life
Integrating a hobby into your daily life might seem challenging at first, but with consistent effort, it can become a deeply rewarding habit. Here are some tips to get started:
- Start small: Dedicate just 10-15 minutes a day to your chosen activity. Gradually increase the time as it becomes a natural part of your routine.
- Schedule it: Treat your hobby as an appointment. Set aside specific times each day to immerse yourself in it.
- Join groups or classes: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals by attending classes or joining groups where you can learn and grow together.
- Celebrate progress: Whether you finish a book, run a kilometre further or master a new chord on your guitar, reward yourself for achieving milestones.
Replace triggers: Identify situations that trigger gambling urges and actively replace those moments with your hobby. For example, if Friday nights were gambling nights, make Friday evenings your painting or gym time.
The role of professional help and support groups
While healthy hobbies play a key role in recovery, seeking professional help remains an essential part of a recovery plan. Trained professionals and structured support systems will continue to help aid your recovery from addiction.
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in identifying and changing destructive thoughts and behaviours associated with gambling.
- Support groups: Communities like Gamblers Anonymous (GA) offer invaluable peer-to-peer support and accountability.
- Rehabilitation programmes: Structured residential programmes led by experts at a specialist addiction treatment centre like Broadway Lodge provide a non-judgmental, compassionate environment to focus on getting well and your recovery.
- Self-exclusion tools: Platforms like GAMSTOP can help you temporarily block access to gambling sites, reducing temptation.
Combining professional help with healthy hobbies significantly increases the likelihood of success in breaking free from the addiction cycle.
The path forward
Creating healthy hobbies to replace gambling is not just about avoiding temptation; it’s about rediscovering happiness in everyday life. Engaging in fulfilling activities enriches not only your recovery process but also your mental, emotional and social well-being.
If you or someone you know is considering beginning their recovery journey from addiction, contact us to find out about treatment at Broadway Lodge, call our admissions department on 01934 815515 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) or email hello@broadwaylodge.og.uk. For more information on how Broadway Lodge can offer support for both you and your loved one please look at our Gambling Addiction page.
