One of the most effective treatments to stop gambling is the NLP stop technique. NLP is neuro-linguistic programming. Simply put, when something becomes habitual behavior, it builds neural pathways in the brain. The brain is “wired” to perform that particular behavior. Each time the behavior is repeated, the programming deepens and becomes more entrenched.
Sometimes this pattern of brain wiring is helpful. For example, when learning any new skill, such as playing the piano, we read music and move our hands through conscious effort, but after repetition, when the brain wires up and neural pathways are formed, we automatically move our hand. to the appropriate keys when your eye detects the notes on the page. Another skill that becomes a habit and is stored in the subconscious is driving a car. At first, the driving student must try to remember everything, but after a while it becomes automatic and the driver can drive on the road and think about other things besides driving, even talking on the phone, while driving safely.
The key, of course, is that these abilities and habits are stored in the subconscious mind, also called the unconscious because we seem to do many things, unconsciously, without thinking about them.
Neuro-linguistic programming means training the brain using words to form new neural pathways. One NLP technique is the stopping technique. A skilled hypnotherapist guides the client into a relaxed and approachable state of mind and then has the client imagine themselves beginning to engage in the unwanted behavior, in this case, gambling. Just as the client forms an image of the game and the neural pathways for the game are stimulated, the therapist says “enough!” and the client lets the scene fade from his mind. As this is repeated, over and over again, the neural pathways are rewired and the urge to gamble begins to fade.
The neural pathway is not gone, it is simply rewired and the problem gambler has developed a new habit, not gambling. Of course, issues with gameplay never completely go away, so it’s a good idea to stick with a good 12-step group or some other form of support.
Specially trained therapists can use the stopping technique of NLP and, over several sessions, bring the problem gambler back on track. Another alternative is MP3 files that can be downloaded from the Internet or even listened to online.
The key to successfully using these relaxing guided meditations is repetition and a positive attitude. Because they are so simple to use, many people now use them on a daily basis. You never know, that person sitting on the plane next to you with headphones plugged into the little MP3 player may be treating their problem with gambling or some other unwanted behavior. It is that simple and widely used.
