I quit gambling long time ago when I was on the verge of becoming an addictive gambler. I used to gamble regularly with my friends and I found it entertaining until it started to affect my studies and social life. Then, I tried to reduced my gambling activities.
Then, I got rid of it completely as I got used to the new routine. It was hard from the beginning, but then you will get used to it because your time is filled up with other various activities
That's why I don't believe them when they say that it's hard to quit gambling for good because if someone really wanted a change he can do anything even beyond his limit. They say that it just takes 21 days to make a new habit so if you just continue pursuing your change then it will happen. Just have a good diversion then it'll be all good.
On the other hand, I'm happy that I didn't get to the point of addiction or better yet I'll be miserable.
Same here with your last statement. Actually, after reading some stories already, it is obvious how it must have been tough and extremely crazy to have gotten to that stage in the first place.
Addiction is one hard thing to combat and I know the only best way to not get addicted into anything is to either stay clear off that thing or make sure you are in control right from the onset and you do not end up giving up that control to your impulses. I can actually imagine how crazy it must have been.
I think the person can remain addiction less even when he continues to go to casinos with his friends and other people. First of all he himself would have to think and hate gambling because it is not for the good sake of the person. Secondly, he should sit with the people and listen to their talks who have suffered the consequences of gambling and after that had left the gambling.