Hehehe...I always smile in unbelief when I read that exercise can help in addition and some other things. Maybe not for me as I do not see how this can be of help, to be honest. Fine, exercise is good for so many things, but for the things that have to do with people's minds and psychology, I think it can do little or nothing here. Gambling is beyond all that, especially when the gambler has now taken it as a hobby or is addicted to it, it takes more psychological functions and routines for this to be let go.
This is not about you seeing professional players doing it, there are a lot of reasons for that, and when it comes to regular people, even those who are consistent with exercise as what they like as a hobby are still addicted to gambling. What about that? I believe that they will link this to some kind of muscle relaxation and all that, but in practice, to cure anything mental is beyond that. If this is so true and cureable as they make people believe, I guess by now most of the people who are gambling with addiction would have been cured. It will even be easy.
Sports activities can increase self-relaxation and divert thoughts that focus on gambling. Basically, exercise focuses on fitness and health in physical conditions but also has an effect on psychological factors, although the benefits are not directly at the point of healing from gambling addiction. When you exercise discipline, you will feel changes in your health and relaxation which will help heal stress and your lifestyle will be more regular.
But I have to admit that exercise is not the point of curing gambling addiction, but at least some cases of gamblers who are addicted can be recovered by increasing outside activities such as exercise or other activities that are useful for calming the mind. However, complete recovery from gambling addiction depends on the will of the gambler and they must be disciplined in therapy.
Well said, my friend and I do not argue that physical exercise is not profitable, and as a matter of fact, we should engage in it at least two times a day if we have the time. This could, of course, alert our muscles and in turn, relieve them after the exercise and causes us to feel some kind of true bodily relief, healthier and self believe blah blah blah. But helping those who are addicted to gambling? I think it can do a little, that is if the addicted will even feel the difference after exercising. This thing we call psychology and the function of the mind takes mental power to overcome it, the Will and the Determination from where it got corrupted from the beginning (the source). You tackle the source and you will be healed. I wonder if it is easy like that why people are still addicted.
What exercise could do in my view is to try to get you engaged and take your mind off for some time for that moment and a few moments later. What happens after then, won't the person return back? This is not different from you engaging in other things and changing hobbies just to while away the time till you will think of that thing you are addicted to no more. This again is challenging but more effective than exercise. Many would try it and not succeed, but truly, if they could have an alternative and could do it successfully until they do not think of gambling again, it would help them better. However, the Will and Determination to do it are mostly needed.
I share your views. Physical activity is useful, but dealing with addiction, especially gambling, is impractical. Exercise has obvious physical benefits, but does it help overcome addiction psychologically?
Mind is powerful, and addiction is fought there. You're right - willpower and determination are the fighters in this conflict. Reprogramming the mind changes the story inside. This is like convincing a cat it's a dog - possible but requires time and a lot of persuasion.
Your encouragement to try new things is refreshing. Reversing a river's flow is difficult but feasible. Finding something that pleases the soul and fills the gambling hole is key. Creating a satisfying and diverting habit loop for painting, hiking, or cooking is key. With the correct perspective and support, recovery may be beautiful despite its challenges.