Self examination is very important. It has been easy to immerse yourself wit gambling without realizing when it becomes problematic or addictive. We should regularly ask ourselves, how much time and money did I spend? am I having negative consequences?, do I feel in control? with these questions you can gain a clearer understanding about your habits whether there are red flags or warning signs of addiction. It's important to have self awareness to ensure that gambling remains as a form of entertainment rather than source of harm.
To add to simply just asking yourself these questions I would like to add that if one should simply write out the pros and cons on a piece of paper, as well as the money gambled, won, and lost, I think this will help this all feel a bit more real. Between that list of whats been wagered, won, and lost & the pros and cons about it I think it will help anyone make better decisions should they ever find themselves in a tough spot feeling the addiction taking over. At the end of the day you have to have the will power, self control, and the wit to know how to make yourself stop & take action! Always tell some folks you know in confidence to help you stay accountable & you will be one step closer to getting control again.