gambling addiction, need block.

[Wakefield10]

Hi,

I have a pretty bad gambling addiction and it just seems so hard to stop. I am looking for some software that will let me block these sites.

they have gamblock for windows but obviously its not compatible.

Also this is my own personal laptop, so i need to stay as an administrator

 

[princesambit]

I guess it is you who needs to control yourself. Even if you install a software these sites then I am sure you will unblock them when you have the urge to gamble. Best of Luck.

 

[Chilbear]

Better than a software solution is a personal lifestyle solution. Find a neighbour's dog and offer to walk one (assuming you do not have a dog). When you get the urge, change locations, leave and do something positive AWAY from a computer. Get back in touch with the you before gambling became the new "you".

Of course if you have kids, that would be a better solution.

All the best. Have you called a gamblers hotline for help at all?

 

[Wakefield10]

I am trying to change, but i personal lifestyle change is not that easy for a compulsive gambler, I have tried to stop many times.

Please if anyone knows of any software that can block specific sites tell me.

 

[D3v1L80Y]

I am trying to change, but i personal lifestyle change is not that easy for a compulsive gambler, I have tried to stop many times.

Please if anyone knows of any software that can block specific sites tell me.

I don't know of any software that would help, but here is some hardware that would remedy the situation.

 

[karudzo]

I would have someone else set a web filter on your router and then not tell you the password.

 

[iguy]

I don't know of any software that would help, but here is some hardware that would remedy the situation.

Problem solved

 

[Eric559]

http://helpguide.org/mental/gambling_addiction.htm
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
http://www.ncpgambling.org/

 

[janusoo]

Dudes! I'm sure Wakefield's well aware of all the gamblers anon info and I'm sure he's heard all the advice about simply walking away, since he's openly admitting he's a web gambler. That's all well and good, but not very helpful. He's just looking for one more thing to have in his arsenal of defenses to deter himself from giving in to the temptation.

Sadly, I'm not savvy enough to offer any suggestions for filtering. Sorry, Wakefiled. But I think it would be good of folks to send him something more constructive than "Go for a walk" or "Use a sledgehammer." A couple of you did send something constructive for him to use. Kudos.

 

[louishen]

you could try this, although you can always unblock sites again, it might be enough of a hassle to make you think twice

Launch terminal, which can be found in Applications/Utilities.
Check the current hosts file by typing:
cat /etc/hosts

Which should print out the following:
##
# Host Database
#
# localhost is used to configure the loopback interface
# when the system is booting. Do not change this entry.
##
127.0.0.1 localhost
255.255.255.255 broadcasthost
::1 localhost

Backup the current hosts file to a file named hosts.original by typing:
sudo cp /etc/hosts /etc/hosts.original
Enter your administrator password when prompted.

Copy the current hosts file to the Desktop by typing:
cp /etc/hosts ~/Desktop/hosts.txt

Double click the hosts.txt file that appears on the desktop to open it in TextEdit
Add the Internet address to the end of the file, begin each entry with 0.0.0.0:
0.0.0.0 ads.adsonar.com
0.0.0.0 js.adsonar.com
Add similar lines for any additional domains you wish to block. see example
# Host Database
#
# localhost is used to configure the loopback interface
# when the system is booting. Do not change this entry.
##
127.0.0.1 localhost
255.255.255.255 broadcasthost
::1 localhost
0.0.0.0 ads.adsonar.com
0.0.0.0 js.adsonar.com

Select File->Save

Copy the edited file back into the /etc directory by typing the following:
sudo cp ~/Desktop/hosts.txt /etc/hosts
(Note: There is no ".txt" extension on /etc/hosts)

Verify that the changes were made properly by again typing:
cat /etc/hosts

 

[macgig]

I would go seek medical help. gambling is something that can ruin your life. It's no different than being addicted to crack cocaine or alcohol.

I don't gamble at all... here in the USA, government sponsored gambling is something that keeps poor people poor. I'm already taxed enough in this state. Like most people I work hard for my money and no way am I tossing money in the trash can by gambling it away.

treat this as if you were hooked on heroin or crack. It's that bad.

good news is you know you have a problem and you want to stop.