I realized I had a gambling problem 20 years ago. I started looking for ways to stop 15 years ago. I joined a 12 step gambling group 10 years ago. I am free from all gambling for over 2 years now.
I think this describes how powerful a gambling addiction is, and the lengths we go to, to gamble like a "normal" person. The fact is, once you cross the "normal" line, responsible gambling does not feed the desire to gamble.
The Gamblers 12 step group was a great place to start. I met people with a similar problem, and if nothing else, it kept me out of the casinos for an hour. The group really didn't focus on how to quit, but more on how to live life without hurting the ones who love me. I had stretches of "clean time" but always ended back in front of those damn machines. I went on a spree and racked up insurmountable debt on my credit cards. I was at wits end, and almost suicidal, when I called a mental health specialist and said I was suicidal. They got me a counselor, who took the time to help me identify the "part" of me that would jeopardize all I have for a few hours of madness.
Once I identified this "part" it was easier for me to not listen to "it" lie to me, and tell me gambling was for my good. There is zero tolerance for me when it comes to gambling.
Even though I have not gambled for 30 months, I still pay the piper. I filed for bankruptcy, my wife left me, my family does not believe I even quitted, and I have to live with the shame of all I did to pamper the beast of compulsive gambling.
The only advice I can offer is, if you believe you have a problem, you probably do. Get help sooner rather than later, and look at how you are hurting the ones you love. Stop Lying to Yourself!