If you know someone with a gambling problem and want to help, this article is for you. Problem gambling and addiction is a growing problem worldwide that threatens the financial and emotional well-being of those afflicted. Here you will learn how to identify a problem, initiate a dialogue with someone on the issue, support and resources available, how to handle setbacks and more.
Before you can help anyone with a gambling problem, you must understand the problem. Gambling problems, addictions, and disorders are complex psychological conditions relating to the uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences.
There are various stages to a gambling problem, from mild to serious, progressively leading to personal problems in the form of emotional, financial and situational difficulties.
Often, it starts with occasional recreational gambling, progressing to gambling more frequently, and the development of gambling-related thoughts. This is by no means an issue until we start increasing bets and chasing losses.
Ultimately, this can all lead to a person finding it difficult to stop even when they want to and they are facing potential ruin.
The following factors can offer some explanation as to why some people are more susceptible to a gambling problem:
It cannot be understated that identifying the signs of a developing gambling problem early is pivotal to providing timely assistance to overcome a problem before it becomes destructive.
There are a number of behaviours that would suggest a gambling problem, however, here are the red-flag signs you should look for:
Further insight on how to spot a gambling problem can be found in our detailed guide on Recognizing a gambling addiction available on this site.
The first step in helping someone with a problem is to approach them about the issue, which will require a degree of tact and sensitivity if any progress is to be made.
Approaching someone about such issues is not an easy thing to do and getting it wrong can be damaging to a relationship.
Here are some recommendations on things that will help achieve a successful outcome:
Timing is crucial in all things, and choosing the right time and place for important discussions such as this matters. For instance, discussing this kind of issue when the party involved is preoccupied with a bet will not result in a favourable outcome.
Choose a time when you know that party will be free of distraction in a place where you can talk without interruption.
Putting yourself in a non-judgemental state of mind will help greatly towards a productive conversation.
Definitely avoid blaming or accusing them where you can. Express concern for their well-being and make it understood that you want to help without criticizing.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage the person to talk (that is to say, not questions that can be asked with a yes or no response). Listen to what they have to say and give them time and space to share their thoughts comfortably.
Acknowledge their thoughts and struggles and show that you genuinely understand. Ultimately, you want to encourage an atmosphere of trust and compassion to help the person acknowledge and open up about their problems.
Supporting someone with a gambling addiction can be challenging, but your assistance can help make their journey to recovery easier.
Here's a list of the top 22 things you can do to help someone with a gambling addiction:
Where possible, do some research and offer the person with the gambling problem access to resources that can help. This could be the first step to helping the individual be proactive and motivate them to take action.
NoDeposit365.com has a number of expert guides available on this site. It is our aim that players play safely on our sites. Moreover, all of our sites are fully licensed and provide tools to help players gamble responsibly.
There are also many organisations available online that can provide help and support. Here are a few, with many more available from a local search.
Boundary setting is an important step towards mitigating the damaging effects of problem gambling and a step towards recovery. Sharing strategies to address the problem helps towards this aim and offers encouragement.
Discuss limits on financial spending and other proactive measures to arrest the decline should go hand in hand with support and encouragement. To this end, motivating an individual to seek help can be positive and productive.
Helping the person affected to set boundaries, seek help and celebrate small wins can help to empower and motivate them to change direction and seek a path of change and rehabilitation.
Helping those afflicted to set boundaries is a great way to offer support and encouragement, but there are plenty of other ways of addressing a gambling problem. Our guide on how to tackle a gambling problem offers further inspiration.
Recovery from a gambling problem takes sustained effort and commitment. Stay engaged with the person will help them greatly and you should offer advice and support when you can. Showing an interest and checking in regularly also helps.
Offering to accompany them on professional help sessions and support group meetings also has a lot of merit. There is also a lot of mileage in suggesting positive lifestyle changes such as pursuing hobbies, exercising, and other changes to take the focus off gambling.
Explain how such changes can influence overall well-being and a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Setbacks are common with any addiction and the same goes for gambling. It comes part and parcel of the recovery process and you should be ready for setbacks. Essentially they do not necessarily signify failure.
When relapses occur, try to be compassionate and understanding, as blame and criticism will worsen emotional states. Instead, try to encourage an open and honest conversation to see how such occurrences can be eliminated.
Instead, encourage an open conversation where they can reflect on what triggered the relapse and what they've learned from the experience. Try to reinforce that relapses are opportunities to learn and grow and can be a chance to learn and grow.
Working through difficulties together will better equip you both for future challenges and continue to progress towards full recovery.
Supporting someone with a gambling problem requires a degree of compassion and understanding. Intervention is not easy, but your help and assistance can make a significant difference.
Be mindful that all you can really do is assist and offer support when it is needed. Ultimately, it is the person afflicted who needs to take responsibility and action. Your role is to provide guidance and encouragement to help them on their journey.
There are different stages to a gambling problem. If the person concerned has a serious addiction, professional intervention may well be required.
Olivia King is our Senior Editor as well as our webmaster. She is in charge of ensuring that we are providing you with the best no deposit bonuses in the market, regardless of your location or personal preferences.
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