Gambling Help and Problem Gambling Advice

The gambling problem affects many without discrimination. If you or someone you know is worried about lousy gambling habits, we have created this article to offer sincere help. The post covers how to identify a gambling problem, handle problem gambling, and protect yourself or the affected person.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can manifest in various suspicious actions. Identifying the warning signs early can help you find quick help for your loved one. Here are some of the top signs of problem gambling:

• Money Signs - One afflicted with bad gambling habits may find themselves in a financial crisis and will exhibit money-related problems, such as unexplained debt, frequent borrowing of money, and unpaid loans. Other signs include secret bank account and credit cards, changes in spending habits, little to no food, and increased frequency of "losing" money or wallets.

• Social Signs - Popular social signs of problem gambling include unexplained anger, moodiness, erratic behaviour, avoiding friends and family (isolation), quitting old hobbies, and emotional withdrawal. Other signs include missing out on social events and gatherings, threats, attempting to control others with lies and charm, and secretive behaviour.

• Other Signs - There are many signs of poor gambling patterns and possible gambling addiction, including time-related changes and behavioural changes. Watch out for unaccounted disappearing for extended periods, missing everyday activities and responsibilities, and taking more days off work and sick leaves. Other signs include spending more time reading and watching gambling content and taking longer to complete basic activities.

Why Do People Become Addicted to Gambling?

No one plans to become a problem gambler, and the signs of addiction are almost impossible to tell in the early stages. Gambling experts have put together the following reasons why people can become addicted to gambling:

• Beginner’s Luck – If one is lucky to win big on their first attempt at betting, they are more likely to continue gambling in hopes of winning more and enjoying the thrill that comes with edging the house.

• To Escape – Some people find solace in gambling and use it to escape other struggles and negative emotions in life. Unfortunately, this habit can progress to overindulgence and addiction.

• Feeling Isolated – People who feel lonely and isolated from society may pick up on gambling to become part of a community. Studies suggest that gambling stemming from unhappiness is more likely to result in addiction.

• Influence from Others – People can start overindulging in gambling because they are influenced by a parent, friend, or loved one who gambles. Big wins from other gamblers can also influence spending big on their pastime.

Confronting a Problem Gambler

Confronting a friend or loved one about their gambling patterns can be an overwhelming task. It requires preparing for the talk, sitting them down, explaining how you feel, and listening to what they have to say. You should also ask for opinions and encourage the affected person to consider specific solutions. Here are some Dos and Don’ts for communicating with a problem gambler:

Dos

• Sit down for a talk only when you and the affected person are in a good mental state
• Explain adverse impacts of problem gambling on the affected person and their close relations
• Focus the conversation on the positives and how the problem gambler can improve
• Emphasize the benefits of cutting back on gambling or quitting the activity entirely
• Learn and use the words gamblers use to help the problem gambler understand you better
• Be open with everything you have to say and let them know you care
• Be patient and give a listening ear. Ask for their opinion

Don’ts

• Don’t blame or label the affected person as the problem
• Don’t lecture or speak down to them because it’ll stop them from listening
• Don’t tell them what to do. Instead, work towards a common solution
• Don’t express what you would do unless you have overcome problem gambling

Available Help for Problem Gamblers

There's no sure path to helping a problem gambler since everyone is different. One approach can work for some people and do the exact opposite for others. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the person, their motives, patterns, and other aspects that might lead them to bad gambling habits. Here are the three solutions available for problem gamblers.

1. Self Restraint

You can only do so much for a loved one. Ultimately, the decision to change isn't yours to make. There's always the possibility of one rehabilitating without further help. You can arrange a sit-down, express your concerns and attempt to find feasible solutions. However, you need to respect their decision to work through the issue without your help. The best you can do is check up on their progress and be available to support them when they need your help to quit.

2. Working Together

Working with a problem gambler to find solutions and rehabilitation can work in some cases. Make sure you limit how much time, effort, and sacrifice you are willing to take to help them. Some of the things you can do to help a problem gambler include:

• Setting daily, weekly, and monthly gambling limits
• Setting budgets for other bills and responsibilities
• Identifying ways to limit access to funds for non-essential items
• Hooking them up with self-exclusion schemes and game blockers
• Monitoring credit card activity
• Instead of offering a loan, pay for the bills and what they need yourself
• Organize fun activities to fill the time freed by lack of gambling
• Reconnect them with family and other social constructs
• Set new routines and household rules with specific consequences
• Keep track of progress and encourage them to stay away from gambling

3. Professional Help

Gambling addiction is a medical problem that may require professional help. If your loved one cannot quit gambling despite the habit having negative impacts on their lives and the lives of those around them, you should seek professional help. Our site has a list of popular help centers for problem gamblers. Reaching out to the pros can help you navigate the challenges and focus on helping the problem gambler. It also connects them with other people who have overcome gambling addiction and better understand what it means to have a problem.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Problem Gambling

Responsible gambling can be difficult to guarantee. However, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family from the adverse effects of problem gambling, as shown below:

• Establish a solid routine featuring a healthy diet, sleeping schedule, and regular workout
• Pursue hobbies and activities (other than gambling) you enjoy doing
• Confide in family and reconnect with the community through social events
• If you are physically threatened, distance yourself from the person or find legal counsel where necessary
• Protect your finances by keeping them inaccessible by the problem gambler
• Avoid lending money to the person to cover for their debts

In conclusion, problem gambling can affect you whether or not you are the primary victim. Information is vital when dealing with such situations. The earlier you seek solutions, the more likely you'll address the issue. Remember to exercise patience and take gradual steps towards rehabilitation, considering addiction doesn't happen overnight, nor should recovery.