Overcoming a gambling addiction is a challenging but deeply rewarding journey. It begins with acknowledging the problem and understanding the impact it has on your life and the lives of those around you. Seeking help, whether through therapy, support groups, or loved ones, is a crucial step in regaining control. As you confront the triggers and emotions that fuel the addiction, you'll develop healthier coping mechanisms and rebuild a sense of self-worth. Recovery is a process, marked by both setbacks and progress, but each day without gambling brings you closer to a life of freedom, stability, and renewed hope.
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If you want to go on your own seek a gambling advisor. Speaking to an advisor can help you find a new perspective on your situation and can help you take meaningful practical steps forward. Enroll in counseling, or a public speaking class, volunteer, join a social group, or find new friends. Also, advise putting in place all the barriers you can to stop being addicted to gambling. Find the best support that suits you. There are different options to get the help you may need. Some organizations will give you one-to-one weekly counseling, and advice on ways to prevent gambling addiction. Remember if you know you have a gambling problem you can call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537).
Community Stories
Remember you,re not alone in this journey. Seek help from trusted friends,family,and professional counselors.
Talk to them in a calm voice and do not judge them. They may feel out of control, embarrassed or ashamed. Let them know, they can do this and you will support them every step of the way. Let them know that you can’t do this for them, this has to be something they want to do for themselves and their family. You’ll be a listening ear even when it’s rough and you believe they can do it.
Learning about what they are going through may help you to support them. Having a conversation is a great starting point. The best way to start a conversation with them is to show empathy, and reassure them that you’re not going to judge them, so they feel more comfortable about opening up.
Have a conversation with them. Do your best to keep calm and positive with them, and avoid saying anything that might come across as judgmental or confrontational.
While I don't have personal experiences or struggles, overcoming a gambling addiction requires courage, determination, and support. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Seek help from trusted friends, family, or professional counselors. Take small steps each day towards recovery, and celebrate every achievement along the way. Your future is worth fighting for, and there's hope for a brighter tomorrow. Stay strong, and never hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.
It's easy for we to judge a person that have a Gambling ADDICTION, in many cases the majority DO NOT Recognize or Accept that his behavior is changing, going more often , inver more hours, spending more money, some times laying to family member and to them self, borrowing money, in some cases laying to people and fam. Members to get money going to pawn shop to get some money for their belongings specially jewelry, always and the majority of the time this person get angry went them broke, doing anything to get access to money, them find any excuse of why them playing or betting because no it's only who play in the slot machines it has so many gambling additions, me as a friend of a person with this addiction,..some times I my self carry this person to play BUT .... I limited her time , we she getting a Lil payout of the machine I request part of the money to saved to the following day, telling the person that we need to leave earlier because I Don't felling well or sleepy and tiered, she tells me in there at least I don't fell along, not stressed, and no body cares how you dressing or how much you have to play that you loosing or wining no body cares.But it's hard and painful went you have a friend pasing thru this went you hear them that them using the money of the rent ,phone or light and them realized after that money going. I EVEN take this person in the pass to sign at the casino commission for up two year twice.family and close friendship is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.
Gambling addiction, also known as a gambling disorder, problem gambling, or compulsive gambling, is a progressive disease that can affect all ages and genders. Like any addiction, a gambling disorder can create significant problems in a person’s life, affecting their job, relationships, and mental health. Sometimes, the consequences of a gambling disorder are devastating. People who gamble may start to hide their gambling and feel they have little or no control over the situation. Learning about what they are going through may help you to support them. Having a conversation is a great starting point. The best way to start a conversation with them is to show empathy and reassure them that you won’t judge them, so they feel more comfortable about opening up. Friends or family members can often feel isolated and alone. It may be helpful to seek support from others. Talk to trusted people who will not judge you or the person who gambles. Spending time with others can relieve stress. Having time out to do things you like can stop you from getting consumed gambling. Maintain your friendships, continue with your interests and hobbies, and do things that you may find enjoyable such as art, music, sports, or reading a book. You can also find others with the same interests. As little as fifteen minutes a day of exercise can relieve stress and techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or massages can be stress relievers as well. You do not have to do it on your own. There are different options available that can support you in your recovery. Suggest trying different treatment or support services to determine what works for you. Family therapy can help address the underlying issues that may have contributed to the development of your addiction. It can also help you and your family members create a supportive and nurturing environment that facilitates recovery. Family is the only thing that never leaves you. So, it becomes much easier for a therapist to cure your addiction.
However you’re feeling right now, we’re here to help
Whether you’re looking for advice, treatment or you just want to talk to someone about your – or someone else’s – gambling, there’s lots of support available.