Gambling has been on a seemingly never-ending upward trajectory since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, and along with that comes more cases of gambling addiction. While much is published regarding direct prevention and treatment for problem gambling, it’s also important to cover the indirect effects of gambling addiction; problem gambling is distressing for loved ones, specifically family members.

Learn how to help loved ones who are problem gamblers, and in turn, how to help yourself if you have close ties to a problem gambler.  

What is Problem Gambling?

As defined by the Mayo Clinic, problem gambling, also known as compulsive gambling, is the uncontrollable urge to continue gambling no matter the consequences.

By regularly engaging in the habit of risking something of value for something of even greater value, constantly triggering the brain’s reward system, gambling can become a serious addiction. The potential for financial ruin, mental ruin and harming loved ones are all possible when someone falls victim to this condition – hence why gambling addiction family support is so important.

Thankfully, there are ways to help someone addicted to gambling, including professional treatment. 

Helping Someone Addicted to Gambling

Akin to other forms of addiction, the most important rule to remember when trying to help a problem gambler is that it is up to the individual to recognize their condition and act on it. There is a fine line between forcing someone to change and supporting someone who needs to change, so it’s vital to identify ways you can support so that a problem gambler comes to terms with their behavior and creates change.

Whether it is a friend or a family member suffering from gambling addiction, carefully and calmly communicating your feelings to let them know how their behavior is negatively impacting you is important. At this moment, it is best to avoid labeling them, as they are likely ashamed and embarrassed. It’s also crucial at this moment to let them know you are by their side and want to support them. 

If it is a family member and your finances could be at risk, the Better Health Channel issues measures you can take to help both you and them:

• Take on the management of family finances

• Create a family budget

• Open up another bank account

• Ensure your home can't be re-mortgaged by speaking to the bank

• Advise others not to lend any money to the problem gambler 

Help for Families and Friends

Being there to help and support a problem gambler can make a world of difference, but the toll it takes to help needs to be recognized as well. Here are some gambling addiction family support tactics:

• Open up about your struggles with other affected family members or friends to avoid isolation.

• If the problem gambler has children, assure the kids that they are not responsible, keep them engaged in family activities, encourage them to speak about their feelings and do not put down the parent, but the behavior secularly. 

Looking After Yourself

Gambling addiction family support also means looking out for yourself, and you can do that in the following ways:

• Dealing with another person’s gambling problem can consume you, so it’s important to spend time with others in social environments and escape through personal interests and hobbies.

• Look after your health by consuming a healthy diet, regularly exercising and getting quality sleep.

• Contact professional help. Speak to licensed counselors with years of experience dealing with cases of problem gambling.

Dealing with Anger

By seeking a professional gambling addiction family support resource like Birches, you will be better equipped to deal with the negative emotions, like anger, that can accompany you when dealing with a loved one who is a problem gambler. 

To try and soothe feelings of anger on your own when dealing with a problem gambler, some helpful practices include:

• Allocating time to speak with the problem gambler about past trauma and concerns moving forward

• Attending counseling together

• Planning fun activities together without discussing the problem 

Between caring for a problem gambler and caring for yourself, the process can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. With resources like Birches Health and a support group like Gam-Anon, you can overcome the struggle.

Gam-Anon

In addition to professional treatment options, like Birches Health, there are gambling addiction family support groups, like Gam-Anon. Gam-Anon is the sister group to Gamblers Anonymous and is a 12-step program and fellowship composed of men and women who have been hurt by a loved one.