8 Things to Do When Your Loved One has a Gambling Problem

CEBU, Philippines - Most people think that only illegal drugs, such as opiates, narcotics and amphetamines or alcohol can be addicting. This is the reason why there are many high-stakes rollers who cannot or do not admit to having a gambling problem—even if their nightly jaunts to the casino are starting to ruin their work, their marriage, or their lives! One should not be ashamed or embarrassed to admit that he has a gambling addiction. After all, this is the first vital step to recovery.

You know if your loved one has taken his love for poker or Blackjack too far if you notice that he’s been borrowing money just to gamble, or if he has started to pawn his watches or jewelry just to get his kicks in the casino. Although this can be a troubling problem, there are many things that you can do to help. Below are eight of the essential steps to take if you think your loved one has a gambling addiction.

1. Tell the person carefully that you believe he has a serious problem. Sometimes, it takes somebody else’s point of view to make a person realize that he has a gambling addiction. Some people might be too scared to confront a gambling addict, but doing so is for his own good.

2. Don’t forget to tell the person that you care for him. This is the reason why you want to talk to him about his problem in the first place. Tell him that you don’t like seeing him put his life to waste because you care about what happens to him.

3. Talk to his immediate family. If he or she isn’t your spouse, your child or your parent, consider talking to the person’s immediate family first. He might listen to them more and even find it easier to open up about his gambling problem.

4. Listen to the person and try to understand where he or she is coming from. There may be many underlying reasons why he developed a gambling problem. To be able to help solve his gambling addiction, you have to understand what led him there.

5. Let the person know that you are willing to help. Encourage your loved one to face his gambling addiction with courage and strength by telling him that you will stand by him on his way to recovery. The burden of his addiction then seems much easier to bear.

6. Search for a treatment center or an addictions professional who had a program for compulsive gamblers to help him recover. As with all addicts, a person who has developed a gambling problem will need the support of psychologists, therapists and even spiritual advisors if he wants to beat his addiction. There are many gambling anonymous sites online that you can refer to.

7. Be there with him all the way to recovery. It may take months (or even years) for your loved one to recover from his addiction. But the road to success is always smoother and easier to traverse with friends and family by his side. Make sure that you’re there for him and show your love, support and care.

8. Let your loved one know that you believe in him. Never say depreciating things to him, especially if he’s on the road to recovery. He might slide back into his old ways. It’s best to show him that you trust that he will be able to beat his gambling addiction.

An addiction is always serious, even if it doesn’t involve drugs. Help your loved one beat his gambling problem by following the eight steps listed above. These are some of the best things you can do to help pave his road to recovery. For more information, please feel free to contact me at 032-2315229 or 032-2389143.