With online gambling becoming more accessible, recognizing early signs of addiction and knowing where to seek help is crucial for responsible play.
This guide explores the prevalence of compulsive gambling, its warning signs, and provides problem gambling helplines and resources specific to your area.
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Introduction to Compulsive Gambling & Its Implications
Though some may think of it as a joke, gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling, is a real mental health disorder. It's not just a habit or a hobby.
Problem gambling means feeling a strong urge to gamble and being unable to stop, even when it harms your day-to-day life.
Many people need professional help and support to deal with it.
Grim statistics
In the United States alone, about 20 million people struggle with gambling-related problems. This highlights the need for resources and education on what constitutes responsible gambling.
How to Know If You Have a Gambling Problem
While compulsive gambling looks different for everybody, I can highlight some common warning signs to keep an eye out for:
- You've lost interest in activities you once enjoyed.
- You're more focused on chasing losses than enjoying the game.
- You're betting more than you can afford, risking your finances.
- You've started avoiding friends and family.
- You're skipping responsibilities, like work or household duties, to gamble.
Global and Local Contacts for Problem Gambling
No matter where you live, there are resources available to help you with gambling issues. In the sections below, you'll find information on what helplines you can call depending on your location.
Beyond direct help
Problem gambling organizations not only offer you direct support via professionals but also have dedicated websites where they share valuable resources, like self-check questionnaires and articles on the causes and symptoms of compulsive gambling.
International Organizations: Help for Everyone, Everywhere
If you're living in an unregulated area or find that local resources for gambling addiction are lacking, an international organization is your best bet.
1. Gamblers Anonymous
The best-known global organization is Gamblers Anonymous (GA), which operates in over 60 countries, including Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
GA provides in-person meetings and online options, following the classic 12-step recovery model.
2. Gordon Moody’s Gambling Therapy
There are also some global services like Gordon Moody’s Gambling Therapy. What I like about this is that it features a peer support forum for problem gambling.
For starters, you can post your story in the “My Journal” thread, which has more than 47,000 replies.
Additionally, there’s a dedicated thread for helping friends and family members affected by gambling addiction.
USA Problem Gambling Hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER
If you're in the U.S., help is just a phone call away. You can reach the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, and they will connect you with local resources in your area.
Some states also run their helplines. To save time, you can contact them directly. For example, in Florida, you can call 888-ADMIT-IT; in New York, you can reach out at 1-877-8-HOPENY.
Gambling Addiction Helplines for European Countries
Europe doesn't have an official problem gambling hotline; each country has its organization dedicated to helping those with gambling problems. For instance:
United Kingdom
If you live in the UK, you have access to numerous valuable resources, such as:
Contact for Problem Gambling in Canada
Like in Europe, every Canadian province operates its helpline for problem gambling:
Understanding the Types of Support Available
You might not feel comfortable picking up the phone to talk to a stranger about your deepest emotions, and that's okay. There are plenty of ways to reach out for help aside from phone calls, such as:
- Live chat: Many compulsive gambling organizations offer real-time support through text on their official website.
- WhatsApp or SMS.
- Physical and online group meetings.
- One-on-one counseling.
Individual Counseling vs. Support Groups
There are two main types of counseling for gambling addiction: one-on-one therapy and support groups, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
Personal counseling could be the way to go if you're more private or prefer to discuss your issues in-depth. It gives you space to focus entirely on your journey.
On the other hand, if you thrive in social settings, support groups may be better for you. During problem gambling group meetings, you can listen to others facing similar struggles, share insights based on your journeys, and encourage each other to keep going.
Compulsive Gambling Hotlines vs. Helplines: Which One Do You Need?
It depends on the severity of your situation and what you are looking for.
If you seek general support with gambling issues, a helpline will do just fine. However, if you feel like you're losing control, a problem gambling hotline is the better option.
Hotlines are designed for urgent situations and are typically staffed by trained healthcare professionals.
In contrast, some compulsive gambling helplines connect you with a volunteer on the other end of the line. Their level of training and expertise can differ based on the organization running the helpline.
How to Approach Seeking Help: Dealing With Fears & Stigma
Admitting that you might have a gambling problem can be challenging, and reaching out may seem intimidating.
But keep this in mind: When you ask for help, you're talking to professionals who hear stories like yours daily, so nothing you can say will surprise them or change how they see you.
If you don’t like a specific helpline, you can always contact another one; plenty of fish are in the sea.
What to Expect During Your First Call or Chat
When you contact a gambling addiction organization, a trained counselor will answer your call or message. They will ask about your situation and what kind of support you need.
Based on your responses, they will guide you to self-help resources, support groups, or treatment programs.
You can share as much or as little as you're comfortable with, and they usually won't ask for personal information like your name or location.
What happens in Vegas
Everything you discuss with the person on the other end of the line stays confidential.
Resources for Friends and Family of Problem Gamblers
It may be tricky to convince a loved one struggling with gambling issues to admit they have a problem, let alone reach out for help.
Here are a couple of things I recommend you start with:
1. Create a Safe Space
The first and most important thing you can do is provide your person with a nonjudgmental environment in which they can freely express their feelings.
2. Share Your Story
If relevant, share your own experiences with addiction and discuss what helped you overcome it.
Highlight the importance of support and provide your loved one with personal insights on problem gambling contacts that made a difference in your recovery journey.
3. Suggest a Self-Assessment
Encourage them to complete a self-questionnaire to evaluate their situation without feeling pressured.
4. Provide Resources
If they acknowledge their problem, offer them appropriate contacts for problem gambling support.
For instance, if they're uncomfortable speaking on the phone, recommend organizations that provide live chat or email options.
5. Accompany Them to a Meeting
If they're hesitant to call a helpline or unsure if their gambling is a serious issue, invite them to join you at a family support group meeting, such as those hosted by Gam-Anon or GA.
They will likely feel more comfortable if there’s a familiar face around.
Need a hand?
If your loved one refuses help, you can always contact a problem gambling helpline for advice on how to assist them best.
When things get out of hand
If someone you know is in a severe situation or immediate danger, you can call emergency services or arrange an intervention to ensure they get the help they need. They might get mad at you, but they will be healthy.
Thanks for Getting Down Here
If you're reading this, you've already taken a significant step toward recovery, whether for yourself or someone you care about.
Acknowledging that there's a possible issue is the first crucial step in the healing process. The journey continues by connecting with the contacts for problem gambling that work for you.
Many dedicated professionals can support you via chat, phone calls, emails, support groups, or therapy sessions. You’re not alone; they can help you regain control and enjoy life fully.