How can we help addicted gamblers recover

[hyudien]

I think before helping addicts we need to know the level of addiction that person is experiencing, it can be categorized as mild and moderate addicts, and maybe we are also at that stage, struggling to keep gambling responsibly because I believe that even though we know how to limit our gambling, we will always be at a point where we also face emotional gambling, well if someone is at this level of addiction we can help them alleviate the addiction with the same advice that worked for us, and if it has entered a severe addiction, any advice is not enough to stop the gambling habit and at this level only experts can help them cure their addiction or minimize it.

[Ronsbit]

OP, your points are valid, but I am sure that it takes self-will to be able to take decision. Stopping addiction is not as easy as ABC, it takes a strong will from whoever is willing to listen to get themselves out of it. Sometimes the will is there, but some unforeseen circumstances also contribute to the reason why it seems that some addicted gamblers hardly come out, however, self-determination to stop addiction is what matters because if a gambler is willing to do so, then they will have the patience to follow up on all these items on your list.

[rachael9385]

First of all, you cannot save who does not want to be saved, there are some people that are not willing to recover and there nothing you can do to help them. Before you think about helping anyone to recover from gambling addiction you must first of all see the willingness they have to recover. Basically what they need is therapy and perhaps ways to restrict them from gambling more. You can take control of their Bank account so they don't fund their gambling accounts.

[Iroh]

We see a lot of topics on gambling addiction so it's nice to see a topic on tips on how to help people who are addicted, slowly leave the habit.
I like how you noted in your points on how important it is to be patient with the addicted gambler as well as letting them know they're loved and wanted. These feelings can help motivate the addicted individual to quit the habit as it feels good knowing someone out there cares about your well being and hasn't given up on you despite your addiction and all the negative effects it brings.
While it's important to be patient with the addicted individual, it's more important to be firm with your decisions if you truly want to help the individual.

All effort to help an addicted individual would be fruitless if the individual refuses help. For actual progress to take place, the addicted individual needs to first accept the fact that he's addicted and is open to help to get better. Only then would all the effort made turn out to be fruitful.

[Asiska02]

Helping an addicted gambler recover can be a kind of hard , one need to be strategic, because addiction is not something that start at a spot , it’s a habit that has been  form overtime , not one day , so to help a person out of this situation comes with a whole lot of work , firstly,  is to look  for a therapist to counseling such person , because it gets a lot of mental work to deal with , then close friend and family support are needed to achieve it , lastly the addicted gambler should also help him self by trying his possible best to abstain from it , during the recovery process .

OP has good points but this is not how addicted people can actually get relief of the addiction quickly. There is what we call withdrawal syndrome and even with this step, it’ll take a long time before the person finally leaves addiction. It is a gradual process and every process needs to be followed calmly before we see an addicted gambler leaves gambling. It may take a long time but with goodwill and honest intention, an addicted gambler will overcome that state and be free again. It is actually something that is very crucial and the process of getting an addicted gambler out of this state is very cumbersome but in the end, it is worth the process and sacrifice.

[Sonia_123]

It is only easy when the gambler accepts he his addicted and then get him a therapist that will always counsel him on what to do and the best direction to follow that is if the addiction is controllable but if not controllable, then you will have to take the person to rehab where proper medication will be given to recover and then advice the person to stay of gambling or gamble with caution for fun.

[Vaculin]

Best way is for the addicted gambler to quit gambling because that is the only way out. You should know that it boils down to the gambler if he's determined to quit gambling or not. If he's not determined to come out from gambling addiction, all your efforts will be in vain.

If the gambler is willing to come out from addiction, he should replace his gambling activities with other sports or activities to keep him busy. If an addict doesn't quit gambling, it will be difficult for him to come out from addiction.

If the gambler is heavily addicted, then quitting could be very hard for him. He should take small steps first with the help of the family and friends that could build emotional and mental support for the gambler.

But of course, there should be a sign that the gambler is willing to get rid of addiction, because that would also motivate the people around to exert more efforts and help him more. The more hopeful and motivated the gambler is, then it will be quite easier for the support system to function and help the gambler until he recovers.

[Asuspawer09]

I think it just a very long process to actually cure gambling addictions, not really just gambling addiction but addiction on general it was really something that need a lot of attention because it is not going to be easy as far as I know addict already wanted to change, it's not like they wanted to accept it already all of the addict reall wanted to change it themselfves already they wanted to stop gambling something like that, or maybe they wanted to stop smoking but they just can't do it they always going to go back because they are addicted into it.

That is probably why most of the cure needed a long rehabilitation in order to cure gambling, you need to put them into a room where they cannot do any gambling so that they could rewire that brain that there was no actual need to do that addiction, but it is going to take a long process in order to completely remove it, because it is going to be slow, so that it wouldn't something that might go back again in the future.

[Accardo]

One of the ways I thought of to help an addicted gambler, is to tell them to get busy with something that could occupy their mind and reasoning. You know when someone is less busy, the thought of gambling can come up.

The other distraction has to be top notch interesting the kind that wouldn't let the player a breathing space, s/he could out of the crossed activity turn to a former gambler. What other leisure plays could come in mind that wouldn't evolve the thoughts of gaming? Gamblers find it hard to switch, the few who chose to get involved in real life games like volleyball could still find themselves amongst team mates who are gamblers.

[AmoreJaz]

I think it just a very long process to actually cure gambling addictions, not really just gambling addiction but addiction on general it was really something that need a lot of attention because it is not going to be easy as far as I know addict already wanted to change, it's not like they wanted to accept it already all of the addict reall wanted to change it themselfves already they wanted to stop gambling something like that, or maybe they wanted to stop smoking but they just can't do it they always going to go back because they are addicted into it.

That is probably why most of the cure needed a long rehabilitation in order to cure gambling, you need to put them into a room where they cannot do any gambling so that they could rewire that brain that there was no actual need to do that addiction, but it is going to take a long process in order to completely remove it, because it is going to be slow, so that it wouldn't something that might go back again in the future.

First and foremost, it should come from the person himself, because it would only be useless if he is not willing to change. But we can help them if they ask for it. If not, it would be a disaster for both parties. So the initiation of change should come from the addicted gambler himself. If he is sincerely asking for assistance to get out of that rubble, then, there's hope that he can get out of that terrible situation he is in.

[Nothingtodo]

An addicted gambler can get more help from his own family members than from outsiders. He should plan to stop gambling. He should have an open discussion with his family members and keep him in an environment where there is no opportunity to participate in gambling. He should be kept in a good environment and behave friendly and before that he should work according to the plan on how to stop gambling with the advice of a good psychological doctor. He should keep the gambler away from his friends so that he does not get inspired again by his friends. He should go on a long drive to an entertaining environment where he can get some mental change. That is, he should be kept in an environment where entertainment and everything that prevents gambling are available in sufficient quantities.

[Bitcoin.com97]

Best way is for the addicted gambler to quit gambling because that is the only way out. You should know that it boils down to the gambler if he's determined to quit gambling or not. If he's not determined to come out from gambling addiction, all your efforts will be in vain.

If the gambler is willing to come out from addiction, he should replace his gambling activities with other sports or activities to keep him busy. If an addict doesn't quit gambling, it will be difficult for him to come out from addiction.

Quitting just the way you said it will be difficult, but it’s true that the addicted gambler has to be determined to stop, before external help can come in, because you can’t be going about trying to find solutions when the person in question hasn’t made his or her mind to quit , and I think getting such person a job or other activities that will keep him very busy will also help him out ,if not helping an addicted gambler recover can be a whole lot , lastly family support and love is very very important at that crucial moment.

[Dave1]

Best way is for the addicted gambler to quit gambling because that is the only way out. You should know that it boils down to the gambler if he's determined to quit gambling or not. If he's not determined to come out from gambling addiction, all your efforts will be in vain.

If the gambler is willing to come out from addiction, he should replace his gambling activities with other sports or activities to keep him busy. If an addict doesn't quit gambling, it will be difficult for him to come out from addiction.

Quitting just the way you said it will be difficult, but it’s true that the addicted gambler has to be determined to stop, before external help can come in, because you can’t be going about trying to find solutions when the person in question hasn’t made his or her mind to quit , and I think getting such person a job or other activities that will keep him very busy will also help him out ,if not helping an addicted gambler recover can be a whole lot , lastly family support and love is very very important at that crucial moment.

Right, it should start from themselves, that they have the mindset to really quit before help comes. Because if they keep on insisting that they are not addicted but then others says so, it might be very hard from outside to bring help.

Although I will share one experience with one of my addicted friend. Really lost a lot of money in the process and his family is begging him to stop. And then one day, they trick my friend that they are going to have a eat out, but then they go directly to a rehab facility and my friend didn't have any choice but to go with it.

And thank God after almost a half a year on the rehab facility, he was a change person and never go back to gambling.

[Mandoy]

Helping an addicted gambler recover can be a kind of hard , one need to be strategic, because addiction is not something that start at a spot , it’s a habit that has been  form overtime , not one day , so to help a person out of this situation comes with a whole lot of work , firstly,  is to look  for a therapist to counseling such person , because it gets a lot of mental work to deal with , then close friend and family support are needed to achieve it , lastly the addicted gambler should also help him self by trying his possible best to abstain from it , during the recovery process .

OP has good points but this is not how addicted people can actually get relief of the addiction quickly. There is what we call withdrawal syndrome and even with this step, it’ll take a long time before the person finally leaves addiction. It is a gradual process and every process needs to be followed calmly before we see an addicted gambler leaves gambling. It may take a long time but with goodwill and honest intention, an addicted gambler will overcome that state and be free again. It is actually something that is very crucial and the process of getting an addicted gambler out of this state is very cumbersome but in the end, it is worth the process and sacrifice.

One of the points that you have made is quite important and that recovery cannot be instant. The problem of gambling addiction evolves with time, and it is quite logical to wait that its solution would also take time and slow progress. It can also be complicated by withdrawal symptoms and mental dependence, and that is why consistency and good support systems are vital. Therapy, family support and personal determination are all significant, however, none of them will work overnight. After hard work, personal awareness, and time, an addicted gambler is able to gradually become in control and ultimately quit the habit.

[maydna]

Asking them to do something new that could distract their minds from thinking gambling. Perhaps it is difficult but at least you should try so they will not just thinks about gambling.

Preventing them to visit casino, online or offline will starting to help them reducing their gambling activities. It will works if they willing to leaves gambling forever so they will follow your suggestion and slowly leaving gambling.

If they don't want to leaving gambling forever but wants to limits their gambling activities, you can helps them by teaching them to allocates some money. They needs to realize that gambling is not everything and not a source of income.

[TheUltraElite]

Losing interest in things previously loved to do and spending more time on gambling than previously.

These are basic things that need to looked out for. Friends and family who are involved in the good will of the person will be the first to note this and can also help out the person maximally. Often the gambler is resistant to change because they are enjoying the gambling process without knowing that addiction is setting in.

Hence every gambler should be careful of their own habit first.

[Yablee0]

Op, your point are valid I must say, and I also want to add up to what you have already said. Gamble addiction is no child's play, it's something very serious and required utmost attention. The first step to help an addicted gambler is to first find out from the person in question if is ready and willing to be free from addictions and if yes that will automatically go a way in the process. Because it is a different ball game for someone wanting to be free from gambling addiction by himself, like showing remorse for his previous actions and seek change than you forcing the person for change, it will definitely not going to be easy.

Secondly, rehabilitating addicted gamblers is also helpful and it goes a long way in their healing process, moreover their are thousands of addicted gamblers that has seen a way out of addiction through rehabilitation, however this sector also play a significant role in the society.

[uneng]

Listen to what the addicted gambler has to say. At some point he will reveal problematic aspects of his personal life which led him to find in gambling some temporary relief. I think you can help by delivering hope to the addicted gambler. Tell him that even though things don't look bright right now, there is always chance of recovering and changing the way life is going through.

But it can be only possible by changing the daily routine, little actions and decisions which make total difference on the bigger picture. So, after all, it's up to him to decide changing or continuing this problematic way.

[sotelorene]

OP, your points are valid, but I am sure that it takes self-will to be able to take decision. Stopping addiction is not as easy as ABC, it takes a strong will from whoever is willing to listen to get themselves out of it. Sometimes the will is there, but some unforeseen circumstances also contribute to the reason why it seems that some addicted gamblers hardly come out, however, self-determination to stop addiction is what matters because if a gambler is willing to do so, then they will have the patience to follow up on all these items on your list.

You are right, addiction sometimes may look so easy and simple for someone who have not been addicted to anything but trust me it is not as simple and easy, getting away from it is not always easy because it is like a character that has been internalized and sometimes it takes only the grace of God for someone to recover or be revived because it is a disease that doesn't go so easily. One should not pray for addiction as it is capable of destroying live and that is why we are supposed to use what we can afford to lose so we don't chase it after loss.

[Agbamoni]

..but that can only work when the gambler creates a space for you to educate them on where they are wrong; if they are unwilling, then all you will be doing will sound like noise in their ear.

It is a difficult task to advise someone who still believes their next bet will result in a win. They will only listen to you when they are tired of losing. The moment you tell them the truth, they see you as someone who wants to discourage them from the little hope they still have left, and nobody likes someone who says the truth that sounds negative to them.