How can we help addicted gamblers recover

[Fiatless]

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.

There is this popular saying 'Where there is a will, there is a way". The sufferer would have to first accept that he has a problem and there should be a willingness to end the undesirable behaviour. The individual would see you as an enemy of his progress if he still sees gambling as his means of becoming rich. I spoke with one who was always using his daily wages to gamble and he started using abusive words on me. I have to avoid him.

[LFC_Bitcoin]

A good way to help someone with a gambling problem is to be patient and supportive not judgmental. Encourage them to talk about it and suggest getting help from a counsellor or support group.

It also helps to limit access to money like setting spending controls or having someone they trust manage finances for a while. Finding new hobbies or ways to spend time can reduce the urge to gamble. Remind them that recovery takes time and setbacks can happen but improvement is possible.

[cryptoaddictchie]

Good initiative op! I feel the absolute best way for addicted gamblers to control their addictions is for them to find out the root cause behind it which is easier said than done. Family or friends could help figure it out sometimes, but not always.

Psychologists could help too sometimes. These are secondary solutions. The primary solution is for them to figure it out themselves which may/may not be unique to each individual.

But only few recovered from self realization. It may sound impossible but I can feel that addiction is the most hard to fix. Well not just in gambling but in every vices. I can imagine more in gambling cause its operate using money and that urge is really hard to control for anyone whose status is already addict.

Some of my relatives who been addicted to gambling didnt even recovered even with the help of pyschologist. So for me its really haed  ut not totally impossible to pass.

[ruykeri]

The addicted person should be shown some real-life examples of how bad a person's life is due to gambling addiction. Then he can decide for himself what he really wants his future to look like. No one wants him to suffer financial losses due to addiction. They do not want to quit because of the possibility of profit in gambling. Although their situation is getting worse day by day. For this reason, he should also understand that the possibility of long-term profit from gambling is very low. Rather, the risk is high. we should be given time. All his daily life activities should be monitored. we should convinced and tried to stop him from all online and offline gambling platforms based on his consent. If necessary, We should also prevent him to use any device whice is applicable for gambling for a few days. In this way, it is possible to control an addicted person. Although the decision may change from person to person.

[Yeesha]

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.

For some people to even belive that they are addicted to something or gambling is very difficult, and if they do not believe in their addictive habits (or act) there is no way they will work through recovery because they are unaware of their present situation. Self-control and self-awareness are very very important for an addict to understand the state or status of their addiction. Some addict finds it very difficult to recover from addiction but with the help and support that they received from the people in their community will make everything more easier for them.

[viljy]

How can you help a gambling addict if you are not a doctor? The most effective method is violence. Either forced restriction of freedom (lock him in a room) or "preventive" beatings, or both. The fear of physical suffering from beatings will soon outweigh the thirst for gambling. Please note that gambling addiction and craving for sweets are similar in that they release dopamine in the body. But the metabolism is not disrupted! But drug addicts and alcoholics can be beaten to a pulp - the effect will be 0. Because drugs and alcohol are integrated into the metabolism!

That is, there is a difference at the chemical level between different types of addictions. Therefore, you can talk to an addicted gambler about his illness (this is the initial stage of treatment), and he will hear you, but an addict or alcoholic will not hear you, he will escape from a locked room even from the 5th floor. Any methods of physical violence (beatings) will not frighten him and will not force him to give up drugs or alcohol.

[Zadicar]

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.

For some people to even belive that they are addicted to something or gambling is very difficult, and if they do not believe in their addictive habits (or act) there is no way they will work through recovery because they are unaware of their present situation. Self-control and self-awareness are very very important for an addict to understand the state or status of their addiction. Some addict finds it very difficult to recover from addiction but with the help and support that they received from the people in their community will make everything more easier for them.

If someone do already get addicted to gambling then they would really be that having no sense of it because whats on their mind is that they would be able to gamble without having any issues but if other people do sees out on what he's been doing then its evident that he's already addicted but well there's no one would be able to tell someone on what they should gonna do and also getting out with addiction isnt something that would be so simple because the primary thing that comes up into your mind is that you would be that playing no matter what and as long you do have the money then you wouldnt stop and this is something that will make you push to play even more. How to help? There's no way that we can help them out because most of these gamblers are really just that dont care or dont listen on what others would be saying on which they will continue to play no matter what. If you are seeing as part of your family on being addicted with gambling then giving advise is normal but in overall on which it all matters about someones mentality.

[Obim34]

~snip

You should know that topics about awareness on how to help gambling addicts is not barely discussed, tons of topics has been raised and discussed exhaustively on how to help those addicted and are willingly to change.

You can't help someone who isn't ready for the change, first  step is to be certain that the person affected, already made up his/her mind to recover and treat addiction, before any further step. Next, paint a better picture of how life is improved for someone who isn't battling addiction, that may psychologically adjust their reasoning and convince them to stop.

[nimogsm]

~snip

You should know that topics about awareness on how to help gambling addicts is not barely discussed, tons of topics has been raised and discussed exhaustively on how to help those addicted and are willingly to change.

You can't help someone who isn't ready for the change, first  step is to be certain that the person affected, already made up his/her mind to recover and treat addiction, before any further step. Next, paint a better picture of how life is improved for someone who isn't battling addiction, that may psychologically adjust their reasoning and convince them to stop.

I think it all really comes down to real-life examples. Talking to someone who has recovered from gambling addiction and can share experiences and good advice will be the best solution. Empty talk about what's good and what's bad from someone who's far from it all certainly won't help.And people in white coats can also be very convincing when it comes to professional medical rehabilitation.

[Oshio-man]

By giving them encouragement on how to use small amounts to gamble to see the results before they can increase the amount of funds they are using to gamble, I think it will help addicted gamblers to find solution to their challenges and not to quit gambling, do everything possible not to be addicted to gambling because it can cause gamblers not to be value in their community until they changes their way to take advice from professional gamblers before they can be value again and it will be easy for such addicted gamblers to recover all their losses in the future.

[AmaGold70]

You have made some genue points here, addiction in gambling can be very challenging, and rescuing victims from gambling too is also not a simple task. However, with the right approach and persistence, there will definitely be a good outcome. To help an addicted gambler, regular sensitization is necessary, the gambler should be taught how to gamble responsibly, how he should manage his income, and allocate more of his money to other investment rather than wasting it in gambling. An addicted gambler should also be sensitized on time management, and reduce the rate of gambling both online and offline. With these measures, I believe you can be able to change an addicted gambler, and make him or to become responsible again.

[Findingnemo]

You have made some genue points here, addiction in gambling can be very challenging, and rescuing victims from gambling too is also not a simple task. However, with the right approach and persistence, there will definitely be a good outcome. To help an addicted gambler, regular sensitization is necessary, the gambler should be taught how to gamble responsibly, how he should manage his income, and allocate more of his money to other investment rather than wasting it in gambling. An addicted gambler should also be sensitized on time management, and reduce the rate of gambling both online and offline. With these measures, I believe you can be able to change an addicted gambler, and make him or to become responsible again.

What you are suggesting is managing the addiction which can help with recovery but it can be a very long process and who are not in the severe stage of addiction can try this like reducing their activities related to gambling gradually and take other steps on our own and it may not need help from anyone else.

But addicted people realize that they are deep into the addiction once it gets to far beyond so self help isn't going to be effective at that point.

[junder]

We will have our own ways to help a gambling addict recover but the key is to ensure they have the desire to recover from their addiction. If they don't, we're just wasting our time. Trust me, because I've experienced it myself and I've let it go and maybe they'll come to their senses.

I've personally suggested maintaining reasonable limits several times, but that doesn't work even among those addicted to gambling no one improves. That's why I let it go, even though I occasionally advise them.

[danherbias07]

For me, it's all about mental strength.

If a person can somehow avoid gambling even for just one day, that's a big step toward changing his lifestyle. It's a bad habit. The same as smoking and alcohol. Quitting those vices requires mental strength too, and I can tell because I have been one who quit smoking for 7 years now.
My mentality was to avoid the secondhand smoke that I would bring to my children, and I don't like that because they might become fragile due to sickness because of me. The same could be done in gambling addiction. If we think it's hurting our financial status, then it's better to make a decision to quit.

[Hardyrobust]

We will have our own ways to help a gambling addict recover but the key is to ensure they have the desire to recover from their addiction. If they don't, we're just wasting our time. Trust me, because I've experienced it myself and I've let it go and maybe they'll come to their senses.

I've personally suggested maintaining reasonable limits several times, but that doesn't work even among those addicted to gambling no one improves. That's why I let it go, even though I occasionally advise them.

until they realise the negative effect of gambling addiction or the damage it has done to them, how it is destroying them . It will be very hard to help an addicted gambler to quit gambling. So they must on there own bring out there mind and this willingness will only happen when there is an enlightenment, if not the possibilities isn't there because to them they are on the right track and it will be very hard to advise someone who thinks that they are doing the right thing.

[qwertyup23]

Good initiative op! I feel the absolute best way for addicted gamblers to control their addictions is for them to find out the root cause behind it which is easier said than done. Family or friends could help figure it out sometimes, but not always.

Psychologists could help too sometimes. These are secondary solutions. The primary solution is for them to figure it out themselves which may/may not be unique to each individual.

Just to add on the list that OP provided, it is also important to note that you must be there both mentally and psychologically to these gamblers. Like OP said, eliminating gambling addiction overnight is impossible because this habit has developed for years on that person.

Also do note that these gamblers are troubled with their addiction. They surely want to eliminate this habit but their brain's function makes it more difficult on their part to avoid it. It's like eating your favorite food- your normal reaction is to eat it and NOT to avoid it.

By giving them encouragement on how to use small amounts to gamble to see the results before they can increase the amount of funds they are using to gamble, I think it will help addicted gamblers to find solution to their challenges and not to quit gambling, do everything possible not to be addicted to gambling because it can cause gamblers not to be value in their community until they changes their way to take advice from professional gamblers before they can be value again and it will be easy for such addicted gamblers to recover all their losses in the future.

Sometimes, just our presence help greatly for them in recovering against addiction. If they know that you are one call away and they can rely on you, that's already a huge help on the part of these gamblers.

[freedomgo]

By giving them encouragement on how to use small amounts to gamble to see the results before they can increase the amount of funds they are using to gamble, <>

There are people who really just can’t handle gambling. They’re not satisfied with small bets because they don’t feel the thrill, but once they start betting big, they tend to chase losses and that leads to addiction.

So it’s safe to say gambling isn’t really for them. The best thing to do is to be direct and tell them to stop, find another form of entertainment, just not gambling. That way you address the problem straight to the point.

[Promocodeudo]

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.

They only people that will think that they can just walk away from addiction just like that are those that knows nothing about adduction, those that just discuss it without knowing what it is, addiction attack individuals and takes control of what they do, that's why some addicted persons don't believe that they are addicted, they think they are gambling the way they should, addiction is not something we should wish anyone, to help Addicted gambler, we must learn how to talk to them softly, make them understand how bad it is to be Addicted although this might be a difficult task because the person you want to help may not even admit that he is not Addicted and that's where you'll encounter problem.

[Somto9Light]

I think it all really comes down to real-life examples. Talking to someone who has recovered from gambling addiction and can share experiences and good advice will be the best solution. Empty talk about what's good and what's bad from someone who's far from it all certainly won't help.And people in white coats can also be very convincing when it comes to professional medical rehabilitation.

Experience might actually be the best teacher but that doesn’t mean that it’s only a recovered addict that can offer helpful tips to someone who’s currently struggling. Even one who was never actually an addict but has seen scenarios where an addicted person was helped can still offer his own advice and can actually be of help. An addicted person doesn’t necessarily need professional help, it all depends on the level of addiction and their willingness to recover.

[Pandu Geddon]

These are just my thought on how to stop gambling addiction but if you have any idea feel free to drop them.

The first thing to pay attention to is the intention and interest of the gambling addict to recover first. If the gambler themselves does not want to overcome their addiction problem, it will be difficult to accept any advice you give. Most addicts who are aware and want to change are those who are already in a serious condition and have lost many things. In severe cases, we can indeed help with everything you mentioned, but the process is better carried out with expert consultation.