As a person close to someone addicted to gambling, you might feel sad, angry, and hurt by their behaviours. The way you feel is understandable because who would not be affected in such a situation? You don’t need to blame yourself for your addiction since this can cause more harm than good. We know that not only the gamblers need support, but also their families and friends. Before devoting yourself to helping your addicted loved one, it is wise to take care of yourself since being sober helps you to take good care of others. It is easier to offer help to others when you are healthy. If you desire to learn how to help a family member with gambling, here are tips to guide your loved one towards an addiction-free path.
Talk to Them
In most cases, people addicted to gambling usually deny their situation. You can help them realize their problem with gambling by simply talking to them. To gain their confidence and let them tell you the truth, take them to a private place and discuss the issue there. You should also give them enough time to pour out their minds so they feel comfortable around you.
If it’s your spouse with a gambling disorder, approach them as soon as you discover they have the problem and explain to them how their addiction impacts your finances. If it’s a parent, show them you are concerned and encourage them to seek help.
Offer Support, Not Judgment
Rather than judging your loved one about addiction and showing them how they have messed up things, show them your support and encourage them. Avoid sounding judgmental in your conversations since you might not offer the support needed in that manner. For instance, tell them “I am concerned about your spending”, rather than “you spend too much money”. Show them that you want to understand their problem and that you wish to help them.
Explain the Consequences
Explain the impacts of their behaviours and try to use a calm and objective tone. Tell them the financial, mental, social, and physical effects of gambling. Consequences of gambling may include;
- Falling into debt or becoming bankruptcy
- Getting relationship distress as gambling can keep you away from your loved ones.
- Physical and mental health problems including high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and insomnia.
Let them know that excessive gambling can result in violence, stealing and lying.
Be Patient with Them
Don’t expect someone to overcome gambling addiction overnight. Everything good takes time and effort. There might be some underlying issues contributing to gambling, and they must be addressed before recovery. Your loved one also needs to feel ready to change, and this might take some time. Don’t rush them; rather, be patient with them since forcing them can worsen the situation. Introduce them to positive activities to help them relax and overcome boredom rather than forcing a change on them.
In conclusion, gambling does not only affect the gamblers but also their loved ones. Therefore, recovery should be holistic and should aim to help all parties. If you are a person close to an addicted individual use these tips to help them overcome the problem. Talk to them, offer support rather than being judgmental and be patient and results will be rewarding. Let them know the consequences of their gambling behavior and encourage their change.