More help needed for young gambling addicts, researchers say

Players start placing higher bets in hopes of winning a jackpot and getting the same exciting feeling. Recognize when you are overstepping, and remind yourself that it’s not your job to “fix” the gambler. Therapy or counseling can be an excellent resource to navigate these dynamics. Get information and resources on how to deal with a loved one’s gambling and how to protect yourself. Between caring for a problem gambler and caring for yourself, the process can be overwhelming, but you are not alone.

By regularly engaging in the habit of risking something of value for something of even greater value, constantly triggering the brain’s reward system, gambling can become a serious addiction. The potential for financial ruin, mental ruin and harming loved ones are all possible when someone falls victim to this condition – hence why gambling addiction family support is so important. While peer support can be a valuable component of recovery, professional treatment may also be necessary. Problem gambling can have serious financial, emotional and psychological consequences, and some individuals may require professional treatment to effectively address these concerns. Peer support can complement formal treatment options and help individuals stay connected in their recovery journey.

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You may be suffering through sleepless nights, held awake by the fear of more broken promises. You may be suffering through feelings of isolation, sadness or despair. You may be devastated by financial problems and the deterioration of relationships. You may feel alone, or as if nobody could understand what you’re going through. The family members and friends might wonder how they can best support their loved one experiencing problem gambling.

According to Defense Health Agency system data, there were 185 service members with a gambling-related diagnosis in fiscal 2024. Not only has technology made gambling more accessible, but it’s also made gambling more addictive. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards. Discover how therapy can help treat addiction by offering a safe space to explore your goals, learn new skills, and move forward.

It is driven by changes in the brain’s reward system, making quitting extremely challenging without professional help. Friends and family are often the first to notice the problem, making their role crucial in recovery. It’s a good idea to speak with a professional who specializes in gambling problems.

• These apps track your play patterns and learn the best time to prompt you to play more.
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• These slot machines are located only at some overseas installations, not in the U.S.
• The report found Queensland reported the highest prevalence of gambling, at 70.2 per cent, followed by Western Australia at 69.6 per cent, and South Australia at 67.9 per cent.

These recently legalized forms of gambling also make gambling more accessible. With the availability of online sports wagering, people can gamble 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rather than going to a casino or going to a convenience store to buy a lottery ticket, you now can make wagers by simply pressing buttons on your phone.

Previously people would gamble for years or even decades before feeling the need to see health professionals for help. Now it’s becoming more common to have people seeking support for gambling problems that have been gambling in under a year. When gambling is just one click away, it’s easy to fall into old patterns. Reducing your access to online gambling can create momentum that helps break automatic behaviors to help you give up gambling.

Compulsive gambling, or gambling addiction, is a serious disorder where someone feels unable to stop gambling, even when it causes harm. This condition affects not only the gambler but also their friends and family. The emotional toll can be overwhelming, often leading to frustration, financial strain, and a sense of helplessness. In addition to professional treatment options, like Birches Health, there are gambling addiction family support groups, like Gam-Anon. Gam-Anon is the sister group to Gamblers Anonymous and is a 12-step program and fellowship composed of men and women who have been hurt by a loved one.

During the process, it’s important to celebrate each win, no matter how small. Allow yourself to celebrate every time you go a full day without gambling, resist the urge to place a bet, or go for a walk instead of gambling. Instead of gambling, fill your time with activities that bring a sense of purpose.

Problem gambling also affects families, partnerships, and households. If you have used your child’s trust fund for gambling activities, your partner may never trust you again with money. Codependency often arises when someone becomes overly involved in managing the gambler’s life. This dynamic can trap both parties in unhealthy patterns, making it harder for the gambler to take responsibility for their actions.

When this happens, treat yourself with compassion rather than shame. Pay attention to the situations, emotions, or people that prompt your urge to gamble. It may help to keep track in a journal or even a note in your phone to help you notice patterns over time. Once you understand your triggers, you can begin to take steps to interrupt the cycle before it starts. Use “I” statements like, “I’m worried about how gambling is affecting you and our family.” Suggest seeking professional help. Akin to other forms of addiction, the most important rule to remember when trying to help a problem gambler is that it is up to the individual to recognize their condition and act on it.

However, studies show that only about 10% of pathological gamblers ever seek professional help. The rest struggle in silence due to shame, denial, or a belief that they can “win their way out” of the problem. Setting boundaries is one of the most effective ways to help without losing yourself in the process. A boundary isn’t about punishment; it’s about protecting your emotional and financial health while guiding the gambler toward recovery. Responding to a problem gambler requires both compassion and firmness. It is important to express your concern to your family member and your willingness to support them in overcoming their gambling problem.

At this moment, it is best to avoid labeling them, as they are likely ashamed and embarrassed. It’s also crucial at this moment to let them know you are by their side and want to support them. Problem gambling is a recognized psychological impulse control disorder.

The findings follow a survey published earlier this year by sector regulator the Gambling Commission which suggested 2.5% of the adult population may be experiencing problem gambling. Gambling often begins as a harmless way to unwind after work or add excitement to a weekend. Over time, this imbalance can cause emotional exhaustion, resentment, and a loss of self-identity for the codependent individual. Find out how Linda helped her husband overcome his problem gambling habit.

Support the Division

This therapy technique helps you recognize unhelpful thought patterns and teaches you how to reframe those thoughts. A therapist can also help you rebuild your self-esteem, strengthen your relationships, and manage other mental health concerns that go hand in hand with gambling. Talking about your gambling with a loved one can be uncomfortable, but it’s a powerful step toward healing. Yes, with the right gullybet login treatment and support, many compulsive gamblers can recover and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Therapy, support groups, and accountability are critical components of recovery. Whether it is a friend or a family member suffering from gambling addiction, carefully and calmly communicating your feelings to let them know how their behavior is negatively impacting you is important.

The report found Queensland reported the highest prevalence of gambling, at 70.2 per cent, followed by Western Australia at 69.6 per cent, and South Australia at 67.9 per cent. “We’re impacting our children, who have no idea about gambling, especially at my son’s age. They’re getting conditioned.” He realised he needed to get help when he was in his late 20s and found it was affecting his day-to-day life, such as being unable to afford fuel for his car.

Learn how to help loved ones who are problem gamblers, and in turn, how to help yourself if you have close ties to a problem gambler. To communicate Gam-Anon’s understanding of compulsive gambling and its impact on our lives. Loved ones of an individual experiencing gambling problems might experience negative emotions, such as anger, fear, confusion, guilt, and hopelessness. As a clinician, you can provide them a message of hope and reassurance. One of the most beautiful prophecies in Scripture is the seventy-week prophecy found in the book of Daniel. These awesome verses lay out the entire schedule and plan of redemption, about 500 years before the actual events would take place.