How to Help Someone With a Gambling Problem

A gambling addiction is a serious problem that affects many people. According to Helpguide.org, 15 million people suffer from a gambling problem in the United States. Those who have a gambling problem forget about their duties at home and work and have financial struggles. Many individuals may have difficulty admitting that they have an addiction. If you know someone who suffers from a gambling addiction, there are ways to help.

Instructions

• 1

  Choose an appropriate time to talk to the person about his gambling problem. If he has just finished a gambling episode, he may be more likely to talk about it. Talk to him in a calm and understanding manner so he knows that you truly care about his well-being. Explain to him how his gambling is hurting him. For example, talk to him about his absences from work or his financial struggles.

• 2

  Tell him how is gambling problem is affecting others in a calm and rational manner. Do not get angry and yell at him because that may make him more defensive. If he admits to his problem, advise him to seek professional help. Offer to go with him to see a counselor if he is afraid to go by himself .

• 3

  Learn how to respond when he is asking you for money. Those who gamble typically know how to manipulate others to give them money. They may even plead and make you feel guilty if you do not give them money. No matter how much he asks, do not give him money because it will only make his addiction worse. Instead, calmly tell him that you cannot support his addiction by giving him money.

• 4

  Support him in his battle with his addiction and acknowledge when he has made positive steps to change his life. Offer him praise when he has completed one of his goals. He will appreciate that you care about his recovery and will be more likely to continute treatment. Always ask him if he needs help and be patient during his recovery process.

• 5

  Advise him to join a support group for gamblers. Being around others who suffer from the same addiction may help him to not feel so alone. They may also offer tips that have helped them battle their problems with gambling.