How to help someone with a gambling problem?

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A tiny step towards the long journey of de-addiction

Gambling is something which is passionately played and affectionately indulged by fun-loving Australians as a tradition which has seen a history of many years. What starts as pleasure will take a poisonous turn when it develops as an addiction. Compulsive gambling is a progressive health condition that could arrive even after many years of you staying away from it. The need to wage can be so intense that it leads to many more unwanted and unpleasant scenarios like stealing, lying and exploiting the savings on something which is way beyond their priority. 

Why does Australia get addicted to Gambling problems? 

Gambling addiction must be controlled in the initial stages of its occurrence to shun the possibility of the addiction overpowering the affected individuals. The earlier the problem is tackled, the better the results of the de-addiction process. Yet compulsive gambling is a difficult demon to defeat as it is a serious psychosomatic disorder wherein the treatment includes therapies and mental stability in place of medicines. 

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Controlling Gambling Addiction Problem – For a Better Life 

It all starts with something simple like you wagering money on behalf of your friend. The pleasure builds up to be a casual affair, then becomes a stress reliever and later grows up to addiction without your knowledge. Research says that it all depends on the person who develops it as an addiction and the speed of addiction is extremely subjective as it differs from one person to another. It all depends on what kind of gambling they are into. It is said that gambling addiction increases rapidly among people who are into online gambling and the pokies. The compulsion to gamble more and more can develop over a year or even less that is based on the kind of games they are involved with. Those who bet at the turf club or wager money for blackjack are said to take a long time as the monotony is broken with breaks in the middle, giving them a way to increase their anticipation and become addicts over a period of time. 

10 signs of problem gambling 

Points to diagnosing a gambling addiction

  • Spending on gambling based on the affordability
  • Problematic relationships
  • Work-life getting affected
  • No control over wagering
  • Increase in the number of gambling hours
  • Hiding the addiction from family, friends or medical professionals
  • Lying, stealing and getting into criminal acts
  • Borrowing money, landing in debt. 

How to deal with gambling addiction or how to stop gambling? Are there any factors that can come as a help for gambling addictions? It is possible by following certain methods and treatments that will gradually decrease the dependency on gambling for soul solace.  

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Here are a few reliable steps that can be taken either as a part of self-help or to lead someone towards a safer and meaningful life - 

1. Talk it out:

Having a conversation with a cool head and a relaxed mind is what is required as first aid to tackle this problem. The conversation should not start with blame games; neither should it have any negative remarks against the individual dealing with a problem. Start with talking about all those nicer things one can obtain after giving up the addiction towards gambling. Love for oneself and the family can never be more than love towards one’s addictions. Optimistic opinions blended with futuristic ideas to get them out of this vicious circle of darkness are the best start for de-addiction. 

2. Be prepared:

Be ready to take tantrums and foul-mouthed expressions from the addicts as they do know not what they are talking about. It is their compulsive behaviour which is making them blurt out their frustrations. Let it go, let them go with their emotions. Let them drain out their stress this way. Stay focused and be patient. 

3. Encourage and appreciate:

After each and every attempt of theirs to keep them away from gambling, be supportive and applaud their decision with a special mention. This can be coupled with some good rewards like a nice gift or an opportunity to get out and watch their favourite movie or even binge on their favourite food. Let them earn the respect they deserve. 

4. Suggest healthy practices:

Gambling de-addiction does not mean that a person is completely banned from wagering money. It has to be done with great responsibility and with conscience vigilance. Make them understand the difference between the urge and the option to wager. The initial days of the right kind of treatment and counselling will definitely play a crucial role to connect well during this stage. Be clear on the decisions and never let them take the hasty decision of going back to square one. 

5. Meet and greet:

Take gambling-infected individuals to meet those who are free from addiction. Make them join such clubs where people come and share their experiences and tried and tested solutions to come out of it. These are the best methods for a self-helper. Talking to those who were once gambling addicts, knowing about their journey towards a better life can be an inspiration by itself.