From being a fun and occasionally profitable pastime, gambling has become a huge and pressing problem in the UK as many bettors develop compulsive gambling behaviour. Moreover, gambling does not only affect an individual’s financial stability, mental health, and overall well-being. It also takes a toll on the lives of their spouses, parents, children, friends, co-workers, and almost everyone around them The good thing is that overcoming gambling-related habits is possible. If you know someone who wonders how to get help for gambling problems in the UK, this blog will definitely help you.
We at GamLEARN, support and empower those who have experienced gambling-related harm, and offer free services to get your life back.
Step 1: Understanding Gambling Problems
The biggest and most powerful step in recovering from gambling problems is recognising the issue. Although it could be challenging at first, admitting you have gambling problems marks the beginning of your journey towards recovery and eventually opens the door to receiving the support you need.
It would also be helpful to identify the common signs of gambling problems which include the following:
- Spending more money on gambling activities
- Devoting time to gambling rather than accomplishing personal responsibilities
- Neglecting work, family, or school
- Borrowing money and selling possessions to fund gambling
- Facing mental health problems due to gambling losses
By confronting the issue honestly, you lay the foundation for making meaningful and lasting changes in your life. Remember that accepting that you have this problem is not a sign of weakness, instead, a powerful act of self-awareness and responsibility.
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Step 2: Getting Professional Help
After acknowledging that gambling has become a huge struggle in having a peaceful life, the next crucial step is seeking professional support. Like the admission of gambling problems, for some, talking to a general practitioner (GP) and discussing gambling issues could be challenging and embarrassing. However, it is important to note that GPs are trained medical professionals who are experts in handling sensitive issues with discretion and compassion.
GPs can give you advice on how to successfully overcome the urge to gamble again. Also, they can connect you with further support in case you need the services of specialists, counsellors, or local mental health teams. By communicating with your GP, you are not only taking a proactive step towards managing your gambling problems but also paving the way to building a strong support network that can sustain your recovery.
Step 3: Consider Therapy
After talking to your GP, they could refer you for psychological treatment, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), one of the most regarded approaches for tackling gambling problems.
Therapies, such as CBT, provide safe and medically proven approaches where health professionals can dig deep into the emotional and psychological triggers, hence, developing effective and healthier coping mechanisms and strategies for managing difficult times while recovering from gambling problems. Undergoing professional therapy also addresses important mental health issues brought about by compulsive gambling, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Experts can give behavioural techniques which an individual could follow including setting financial limits, totally avoidance of gambling-related cues, and creating more productive routines that promote a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Therapies can be delivered through one-to-one counselling sessions, group therapy, or online sessions. Remember that seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is a courageous step in getting your life back.
Step 4: Join a Support Group
Recovering from gambling problems should not be accomplished alone. Aside from considering getting the services of medical professionals in therapies, you could also join a support group. Support network groups, such as GamLEARN, offer a space to connect with others who genuinely understand what you are going through since members of these groups also faced gambling problems in the past. In fact, peer support groups have fellows who have successfully recovered from compulsive betting. From listening to their experiences and stories, you can get inspiration on how to overcome gambling habits which would serve as a huge reminder that recovery is possible.
Other than just emotional encouragement, peer groups are also a good source of practical advice. One can learn coping strategies, insights on what helps in avoiding relapse, and steps on how to regain trust with loved ones.
Step 5: Self-Exclude from Gambling Activities
Above all, excluding from gambling activities could be the most effective way to support your recovery. This means taking deliberate steps to block yourself from accessing gambling venues, websites, and platforms where you may be tempted to place bets again. This proactive measure exhibits your willingness and dedication to change and can definitely shield you from relapse during vulnerable moments.
As online gambling becomes more accessible, there are also structured self-exclusion schemes available for online betting. Once you are registered to these online services, you will be disallowed from accessing sites or setting up new accounts. There are also self-exclusion schemes that ban an individual from physical betting shops, casinos, and arcades within their local area. Likewise, many banks also offer gambling transaction blocks which can prevent your debit card or credit card account from being used on gambling sites.
When attending peer support group sessions in GamLEARN meet-ups, you can also discuss with other members how they successfully resist indulging in the temptation of trying online gambling again. You may also ask for advice from your GP or therapist if you struggle to exclude yourself from gambling activities.
FAQs on How to Get Help for Gambling Problems in the UK
How do I know if I need help in addressing my gambling problems?
If gambling is negatively affecting your finances, relationship with the family, professional aspect, and mental health, it is important to seek help. If you wonder how to get help for gambling problems in the UK, you can contact your GP, undergo therapy, or join peer support groups.
Are support services confidential?
Yes! Helplines, online chats and meet-ups, and face-to-face counselling, are completely confidential. Sessions with medical professionals are done compassionately, while support network groups, such as GamLEARN, also care about creating safe space environments for people in recovery, family, and friends who have been affected by gambling-related harm.
What are the effective steps in self-excluding from gambling activities?
There are multiple ways to help yourself from not trying gambling anymore. You can use blocking software and services for online gambling platforms, you can also register with a self-exclusion scheme for physical gambling venues. Moreover, many banks in the UK offer gambling transaction blocks. This prevents your card from being used on gambling sites or in gambling venues.
Need Help? We’re Here!
Knowing how to get help for gambling problems in the UK can be life-changing. Whether you are seeking aid for yourself or someone you know who faces gambling problems, there are different steps that can lead you to the path of recovery. With the right support, recovery is not just possible but sustainable.
Should you need help, GamLEARN is here to help. We support and empower those who have experienced gambling-related harm. Our services are completely free to access to those who are in active recovery or those affected by someone else’s gambling. Contact us by sending us a message at info@dev-gamlearn.brightonwebdesign-hosting.com.
