ChristineOTrying to decide what kind of problem gambling support you need is really difficult.
There are different options out there, but what do they all mean? How do they work? And what are the benefits? We’re going to tell you about the main types of problem gambling support out there so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you.
These types of supports can be used if you yourself are struggling or if you’re trying to support a close friend of family member.
Problem gambling support types
Support groups
It can help when you realise you’re not the only person going through something. Support groups are where several people who are also struggling get together. That could be people who themselves are struggling with addiction, or friends or family members who are affected by their loved ones’ problem gambling.
Depending on your circumstances and location, it’s possible to find support groups online or in person. Online chat rooms and forums can be good sources of support and information.
Counselling and therapy
Counselling and therapy are examples of one-to-one support. This lets you discuss your personal issues with one other, professional, trained person. It is confidential and non-judgemental.
This kind of problem gambling support is very popular and very effective. Through this, you have someone who can listen to you, support you, give you impartial advice and find a way to explore other options and approaches that can help you.
You can get in touch with an organisation like Be Gamble Aware, who have advisors who can help you decide what type of counselling or therapy might work best for you. And then you can also decide how often you should meet with your counsellor or therapist, for example weekly or monthly. And if you should do it in person, online or over the phone.
This is a very flexible type of support that can help people in most situations and circumstances.
Residential support
It can be intimidating to agree to residential support, but in some cases it’s the only option you can take. These programmes see you enter a new environment for several weeks or months. Sometimes being out of your normal routine and doing something completely different can really help you escape the triggers for problem gambling.
Ever residential support centre is different, but each one uses a mix of approaches and uses lots of professionals from different disciplines to help you find the path out of addiction. This is often an intensive process, but can be extremely valuable so you can work out strategies to help you stop gambling for good and turn a new, healthier leaf in your life.
Additional resources and information
The most important thing if you or a loved one is grappling with problem gambling is to get external support. One great place that has lots of information is Be Gamble Aware. That website helps you find different types of support that is suitable for you, as well as explains a lot of different elements about problem gambling. You can also contact them directly for support.
We also have a lot of responsible gambling posts that might interest you. Here are a few of them to get you started:
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