Family members and Friends of Gamblers

Recognizing Problem Gambling:

Gambling is often called the “hidden addiction” because it is so easy for people with problems to keep it secret. Even so, there are a few things that a person can look for, if they think that a friend, or family member might have a problem with gambling.

Think carefully about the following questions:

• Does the person appear to have financial concerns?

Many problem gamblers experience negative consequences around their finances: they "chase losses" by trying to win back the money they've lost, they run into trouble with unpaid debts, they do things they normally wouldn't to get more money (i.e. Steal, work second jobs or a lot of overtime, borrow against their possessions).

• Are they untruthful about spending their time gambling?

Gamblers who run into problems do not want to admit that they are going back to try to recoup their losses. When they do speak about it they only talk about their winnings, and never how much they spent before winning.

• Are you noticing changes in mood and behaviour?

Running into problems in gambling can be very stressful for people because it can involve feelings of shame, guilt, loss of control, incompetence, and pain in realizing things have gone too far. However, stress can also arise for a problem gambler who is trying to positively change their behaviour. They may miss the game and the good feelings the game provided. Behavioural cues may come in the form of absence from regular events and gatherings, changes in eating, sleeping and working habits, as well as unexplained physical ailments like regular headaches.

As a friend or family member, if you have looked at these questions and answered affirmatively to any of them, it could mean that there are problems for a person in your life. You may want to dig a little deeper by asking questions, but please remember that services are always available to those who feel like they are “in over their heads.”

Tips for Families and Friends:

If you are a person who already knows someone they care about is having problems, here are a few tips that can be helpful.

• Awareness is key! Learn about problem gambling, and the effects it has on individuals and families.
• Protect yourself first. Create a boundary for yourself around how far you are willing to go to help a person. Don’t let anyone hurt you with his or her destructive behaviour.
• Ask yourself…What can you control? You can’t change the person with the problem; they have to make their own decisions. You can change the way the problems are effecting you.

Support services are available to those who are struggling with gambling within their families. Contact us to find out more.