How to Help With Gambling Addiction

If you’re searching for “how to help with gambling addiction,” you’re likely trying to make sense of something that feels confusing, painful, or unfamiliar. Many families arrive at this moment unsure of what steps to take or how serious the situation may be, and that’s understandable.

 

You may have noticed changes in a loved one’s behavior, shifts in mood, or financial concerns that raised questions. Or you may simply feel that something isn’t quite right. Wherever you are in this process, take a moment to breathe. You’re not expected to have all the answers today.

 

You don’t need to fix everything at once. Even small steps toward clarity can make a meaningful difference for both you and your loved one.

Your First Steps: What to Do Right Now

In the early stages of recognizing a gambling problem, it can help to focus on a few practical steps that support stability and clear thinking.

 

• Get your own support – No one is expected to manage this alone. Gam-Anon, therapists, and trusted supportive individuals can provide perspective, tools, and emotional grounding while you navigate this situation.
• Find a calm moment to talk – Conversations grounded in steadiness and care tend to be more productive than confrontations during moments of stress. Preparing what you want to say—and choosing a time when both of you are calm—can help the discussion feel safer for everyone.
• Protect your finances (today) – Taking practical steps to safeguard household finances can reduce stress and uncertainty. This may include reviewing shared accounts, limiting access temporarily, or separating funds while you determine the next steps.

These measures aren’t punitive; they’re about stability and safety.

 

What Crisis Hotlines And Contacts Should We Call?

If you or your loved one need someone to talk to during a difficult moment, the resources below can offer confidential guidance. While not all situations require immediate intervention, having support options can bring peace of mind.

 

• Suicide & crisis lifeline – Call or text 988 (U.S.)
• Veterans crisis line – Call 988, then press 1
• Crisis text line – Text “HOME” to 741741

Signs of Suicide Risk and When Additional Support May Be Needed

People struggling with gambling problems sometimes experience changes in mood or mental health, especially if financial stress or shame feels overwhelming. Understanding the warning signs of suicide risk can help you know when to reach out for extra support. This could include:

 

Verbal

• Talking about wanting to die or expressing thoughts of self-harm
• Expressing hopelessness
• Mentioning feeling like a burden

Behavioral

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting recklessly
• Withdrawing from activities or isolating from family and friends
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Giving away prized possessions
• A sudden, unexplained switch to being calm or happy after a period of deep depression

Situational

• A major financial loss or a "rock bottom" moment
• Recent loss of a relationship or job
• Access to means that could be harmful

If someone expresses suicidal thoughts or seems at risk, contacting 988 can provide immediate guidance from trained professionals.

 

What Is Gambling Addiction And How Does It Work?

Gambling addiction is a recognized mental health condition that affects how the brain processes reward, stress, and decision-making.

 

In the DSM-5, it’s defined as “persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.” To be diagnosed, a person must show four or more of the following signs within a 12-month period:

 

• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to feel the same excitement.
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop.
• Repeated failed attempts to cut back.
• Preoccupation with gambling.
• Gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
• After losing money, "chases" their losses by gambling more.
• Lies to conceal the extent of their involvement with gambling.
• Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational opportunity.
• Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation ("the bailout").

The unpredictable reward system in gambling (“maybe this time”) keeps the brain seeking the next win, making it difficult to disengage without support.

 

 

What Are The Common Signs A Loved One Is Struggling?

You may notice shifts in behavior, mood, or financial habits that seem unusual or out of character. Some shifts include:

 

Behavioral Red Flags

• Being secretive about their phone or computer, or suddenly clearing their browser history.
• Unexplained absences. Missing family events, work, or school.
• Staying up all night (often to gamble online).
• A change in personality: increased irritability, anxiety, or depression.

Financial Red Flags

• Constantly asking to borrow money with vague explanations.
• Unpaid bills or shut-off notices appearing.
• Mail from collection agencies or payday loan companies.
• Possessions disappearing (being sold or pawned).
• Sudden, large cash withdrawals or new, unexplained credit cards.

Emotional & Relational Signs

• Extreme defensiveness or anger when you ask about money or time.
• Withdrawing from you and the rest of the family.
• Blaming others (you, their boss, "bad luck") for their financial problems.
• Seeming distant, anxious, or depressed for no clear reason.

These are all significant signs of gambling addiction that shouldn't be ignored.

 

How Do I Start A Conversation About Gambling?

Approaching the conversation thoughtfully can make it easier for both of you to stay grounded. These guidelines can help:

 

DO

• Pick a calm moment when neither of you is upset.
• Use “I” statements to express your feelings without blame.
• Focus on clear, observable facts.
• Offer support rather than solutions.

DON'T

• Avoid lecturing or shaming—this often creates defensiveness.
• Don’t try to solve everything in one conversation.
• Don’t cover debts or financially rescue them. This often prolongs the cycle.

Conversation Scripts (To Practice)

The Gentle Opener - "I want to talk about something that's been worrying me. I feel like we're not connecting as much, and I've been seeing a lot of stress around money. I'm worried about you. Is now a good time to talk?"

The Boundary-Focused Opener -  “I need to talk to you about our finances. I’m not comfortable with how much money is going toward gambling. I’m worried about our future, and I’d like us to look at some resources together.”

 

This approach is a form of motivational interviewing, which is about helping them find their own motivation to change.

 

How Can I Protect Shared Finances And Accounts?

Taking steps to protect your financial stability can help reduce stress while your loved one seeks support:

 

• Separate Your Money – Open a new, separate bank account in your name only. Move your paycheck and any money you have sole access to into this account.
• Change Passwords – Change passwords on all your personal and shared financial accounts, including email (they can use email to reset your bank passwords). Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) everywhere.
• Freeze Shared Accounts – Call your bank and ask to put a freeze or a "dual-signature" requirement on all joint accounts. This means both of you must approve any withdrawal.
• Freeze Your Credit – This is important. Contact all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and request a credit freeze. This prevents anyone (including your loved one) from opening new credit cards or loans in your name.
• Get a Copy of Your Credit Report – Check it for any loans or cards you didn't know about.
• Triage Debts – Stop paying the gambler's personal debts (credit cards in their name, gambling loans). Prioritize "four walls" first: rent/mortgage, utilities, food, and transportation.

These steps help protect your stability in the short term and support the longer process of recovering from gambling debt.

 

What Treatment Options Should I Encourage Them To Try?

When your loved one is open to discussing treatment, knowing the available options can help you both feel more confident in the next steps. Recovery is not one-size-fits-all.

 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) –  CBT helps people identify their triggers, challenge the irrational thoughts (like "I'm due for a win"), and develop new, healthy coping mechanisms.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI) – Often used alongside CBT, this helps a person resolve their ambivalence about change and find their own internal "why."
• Peer Support Groups:
  • Gamblers Anonymous (GA): A 12-step program where people share their experiences and support each other.
  • Gam-Anon: This one is for you. It's a support group for the friends and family members affected by someone else's gambling.
• Outpatient Treatment – This involves regular therapy sessions (individual or group) while the person continues to live at home. This can be a great option for those with strong support systems.
• Residential Treatment – This is the most intensive option. The person lives at a treatment facility for a set period (e.g., 30+ days) to focus 100% on recovery, away from triggers. At Algamus, we specialize in residential gambling treatment and provide a structured space to rebuild.

For a full list of vetted options, the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is a great, confidential resource.

 

How Do I Support Recovery And Prevent Relapse?

Recovery takes time, and it’s normal for progress to come with ups and downs. Your steady support can make a meaningful difference, but you don’t have to carry the process alone.

 

• Help Create a Relapse Prevention Plan – This is a written plan they create (ideally with a therapist).
  • Triggers: What people, places, or feelings make them want to gamble? (Boredom? Stress? Sports apps?)
  • Action Steps: "If I feel [trigger], I will [action step]." (e.g., "If I feel stressed, I will call my sponsor," or "I will go for a run.")
  • Contact List: A short list of 3-5 people they can call in the moment.
• Establish New Routines – Recovery is built on routine and transparency. Encourage healthy habits: regular sleep, exercise, scheduled meals, and new hobbies that don't involve gambling.
• Manage the Environment – This means "urge-surfing" and "trigger-proofing."
  • Install blocking software (like Gamban or Betfilter) on phones and computers.
  • Let you (or a trusted third party) manage their finances, at least temporarily.
  • Plan routes to avoid driving past casinos or betting shops.
• Be a Supporter, Not a Therapist – Your role is to be a partner, friend, or parent. Encourage them to use their support network (therapist, GA sponsor) for the heavy lifting. 

How Should I Look After My Own Mental Health?

Your well-being matters, and taking care of yourself is an important part of supporting someone you care about.

 

• Set Clear Boundaries – A boundary is simply a statement of what you will and won’t accept.
• Find Your Support – A therapist or support group can help you process the emotional impact of the situation.
• Watch for Burnout – Exhaustion, irritability, or overwhelm are signals that you may need more rest or support. If you notice these signs, schedule time for yourself, so you have time to reset.

Where Can We Find Immediate Local And Online Help?

You don't have to figure this out on your own. Help is available.

 

• National Helplines:
  • SAMHSA Treatment Locator: A confidential, free, 24/7 service to find treatment providers and support groups in your area.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER. They can guide you to local resources.
• Online Directories:
  • Psychology Today: Has a great therapist-finder tool. You can filter by "Gambling Addiction" and "Insurance."
  • Gamblers Anonymous: Find a meeting (virtual or in-person) near you.
• Search Tips: Use specific, local keywords:
  • "gambling therapist near me [your zip code]"
  • "Gam-Anon meetings [your city]"
  • "Gambling Help Online"
• Your Primary Care Provider (PCP): Your doctor is a good, confidential starting point. They can screen for co-occurring issues (like depression or anxiety) and give you a referral to a mental health specialist.

What Are Common Gambling Help FAQs?

Here are quick answers to questions you may have.

 

What enabling behaviors should I avoid?

Enabling is anything that "helps" the person avoid the natural consequences of their actions. The big ones to stop immediately are:

• Paying their debts or "bailing them out."
• Giving them money for any reason.
• Lying or making excuses for them (to their boss, friends, or other family members).
• Ignoring the problem and pretending it's not happening.

How does gambling addiction affect children and teens?

Impacts can include emotional distress, instability at home, academic challenges, and increased risk of future gambling issues.

Will telling employers or authorities have legal consequences?

It may. If there’s theft or fraud involved, consulting an attorney is essential.

 

How can we rebuild finances after gambling losses?

It's a long, slow process, but it's possible.

 

1. Stop financial access.
2. List and prioritize debts.
3. Work with a nonprofit financial counselor.
4. Be patient—rebuilding takes time.

You've Taken the First Step

You’ve already taken an important step by seeking information and support. This is a complex issue, and it’s okay to reach out for help as you navigate it. You’re not expected to manage this alone.

 

At Algamus, we’ve supported individuals and families facing gambling addiction for more than 30 years. Our residential program specializes exclusively in this work, offering a calm, structured, and compassionate environment for healing. 

If you’d like to talk with someone who understands what you’re experiencing, contact our admissions team whenever you’re ready.