Talk to someone you trust and wont judge you. It can help to ... There are a number of free self- help resources. Many p
A Self Help Guide to reduce harm from gambling
If gambling is impacting on your life there are things that you can do to help. There are different resources that you can use. We have put together this brief guide as a way to help you regain control and make some steps to change your life. Set some goals: Set yourself some short term and long term goals to help you focus and look at what you are ready to do whether this is cutting back or stopping gambling Avoid High Risk Situations Make it harder to access money, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, using credit cards, taking loans out. Look at how you socialise avoid venues where gambling takes place, look at who you socialise with. Avoid using substances that impair your judgement such as drugs and alcohol Talking Talk to someone you trust and wont judge you. It can help to reduce the stress and anxiety that you may be going through and can often be the first step to making changes. People that have support from family and friends are more likely to succeed. It may help them to understand your problem and begin the process of making amends for any negative impact your behaviour may have caused them
Ask for help There are a number of free self- help resources. Many people benefit from professional support which is freely available in the UK. You may wish to consider the following resources
Phone Online Peer support Face to face
Family and Friends Young people Financial/Debt Advice Self- exclusion
Coming Clean Problem gambling is often hidden and people often lie to those around them to cover up their behaviour. It can be a hard habit to break and even harder to explain to family and friends. Lying to your support network can hinder them being able to support and help you. Talking this through can help you plan a way to deal with this. Shame and guilt are common feelings and the strain of carrying these could increase the urge to gamble. Acknowledge these feelings a talk them through with your support network.
Alternatives to gambling Filling the gap. Gambling takes up a lot of time not just the hours spent gambling but also the time spent thinking and worrying about gambling. Try to find healthy alternative things to do. Think of alternatives such as new hobbies and recreational activities. There are many things that you could try;
Catch up with friends and family Take up a new hobby or revisit neglected ones Set yourself some goals Treat yourself Consider a new job or volunteering Get out in the garden or re-vamp your home Plan ahead
Relapse prevention This can happen. Prepare; remind yourself what worked before. Look for triggers, warning signs and use them to learn from. Be kind to yourself, difficult times happen and you may be able to predict these. People are more likely to struggle when other challenges are happening in your life. Become your own expert look the problem and brainstorm all the things that you could do. Recognise the problem
Brainstorm all the ways you could deal with it, even the ones that seem silly Decide on a solution and try it If it doesn’t work, try a different solution
People with gambling problems are not alone. Support is available. Newport Citizens Advice can help you or a loved one who is experiencing gambling related harm. Call us on 01633 222622 to speak to a member of our team or text us on 07763 911 804
Useful links
Citizens Advice Free, independent and confidential advice and information www.citizensadvice.org.uk GamCare Provides UK national helpline. Call free on 0808 8020 133 www.gamcare.org.uk
Twitter: @SupportGambling Facebook: Newport Citizens Advice Gambling Support Service
Samaritans Confidential, emotional support for anyone in crises. www.samaritans.org.uk
