Gambling Addiction

Guidance on Reducing Gambling Addiction 

If gambling has started to affect your life, relationships, or finances, taking steps to reduce or quit can bring significant relief and stability.

Gambling addiction can impact mental health, increase stress, and create financial strain.

This guide provides practical tips to help reduce gambling and information on local and national support services available in Hampshire.

Why Should You Reduce or Stop Gambling?

Managing a gambling habit can improve many areas of your life:

• Financial Health: Reducing gambling helps prevent financial losses, debt, and stress associated with money.
• Mental Well-Being: Cutting down or quitting can lower feelings of anxiety, depression, and guilt.
• Relationships: Reducing gambling can improve trust and communication with loved ones.

By taking steps to manage or stop gambling, you can regain control over your finances and emotional well-being.

Tips to Help You Cut Down on Gambling

1. Set Clear Limits:

   • Decide how much time and money you are willing to spend on gambling. Set strict limits and try to stick to them.

2. Avoid Triggers:

   • Identify situations that make you want to gamble, such as being around friends who gamble or feeling stressed, and aim to avoid or manage these triggers.

3. Find Healthy Alternatives:

   • Replace gambling with other activities you enjoy, like exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family.

4. Take Control of Finances:

   • Set up separate accounts for necessary expenses or give a trusted friend or family member temporary control over your finances to help limit gambling access.

5. Block Access to Gambling Sites:

   • Use online tools like GAMSTOP to block access to gambling sites or limit your ability to gamble online.

6. Reach Out for Support:

   • Talk to friends or family members about your goals. Letting others know can help keep you accountable and supported.

Local Support Services in Hampshire

If you’re finding it hard to reduce or stop gambling on your own, there are a number of professional services and support networks in Hampshire that can help:

1. Inclusion Recovery Hampshire:

   • Offers confidential support for individuals struggling with addiction, including gambling. They provide one-to-one counselling, group therapy, and additional resources to help reduce or quit gambling.
   • Contact: Call 0300 124 0103 or email hampshire@inclusion.org
   • Website: Inclusion Recovery Hampshire

2. GamCare Hampshire:

   • GamCare provides free support, advice, and treatment to help with gambling addiction. This includes online and in-person counselling, as well as support for friends and family members affected by gambling.
   • National Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (open 24/7)
   • Website: GamCare

3. GAMSTOP:

   • A free online self-exclusion tool that lets you block access to UK gambling websites. Registering with GAMSTOP can help you take control by limiting your access to online gambling.
   • Website: GAMSTOP

4. Action on Addiction:

   • Offers support for individuals struggling with various types of addiction, including gambling, and provides resources for families and friends.
   • Website: Action on Addiction

5. Adfam:

   • Provides support to families and friends affected by addiction, offering resources to help loved ones cope and provide guidance.
   • Website: Adfam

NHS Tools and Online Resources

1. NHS Gambling Addiction Support:

   • The NHS offers a range of services for gambling addiction, including counselling and online resources for understanding and managing addiction.
   • Website: NHS Gambling Support

2. Be Gamble Aware:

   • A website providing information about the risks of gambling, practical advice to stop or reduce gambling, and a self-assessment tool to check your risk level.
   • Website: Be Gamble Aware

3. GamCare Self-Help App:

   • A free app offering practical tools to help you manage urges, track spending, and set goals. The app also provides advice on dealing with cravings and connecting to local support services.

Additional Support for Friends and Family

1. Alcohol Change UK and Action on Addiction:

   • These organizations offer resources and support groups for friends and family of those with addiction issues, including gambling.

2. GamAnon:

   • A fellowship of family members and friends affected by gambling. They provide support groups to help families understand and cope with a loved one’s gambling habits.
   • Website: GamAnon

Common Concerns and Questions

• Is gambling ever safe?

  • Recreational gambling can be safe if you set strict limits and do not exceed your time or money allowance. However, if you find it difficult to stick to limits or experience negative effects, consider seeking support.

• How do I know if my gambling is a problem?

  • If gambling causes financial stress, affects your relationships, or you feel you cannot control it, these are signs of gambling addiction. Try the self-assessment test on Be Gamble Aware or reach out to GamCare for guidance.

Remember: Support is Available

Reducing or stopping gambling is challenging but achievable with the right support. NHS Hampshire and charities above offer various services tailored to help you regain control. T

aking the first step is the hardest, but each small victory counts towards a healthier, more balanced life.