How to Help a Friend Stop Gambling

Gambling is something many people indulge in with no serious repercussions --- though some people disapprove of gambling on principle. Some people can have a flutter on the horses, or buy a lottery ticket, and then forget about it. For a person who becomes addicted gambling can take over her life, causing her to behave out of character and to jeopardize everything. There are biological theories that show that the feeling a gambler gets when gambling causes dopamine levels in the brain to change. Psychologically, gambling can be so all-consuming as to push all other worries and thoughts out of the gambler's mind. This state of mind can possibly be addictive in itself.

• 1

  Discuss the problem with your friend. It is important to choose the right moment. This might be when he broaches the subject. If he refers to his gambling, do not be too embarrassed to talk about it, and do not dismiss it. The fact that he raised the issue probably indicates that he has reached an important stage in admitting the problem to himself.

• 2

  Avoid sending mixed signals. If you discuss his problem with him, but then accompany him to the race track or the casino, you are giving him contradictory messages. Do not become impatient with him, or think that if you can control your gambling, he should be able to as well. Gambling is an addiction and by its nature it is not easy behavior to control. Be patient and take the problem seriously.

• 3

  Recommend that your friend visit the Gamblers' Anonymous website and answer the twenty questions that have been devised to identify problem gambling. Advise her to follow this up by attending a Gamblers' Anonymous meeting. If this sort of self-help organization is not for her, advise her to consult her physician and ask to be referred to a professional counselor who deals specifically with addictive behavior.

• 4

  Improve your own knowledge of the subject by reading about it or visiting the relevant websites. Help your friend to face any financial problems, if he is willing to discuss these. He might need professional debt counseling.