Gamblers frequently face difficulties in finding social support due to roadblocks like low self-esteem, misguided life priorities, or depression.
This study demonstrated that social support from parents and schools moderated, although indirectly, between problem behavior and gambling among girls and boys. These results lend credence to a public health approach for preventing gambling.
How to Build a Support
Establishing a support network can be essential in overcoming gambling addiction. A good support system can offer critical advice, emotional support, and strategic connections that will help avoid relapse and ensure gambling doesn’t interfere with other aspects of your life. Building such an infrastructure will allow you to overcome challenges associated with gambling while improving overall quality of life.
Previous studies have reported that higher levels of social support are associated with longer abstinence from gambling among treatment-seeking pathological gamblers (13). Unfortunately, no other research had examined the relationship between social support and adolescent gambling – so in this research study we used path analysis to uncover both direct and indirect effects between social support and gambling frequency among eighth and ninth grade Finnish adolescents and latent class analysis to find that parents’ and school staff social support partially mediated an association between gambling and problem behaviors.
Identifying a Supporter
As someone experiencing gambling addiction may need help from friends and family to identify triggers that lead to unhealthy gambling behavior, such as passing by casinos regularly on their way to work or frequently watching sports on TV, it may be helpful for them to change their routine to eliminate triggers altogether and find mutual aid groups dedicated to gambling harms.
Recent research commissioned by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation revealed that people with histories of problem gambling are more likely to experience loneliness, with increased problem gambling severity being associated with increased levels of loneliness.
Though the results from this research are promising, it must be noted that its longitudinal design does not allow researchers to conclude whether poor social support predated or caused pathological gambling; further longitudinal studies must therefore be undertaken in order to explore these relationships in greater detail.
Getting a Supporter
If someone you care for has an addiction to gambling, reach out to Gambler’s Help for advice and counselling. In addition, attend a self-help group for families of problem gamblers; this will allow you to understand their problem as well as overcome triggers like anger, anxiety, boredom, guilt and depression.
Regression analysis revealed that social support and belonging were linked with various aspects of gambling addiction recovery. Being part of GA in particular predicted reduced gambling urges and improved quality of life while social support alone did not predict either variable.
Your loved one can save money from being spent on gambling by restricting their access to funds and closing online betting accounts. Also encourage them to spend time with friends and take part in fun activities that relieve stress. Be ready for requests for money as problem gamblers often rely on pleads, manipulation and threats in their pleas for cash.
Keeping a Supporter
If you are concerned about someone you know engaging in gambling habits, the best approach is to politely suggest they seek assistance and then be available when they do so. Be prepared to provide support when they do seek it – depending on who it may be for, this might include suggesting alternate forms of entertainment to distract themselves from urges such as casinos if their commute passes near one; such as changing routes to work or keeping nonessential funds at home to minimize access.
Social workers are experienced professionals trained to offer compassionate and supportive environments where individuals can talk openly about their struggles with gambling. Social workers also possess skills in assessing the severity of an individual’s problem and its effects on finances, relationships and mental health – not only can they refer people directly into Gamblers Anonymous groups for support but they may provide financial counselling sessions in managing debt or setting budgets as well.
