Types of support to help with gambling
Asking for help in relation to your own, or someone else's, gambling can feel daunting, but however you are feeling there is always help available. You can find out more about the types of support available to help you with gambling below.
What is one-to-one-support?
One-to-one support, such as counselling, CBT and other therapies give you the opportunity to discuss what’s on your mind with a professional in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental way.
How can it help me?
However you’re feeling, you don’t have to deal with your emotions on your own. Having someone to talk to can make a big difference. Tens of thousands of people have had talking therapies such as counselling, and the research shows that it works well for most people. The counsellor or therapist is there to work with you. By talking to them about your problems, they’ll be able to listen, support, advise, and help you explore options so you can find resolutions and move forward in a positive way.
What can I expect?
There's different types of one-to-one support available as everyone's needs are different. One of our professional advisors will be able to help you find the right support option for you. If they think you’ll benefit from one-to-one support, they’ll put you in touch with a counsellor or therapist to discuss the best way of working together. Once you’ve discussed your situation with them, you may decide to meet on a weekly or monthly basis, in person or online for a number of weeks or months, or until your situation improves.
What is a support group?
However you’re feeling, you’re not alone. Support groups are a safe way to connect with other people who are in a similar situation to you.
How can it help me?
If your life’s currently being affected by gambling, you might feel like nobody else can really relate to what you're going through. Speaking to others who are going through something similar can make a huge difference. Support groups give you the opportunity to share your story, listen to the experiences of others, learn from one another, and support each other as you regain control and move forward with your life.
What can I expect?
Everyone's situation is different, which is why there are many types of support and treatment available and a professional advisors from the National Gambling Support Network will be able to help you find the right support option for you. If they think you’ll benefit from attending a support group, they may discuss several options with you, such as group-based courses, online chat rooms or forums. Depending on which support option you choose, you might meet your support group in person or online for a number of weeks or months, or until you’re feeling better.
What is residential support?
If you’re struggling to overcome a gambling addiction, residential treatment programmes can be an effective way of helping you to regain control of your life within a safe, non-judgemental environment.
How can it help me?
Residential support gives you the opportunity to escape from your normal environment and routine, to help you break away from your usual gambling habits. By working with experienced programme coordinators, counsellors and therapists, you’ll be able to learn more about yourself and your relationship with gambling. As part of an intensive programme, you’ll work together on strategies and techniques to help you stop gambling and have move control over any future urges, so you can move on with your life in a healthy way.
What can I expect?
One of our professional advisors will be able to help you find the right support option for you. It’s likely that they’ll recommend other types of treatment to you before recommending a residential retreat, such as talking therapy and support groups, as these have proven to be effective for most people. However, if they think you would benefit from residential support, they’ll put you in touch with a specialist organisation such as the Gordon Moody Association, who can discuss different programme options with you. Some programmes may last up to 12 weeks, so it’s important to make sure that you can commit to the programme duration before signing up.
Where do I start?
Our confidential advisors can help you find support or treatment that’s right for you. To speak to someone, call the National Gambling Helpline on Freephone 0808 8020 133, or find out about other support services here.