Tips for dealing with gambling addiction, for you and your loved ones

Are you experiencing problems with gambling yourself and want to do something about it? It is good take the first step toward change. In this article, we provide 5 practical tips that can help you and your loved ones on the road to recovery. These tips are easy to apply and come from recent research. These tips can help you become more conscious about online gambling. Remember that these steps are not a substitute for professional help with addiction treatment.

5 tips for overcoming an online gambling addiction

1. Take a gambling break: A gambling break is taken when you can no longer control your gambling or want a break from playing. Cruks is the system in which you register. This can help you avoid the temptations of online gambling

For more info go to: Home - Gamblingstop.com or Central Register Exclusion of Games of Chance

An additional solution may also be to install blocking software from Gamban. Gamban is a blocking software that can help you stop gambling. When you install this app, it blocks access to online gambling sites and apps. This is a good way to protect yourself from online gambling. Through Loket Kansspel, you can apply for a year of free Gamban.

The website link: Our apps - Gamban Our apps - Gamban

- ''Then you can be excluded. You will then no longer be allowed to go to all casinos in the Netherlands and you can no longer create an account at online casinos. So as a result, you can't play anymore. So I have that now. That also helped me a lot.''

2. Talk about it: Talk to friends or family about your gambling addiction and your problems. They can listen to you, help you and encourage you to seek help. You are not alone! Do you still find it difficult or exciting to talk to people close to you? Then you can first share your story with one of our counselors at Loket Kansspel. They are available 24/7 free of charge and anonymously.

- ''If you just have a person with whom you can talk about it well and who you trust then, I definitely think it would help.''

3. Find distractions: Find other hobbies and things you enjoy so that you can take your mind off gambling and be less concerned with it. If you gamble often, it may be difficult to stop doing so. By trying new things, you may discover other interests. That way you spend more time on fun activities and think less about gambling. This reduces the chances of relapsing into old (gambling) behavior.

- ''You just have to focus on other things, things that make you happy.''

4. Avoid triggers: Don't go to places where you can gamble and stay away from friends who themselves gamble. It is important to avoid temptationsotherwise you are more likely to fall back into old habits. If you are in situations where gambling is going on or if you are with people who gamble, the urge to join in can become greater. By avoiding these types of situations, you protect yourself from the temptation to gamble again. This helps you maintain new and healthier habits.

- ''And if you have friends who gamble, especially don't hang with them anymore because if you have a gambling addiction and your friends gamble too, you're never going to get rid of it.''

5. Peers/Experts: Talk to an experiencer, these are people who know what it is like to be a gambling addict. This can help you share experiences with people who have been through the same thing. Loket Kansspel offers support and information about gambling addiction and can put you in touch with experts by experience. This can motivate you and help you find your own path to recovery

For example, visit their forum, which you can access 24/7: Forums - Forums

- ''For me it's more personal, someone who has really experienced it themselves, that would really help me, an experiencer.''

3 tips for loved ones of someone who has experience with online gambling addiction:

1. Dare to start the conversation: Start the conversation with your neighbor or loved one and discuss the concerns you have about their gambling behavior. Dare to ask questions and listen to their experiences and feelings. Ask about how the person feels, including about gambling. And listen to what someone is saying. Try not to get angry or make them feel guilty. It is important to remain calm. That way you can support the person, and make them feel like they don't have to go it alone. Not making accusations gives the other person space to talk without feeling attacked. This can help to have an open conversation. Many people who gamble feel shame to talk about it. Let your neighbor or loved one be responsible for their own choices. This means helping them think about their own choices. This makes them feel safe to talk.

- ''Yeah, I think you really need to start the conversation like, I feel like you're not doing well? And I don't think you should get angry then, you should talk to somebody in a calm way.''

2. Setting boundaries: Talk to your nearest or dearest about your concerns and set clear boundaries, both in terms of money and what is acceptable behavior for you. This will make you less likely to be influenced/ manipulated. Do not give money, as this may actually reinforce their gambling behavior and therefore someone may perpetuate the gambling. Listen to your feelings and consider what you need to take care of yourself. Setting boundaries and taking care of yourself is important to be able to have a positive influence, towards the other person.

- ''Yeah if someone really says, okay I think you've really bet too much money now and you know now you have to stop, I think that could already help a lot, because if you're a good friend, then they can also be a positive influence of course.''

3. Seek help: Go to a meeting or a support group for loved ones and/or family members of people with gambling addiction. Here you can share your experiences with other people and learn how to best support your loved ones. In addition, it is very nice to talk to people about how difficult it is to live with someone who is addicted. Seeking help is not only about seeking help for the other person. But certainly also for yourself.

For example:

- AGOG (Gamblers Anonymous and Area Gamblers) - Self-help for the area - AGOG Netherlands.

- Addiction services such as Jellinek - I worry about my neighbor - Jellinek % I worry about my neighbor - Jellinek %

- You can always contact Loket Kansspel, even as a neighbor. Not sure how to connect with your child or how to connect with your child? Feel free to ask for advice from Loket Kansspel, we are available 24/7.

- ''When someone has an addiction, you are always pushing your own boundaries. Parents then at least learn to stand up for themselves again and set their own limits and do what feels right for them.''

And remember: You are not alone!

4 measures to prevent online gambling addiction:

Online gambling can become an addiction if you are not aware of the risks. Several preventive measures have been researched that can help prevent online gambling addiction among young people. Below are some recommendations for policymakers, professionals and educational institutions dealing with this issue:

1. Age restrictions on gambling sites: Setting a minimum age of 21 for access to gambling sites could help protect young people from the temptations of online gambling. Research shows that young people as young as 18 often do not yet fully understand the value of money and the potential consequences of their financial choices. By age 21, they usually have more life experience and a better understanding of the value of money. This helps young people make conscious choices and better understand the risks of gambling. By setting an age limit, we ensure that young people do not access online gambling until they are better prepared for it.

2. Educational programs in schools: organizing information sessions in schools, led by experts by experience, appears to be very important. Respondents from the study indicated that sharing personal stories, helps young people better understand the risks of gambling. Adding programs such as workshops or information sessions can increase the impact of these risks. This helps young people think more consciously about their own choices and better understand how gambling can affect their lives and those of their loved ones.

3. Involvement of family and friends: Involvement of family and friends is very important for youth struggling with gambling problems. When parents, family members and friends participate in the conversation about gambling, young people can better understand what the risks are. Policymakers can organize workshops and information evenings to educate parents and stakeholders about the risks of gambling and how to recognize the signs of (gambling) addiction. Research shows that it is important that friends and family continue to talk to young people about gambling. It is also important that parents set age limits for the use of technology and online gambling. This helps young people have a more realistic view of technology and its effects. Policymakers can support schools and healthcare facilities in developing initiatives that help young people and their families set healthy boundaries, for example, by helping parents control technology use and online gambling early.

4. Social media campaigns: Using influencers and celebrities to raise awareness of the risks of online gambling can be a good measure. Research shows that young people listen to influencers. When Dutch celebrities and influencers promote gambling, it can lead to gambling behavior among young people. Instead, it would be better if these famous people also explained the risks of gambling. Respondents from the study indicated that influencers can influence young people's perception of gambling. If they talk about the risks of online gambling, they can help young people think more consciously and encourage them to make healthier choices. This could not only increase awareness, but also reduce the likelihood of young people getting into trouble because of gambling.

This advice can help raise awareness about online gambling and the risks of gambling that can lead to gambling addiction. Through more involvement and appropriate accessible help, we can help people make their own choices and step toward change.

Research: The research examined and evaluated these preventive measures and their effectiveness. This research was commissioned by the Hogeschool van Amsterdam as a thesis for the hbo Bachelor of Social Work. The insights and outcomes were established based on qualitative research and data collection from interviews with 6 respondents. On this basis, recommendations were made for policy makers, organizations and educational institutions dealing with this topic

The results show that a combination of the 4 preventive measures can minimize the risk of online gambling addiction among young people. The information and findings are based on data collected from recent research.