In this day and age of online slot machines and backdoor poker rooms, it is no wonder that the number of gambling addicts has risen over the past ten years. Almost every state allows for some type of commercial gambling, so if you have a compulsive personality, chances are you will find it wherever it is. Therefore, if you are the friend or loved one of a slot machine or gambling addict, there are things you can do to help.
First thing you have to do is research into what the signs of a gambling addiction are. They are much harder to see than alcoholism or drug addiction, so you want to study up on what you should be looking for. Then you have to confront the person that you suspect has the problem. They will probably deny it, but you have to let them know that you suspect them of such a behavior, and that you will be there for them when they are ready to get help.
You have to get them to break their patterns – find out what their triggers are. It is the same as a smoker needing a cigarette after a big meal; gamblers have certain things that will lead them to the slot machines or poker tables again and again. You also need to help them cut off their money supply. This is one of the most important parts – cut up credit cards, get them to opt out of credit card solicitations (888-5-OPTOUT), have someone else manage their money for them so that they only have small amounts of money on them at any time.
They then have to create a plan, which also you can help with. They have to figure out how much money they can afford to put toward the debt they may have already amassed playing at the casinos. But the most important part of all is letting them know that they don’t have to do it alone. Whether they choose to have you help them or not, there are professional organizations set up to handle these situations.
They can go to www.ncpgambling.org for more information, or phone numbers of places they can call to get assistance. One thing to remember is that the urge to change lasts roughly 48 hours after they have had a crisis, so it is important to work fast.
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