Problem Gambling - A Guide for Families (PDF) - ProblemGambling.ca

Problem Gambling: A Guide for Families
how it has helped you
• praise the person for wanting to change
• avoid situations that may trigger gambling
• get emotional support for yourself
• set clear limits and tell the person what you will do if he or
she keeps gambling.
stage 3: preparation: the person is
preparing for change
The person begins to set clear goals to help change his or her
gambling, such as setting time and money limits around
their gambling behaviour. He or she may talk about making
bigger changes soon. The person may be more willing to talk
about the risks and rewards of gambling when he or she is
taking a break from it.
You can:
• support the person’s changes and encourage him or her to get
help from a problem gambling counsellor
• suggest that a trusted person manage his or her money
• discuss with the person how they can limit their access to
cash or credit. This will remove a major gambling trigger
(triggers are things that make you want to gamble.)
• suggest other activities to replace gambling, especially at
times when the person gambled the most.
stage 4: action: the person is taking
action
The person has reduced or completely stopped gambling. He
or she is really working on the problem. This stage may take
a lot of time and energy. As people try to change, they may
slip back. They can usually get over these slips or relapses,
and even learn from them.
You can:
• support the person as he or she replaces gambling with
new activities
• support the person in his or her counselling
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