Problem or compulsive gamblers need support to quit. They must make a conscious decision to stop gambling, and need to be encouraged to do so by loved ones. If you notice that your loved one has begun talking about suicide, you should take it seriously. You need to know when to intervene. But even if you feel that your loved one cannot be helped, there are several ways to intervene. First, you should set boundaries around the management of the family’s money.
In some cases, children can understand the negative aspects of gambling by comparing the odds with other possibilities, such as winning the lottery or getting struck by lightning. Explain to them that the gambling companies benefit from more money than the gamblers, or they wouldn’t be in business. For adults, gambling can be a fun way to escape boredom and stress. However, gambling should be considered as a form of entertainment and not a means to an end.
Teenagers with gambling problems can seek help from a variety of sources. They can seek help from a psychologist or GP, engage in activities outside gambling, join a peer support group, or contact a gambling disorder hotline. Some groups, like Gamblers Anonymous, offer self-help resources as well as peer support. You can also find a sponsor, a former gambler, who can offer guidance and support. Gamblers Anonymous also has a Disassociated Persons List, which contains information on people who have voluntarily quit gambling.