Many people find themselves unable to explain why they continue to gamble, or cannot stop gambling;
callers to the Dunlewey Helpline often ask a number of questions…
Many people find themselves unable to explain why they continue to gamble despite the problems it causes in their day-to-day lives. The most obvious answer is “for the money” but is this true? When you win, do you spend your winnings on more gambling? Do you continue to gamble until you have little or no money left?
In our experience, even though winning money may have attracted you at first, most people who have a gambling problem are using gambling as an opportunity to escape from other problems or pressures in their lives – problems at home or at work, boredom, loneliness or anxiety. Understanding what role gambling is playing in your life can be an important first step in beating the problem.
There is unlikely to be one single answer that will enable you to stop gambling. Gambling problems are complex and it can take time and effort to overcome them.
Remember:
Dunlewey counselling services provides a safe, confidential way for you to talk about your situation.
It offers an opportunity to explore the causes of your gambling behaviour and the effects gambling has on your life and helps put it in the context of your life experiences.
If you feel strong enough, consider writing your feelings down, e.g. in a diary. If you are not gambling, note how you are feeling and how you have coped. If you have gambled, think about the events that led up to the gambling episode and record your feelings, during and after.
Contact the Dunlewey HelpLine during times of crisis for emotional support and consider joining a self-help support group such as Gamblers Anonymous.
This information is designed to help you to manage your feelings and cope with the issues associated with gambling. It is not designed to replace the support and guidance available from seeing a Dunlewey counsellor or attending a support group.
Contact the Dunlewey HelpLine on 1800 936 725 (IE) or 08000 886 725 (NI) to find out about the counselling and support services available in your area.