The GamFam Recovery and Support Programme
If you are starting to feel that your gambling is causing you problems in various aspects of your life, that you are losing more than you can afford and spending more and more time gambling then you may be thinking how can I stop. You may be feeling isolated and that no one really understands. Rest assured help is available and recognising that you are not alone may be the first important step that you take to give you that little bit of hope to start you on your recovery.
It is worth highlighting that not all gambling products are the same. Some types of gambling can be more addictive. Products such as online casinos and slots, fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) and in play sports betting are designed to be highly addictive. Such products are often referred to as ‘compelling’, ‘engaging’ or ‘absorbing’ by the gambling industry and are designed to keep people playing for extended periods of time.
Unfortunately, there is no quick-fix or ‘one-size fits all’ recovery programme, but it is important that you are aware of the available information, guidance and strategies to discover what works best for your situation. There is no scientific proof that a gambling disorder cannot be treated, so if something does not work for you, don’t give up, try a different approach In addition, from abstaining from gambling, It is crucial that you consider your own personal well-being and welfare during the early stages of your recovery. The contents of the GRA5P programme will help you with this and offer practical suggestions along the way.
During the early stage of your recovery, you will probably experience a whole host of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, fear, over thinking things and being full of selfdoubt. You may be carrying the heavy burden of financial worries or feeling the anger and disappointment of a loved one. Being part of a GRA5P group will give you the opportunity to discuss such concerns and get advice on how to cope with these feelings from other group members. Whilst, talking through your early concerns and worries may not solve all of your problems it may just give you that little bit of clarity that you need to set you on your first steps to recovery.
Many people in the early stages of recovery tend to worry about what might happen in the future or dwell on what has happened in the past. Of course, we may have to face the consequences at some point but it is crucial that we try to keep it simple and try to focus on the ‘here and now’ and take each day as it comes and if necessary each hour.
Getting Started
In conjunction with GRA5P, the Five Stage GamFam Recovery & Support Programme, this list of ’10 Things to Do’ has been created and written by those at various stages of recovery and are the actions, suggestions and practical ideas to help you with your own unique recovery. Some actions will be easier than others to implement and this is by no means and exhaustive list but is a good place to start.
We have chosen to share this information with you at the start of the programme to try and offer you that little bit of hope, that there is a way forward and that actions you take early on can make a difference.
The Disordered Gambler – 10 Things To Do
The 5 Stages
Stage 1 - Understanding and Accepting the Problem
We encounter stress in our lives when there is uncertainty or a lack of knowledge about a problem. Understanding that gambling addiction is a recognised mental health disorder may help some in the early stages of their recovery to unburden themselves of the pressure, blame and guilt. Having an understanding that the predatory practices of the gambling industry and the promotion of highly addictive products such as online casinos and slots, Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) and in play betting are designed to keep players playing for extended periods of time and by their nature are therefore highly addictive will help reinforce this too.
We may have convinced ourselves that we could control our gambling when in fact we may have started to feel that the gambling was controlling us. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the problem will help in your understanding too.
Stage 2 - Personal Growth and Development
Stage 2 helps recognise that you can only be responsible for the way you react, respond and behave. It builds on the work completed in Stage 1 and aims to help you understand the significance of working on your emotional and physical wellbeing. We will also look at strategies and a practical daily programme of recovery that will continue to underpin and support your recovery.
Stage 3 - You and Your Wellbeing
Stage 3 builds on the work completed in Stage 2 and utilises The Suffolk Mind mental well-being programme Your Needs Met©, which helps you explore and understand that your emotional and physical needs should be at the forefront of everything you do to enable you to be better equipped to work towards a more sustained recovery.
Stage 4 - Review and Reflection
Stage 4 provides an opportunity to revisit the first three stages of the GRA5P programme to review your progress. This is an important stage as it allows you to look at each stage of your recovery in a positive way, rather in ways that may not have worked previously. Think of it like a recipe. You would not use the same recipe again and again if the dish was not to your liking. You would make small adjustments or find a suitable alternative.
Stage 5 - Moving Forward and Helping Others
Helping others who are experiencing a similar situation is one of the most rewarding aspects of recovering from the effects of gambling harms. It also acts as a reminder of how unmanageable life once was. We all appreciate the guidance and support we received at the start; by helping others we continue to reinforce the importance of attending workshops and revisiting the recovery programme. The supportive and protective barriers we have in place, both emotionally and physically, are also kept at the forefront of our minds.
Accepting that I have no control over my gambling
The term responsible gambling or more recently safer gambling is a term used by the gambling industry to help control the narrative and place all of the accountability on the individual whilst removing any blame from the gambling operators. Did any of the ‘responsible gambling’ messages actually make any difference, probably not so rather than focusing on something that’s out of our control let us try and control the narrative for a change and take responsibility for our own recovery.
By taking that first step and recognising that you have no control over your gambling will help lift the heavy burden from your shoulders and help you focus on your own recovery. This isn’t as easy as it sounds and very few gamblers stop gambling on their own. Research has shown that we become like the average of the five people we spend the most time with. Therefore, if you surround yourself with like-minded individuals this will increase
your chance of a sustainable recovery.
We encourage you to attend as many meetings as you need, especially at the start of your recovery. Please do keep attending our GRA5P meetings but if you require additional structured Peer Support there are numerous Gamblers Anonymous meetings, which are available in person or the online meetings at www.gamblersinrecovery.com that operate 24/7 around the world. It’s important to build up a network of support so that you people to reach out to, should you feel then need.
The Cycle of Change
It is important to acknowledge and accept that recovering from a gambling disorder takes time and there isn’t a ‘quick-fix’ solution and that being in recovery is a lifelong journey. However, as we have previously stated there is no scientific proof that a gambling disorder cannot be treated so it’s about identifying the things that keep you in recovery and importantly maintaining them.
However, by exploring The Cycle of Change (an accepted model that identifies the 6 stages of change a person may experience in the challenge they face when trying to overcome an addiction) may help you have a better understanding of the challenges a person faces when recovering from a gambling disorder.
Suggested reading:
- James Prochaska – Changing for Good
- Carlo C DiClemente – Addiction and Change
Stage 1 – Pre-contemplation
You are in full flow gambling mode and you feel comfortable within your gambling environment – here nothing is expected of you. It’s a chance for you to escape from reality. You enjoy the highs when you experience a win and you can even handle the losses. You like the thrill of the adrenalin rush, and the subsequent dopamine hit, you feel as the reels are spinning, the anticipation of who is going to score the next goal, a race starting or waiting for the ball to land on the roulette wheel.
Your family and friends may comment on how much money you are spending on your gambling or the amount of time you are spending on your phone or in the betting shop. However, you do not see it as a problem as you feel you have your gambling under control and it’s just a bit of fun.
Stage 2 – Contemplation
You are starting to realise that you are either spending too much time and/or money on gambling. You may find yourself constantly thinking about your next bet or plotting a way to win back the money you have lost. You will still be experiencing the thrill of a win but maybe now some of the lows are becoming more extreme. For the first time, you have started to gamble beyond your means. You may have started to use your overdraft had to borrow money from family, friends or work colleagues to help you win back the money that you couldn’t afford to lose in the first place.
Although you are not fully committed to giving up gambling you are starting to see that your gambling Is having negative consequences in other areas of your life. You may even be starting to develop a love/hate relationship with your gambling. This is often referred to as the ambivalence stage.
You are starting to acknowledge that you would like to have a little more control over your gambling.
Stage 3 – Preparation
You are starting to accept that your gambling is now causing you and maybe those around you concerns. You may be feeling ‘sick and tired of feeling sick and tired’ and you may have started to think about how you are going to give up. You have had enough of losing money that you can’t afford to lose and you are fed up with having to lie and deceive friends.
The hardest things is trying to do it alone so do try and get some support from someone you trust. If there isn’t anyone maybe start to look at the various peer support groups that are available. The GRA5P programme is a great place to start as is Gamblers Anonymous or Gamblers in Recovery.
Stage 4 – Action
You have admitted to yourself that you cannot carry on and that the plans you have been making are starting to become a reality. The irresistible urge to gamble has taken over your life and you are ready to take your first steps to recovery.
Everyone’s journey into recovery is unique and what works for one person may not work for another but the important things is to keep trying and not giving up at the first opportunity. For some structured Peer Support is the answer and others may need more specialised one to one support in the form of CBT counselling or therapy for example.
You may have told a close friend or family member about your problem. They may even be willing to help and support you. This is a positive step and perhaps they could join a GRA5P group for families and friends which will in turn help you in your recovery.
Hopefully, you will have started to attend Peer Support meetings on a regular basis and you will have started working on the ’10 Things to Do’ list.
Stage 5 – Maintenance
You will have been free from gambling for an extended period of time and you may be starting to feel positive about your future. You no longer feel the urge to gamble on a daily basis. You may still have the odd thought to gamble. However, you don’t act upon these thoughts, which is great.
You understand the importance of putting in place the supportive barriers as detailed in the ’10 Things to Do’ list and recognise that they are they to help and support you.
You are attending regular meetings and managed to develop a strong network with likeminded people from your peer support groups. You feel a real sense of camaraderie as trust and friendships begin to develop. You are beginning to work a daily programme of self-improvement to help give you structure and direction, which was much needed as a consequence of your previous relationship with gambling.
You may now be in a position to offer hope, support and encouragement to new group members which in turn further supports your own recovery.
Hopefully, you have started to see the benefits in other aspects of your life too such as relationships, finances and perhaps work. Developing a positive daily routine is helping you in your recovery from gambling.
Stage 6 – Termination
In this stage you will have been gamble free for an extended period of time and you will have no day-to-day desire to gamble. This is very crucial stage as this is when many recovering gamblers stop doing some of things that got them to this stage. Some begin to start missing meetings or disconnect with their groups completely. Some of the practical barriers such as blocking software and financial controls may have started to slip.
Its worth noting that most people remain in the maintenance stage and if they stop engaging in the routines and behaviours that kept them in recovery in the first place, then the chance of a relapse increases. A person may slip, then immediately regret it and get back on track. This doesn’t necessarily mean they will fully return to gambling but you must be mindful that any relapse can have negative consequences. A relapse might not be through gambling but substance misuse or another process addiction, like shopping for example.
There are some recovering gamblers, after extended periods of abstinence, have the urge to try a few small bet experiments or try new strategies which will invariably end with disastrous consequences, sometimes worse than before.
Remember, the strategies you have learnt and the barriers you have put in place are there to protect you, so keep doing the things that have worked to get you to this stage and remember it is perfectly okay to remain in the maintenance stage.
Symptoms
The following suggestions are for guidance only, the list is not exhaustive and has been taken from a combination of the DSM5 and *The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). For further details and a more accurate response please visit Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) (responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au) and complete the PGSI quiz.
Gambling more than you can afford to lose
Feelings of anger when losing money through gambling
Gambling with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement
Gambling on another day to try to win back the money they lost – chasing loses
Borrowing money to gamble
Awareness that gambling has become an issue and repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
Lying to conceal the extent and the amount of involvement with gambling
Family and friends have started to notice that you are gambling too much
Feelings of guilt and gambling when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed)
Health problems may have developed through gambling. This includes feelings of stress or anxiety?
Gambling has started to cause financial problems for the household
Loss of a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
Always thinking about gambling and planning how to get money to gamble again
*The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is the standardised measure of at risk behaviour in problem gambling. It is a tool based on research on the common signs and consequences of problematic gambling
Gambling Disorder – a Definition
A Gambling Disorder is a behavioural addiction diagnosis introduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition or DSM-5. This is the first formal recognition of behavioural addiction in the psychiatry text, which is considered the “gold standard” in the field of mental health.
The parallels between gambling addiction and drug addiction have been drawn by experts for decades, although whether behavioural addictions share similar characteristics to substance addictions has always been controversial.
What is now unquestioned is that gambling behaviours can become compulsive, can lead to major financial and emotional problems, and are treatable using similar approaches to the treatment of substance addictions. This has been repeatedly demonstrated by research, and as a result, gambling is now fully recognised as an addictive disorder
(Source: www.verywellmind.com/what-is-gambling-disorder-22015)
The Gambling Industry
The Gambling Industry is currently regulated by The Gambling Commission on behalf of the government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) under the Gambling Act 2005. The act was introduced with the intention of providing protection to children and vulnerable adults as well as bringing the newly emerging internet gaming and gambling sectors within regulation.
At the time of its implementation there were few that would have anticipated the rapid development and growth of both the online gaming and gambling industries to the level at which they operate today. Thankfully, the 2005 Gambling Act is in line for a review following an announcement in the Queen’s speech in December 2019 in which the Government was asked to ‘carry out a review of the Gambling Act. Our hope is that the new Gambling Act will bring in legislation that does indeed protect children and those vulnerable people who are at risk of developing a gambling disorder
It is reported that approximately half of all adults in Britain participate in some form of gambling.
Whilst a high proportion may be able to exercise control over their levels of gambling, without adverse effect on other areas of their life, worryingly there are growing numbers of people who are not able to exercise this control. There are an estimated 400,000 that suffer from a gambling disorder with a further 1.8 million considered to be at risk. Licensed gambling has grown by £4.1 billion, a 57% increase, in the last decade and in the last three years gambling operators have spent half a billion pounds, a 56% increase, on marketing and advertising. The exploitative nature of how the gambling market operates and is promoted means that unless there is a serious review of the Gambling Act, we are at risk of seeing even further devastation and destruction in both individuals and their family’s lives.
(Source: The National Audit Office February 2020)
Why Do People Gamble?
It may be difficult for family and friends who have little or no interest in gambling to understand why you have gambled. The same principle may apply to a person who is able to drink alcohol sociably and in moderation compared to someone who drinks to a level that has negative consequences in other areas of their life.
Compulsive or disordered behaviour, whatever the severity, comes from the need of a person to replicate a feeling that is desirable to them. This can take the form of a relationship with a substance or an experience which over time can become increasingly habitual and relied on, however harmful the consequences.
Those suffering from gambling harms have described different emotions they seek from gambling. For some it is pure excitement and the contrast of risk versus potentially winning, whilst for others it is a detachment from their surroundings and being part of a game.
Regardless of the motivating factor, it is the feeling or emotion which is pursued, and in many cases money becomes immaterial to their experience. However, the risks are very much material as it is real money and loss which ultimately sustains the feeling.
For many, a gambling disorder may have its roots in adolescence or as a young adult but for others it becomes an issue later.
Generally, a gambling disorder will develop over time but with the pace at which technology is advancing, the highly addictive nature of certain products and the onslaught of gambling-related media and advertising, we are looking at an epidemic of gambling of gambling related harms of which society has never seen.
The Products
Not all gambling products are the same. Some are a lot more addictive than others.
The House of Lords report Gambling Harm – Time for Action found the prevalence of problem gambling in online gambling or betting is 3.5%, in comparison to the prevalence of 0.7% of problem gamblers across the population. The prevalence rate for online gambling on slots, casino or bingo games is considerably higher at 9.2%.
The most harmful products include:
- Online slots and casino style games
- Fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs)
- In play sports betting
These products are designed to keep people playing and are highly addictive. They contain a range of design features such as near misses, losses disguised as wins and free spins to name but a few. Coupled with the high bet frequency and the speed of play they may lead to people developing a gambling disorder in a much shorter space of time.
Many people start gambling through sports betting but are often cross-sold the more harmful products, such as online slots and casinos, through creative marketing and advertising. The film Ka-Ching reinforces this and explores the highly addictive nature of the Australian electronic gaming machines, commonly known as Pokies, and reveals what makes these machines so dangerous. The film will help you to have a greater understanding and better appreciation of how online slots are designed and the impact that they have on the player.
Warning: The above film contains images of electronic gaming machines and must be viewed with caution. If viewing this film is likely to cause anxiety then we strongly advise not to watch it.
“These products are designed to make play rapid, continuous and encourages repetitive betting and loss chasing. It impairs decision making and self-control. It is typically played in isolation” Dr Matt Gaskell, Clinical Lead and Consultant Psychologist at The NHS Northern Gambling Service
Advertising and Marketing
Gambling appears to be everywhere, on all media platforms and on our TV screens and throughout various times of the day. GamFam Trustee, Carolyn Harris, says, “Gambling has been normalised to such an extent that young people grow up thinking this is a harmless activity”
- Gambling is advertised as part of normal gameplay within the computer games that we play (including many under 18 games).
- Famous sporting personalities and celebrities are used to promote gambling
- It is heavily marketed in many sports, especially football.
- The average 14- to 18-year-old is watching approximately four gambling adverts per day
- Approximately 50% of football clubs from the top two divisions in England have gambling-related sponsors.
- The ‘normalisation’ of gambling within football is creating a time bomb as young people are being conditioned to think that betting is an integral part of football.
Therefore, it could be argued that the risk of developing a gambling disorder is higher than that of alcohol or drugs, as it is perceived to be more socially acceptable
Many people start gambling for fun and in some cases experience early wins. This helps to reinforce the addictive nature of gambling as they will continue playing in the hope that they experience the same thrill of winning again. However, these wins are often followed by losses and the cycle of a gambling disorder may begin.
Disordered Gamblers and VIP Schemes
Disordered gamblers lose significant amounts of money and are seen as highly valuable and very profitable to the gambling companies. Historically, they will have been signed up to VIP schemes and assigned specialised account managers who had the authority to offer incentives to players such as free bets or tickets to sporting events. They are marketed as ‘rewards’ for loyalty but are viewed by many as a way of keeping people gambling beyond their means. There has been much controversy surrounding the use of VIP schemes by the gambling industry and thankfully will become a thing of the past.
It is widely reported that approximately 60% of all gambling profits are generated by just 5% of players. Then the figure rises to 86% from just 5% of players and as Kenny Alexander, former CEO of GVC Holdings once famously said ‘Look I’m not going to sugar coat it, 99% of our customers will lose’.
There is a common theme amongst disordered gamblers – once they have spent their own money, they will look to finance their gambling through other means. This may start with borrowing from family and friends and once this avenue has been exhausted loans and historically credit cards (since April 2020, credit cards cannot be used to finance gambling). As the losses mount up, more unconventional methods such as high interest ‘pay day’ loans or similar are used. In more extreme cases, the disordered gambler will steal from families, friends and employers resulting in a criminal record and prison sentence for some.
The term ‘rock bottom’ describes the point at which the disordered gambler realises that all other attempts to try and address the issue have failed and is finally able to admit there is a problem and seek help. Sadly, this does not apply to all, and every year in the UK there are a reported 250 to 650 gambling-related suicides. It is critical that we raise awareness of the dangers associated with gambling and that certain types of gambling are more addictive than others. For example, online gambling and particularly casino-style games are said to be three times more addictive with online slot machines which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are also growing concerns relating to the number of female problem gamblers with this demographic reportedly growing at a faster rate than their male counterparts. A recent report highlighted that almost 70% of female gamblers do so via apps and websites as opposed to using bookmakers and arcades. Therefore, it is crucial that this demographic is able to access help and support
Key facts about gambling
There are a reported 400,000 adult gambling addicts in the UK, with almost a further 2 million at risk with research suggesting that around six additional people – such as friends, family, and co-workers – are directly affected by each gambler.
55,000 young people aged 11-16 are addicted to gambling.
Gambling addiction can lead to various mental health problems, relationship difficulties, large-scale financial loss and, in some cases, crime or suicide.
Licensed gambling has grown by £4.1 billion. This is a 57% increase in the last decade. This is mainly due to online and smart phone gambling.
16% of 18 to 24-year olds have placed bets on organised video games. This is known as e-sports.
Gambling operators have spent half a billion pounds, a 56% increase, on marketing and advertising in the last 3 years.
A staggering £11.3 billion (excluding The National Lottery) is placed on bets with gambling operators in the UK.
A reported 44% of online gamblers used their mobile phones to gamble in 2018, up from 23% in 2015.
(Source: The National Audit Office February 2020)
Contact Us
If you need help in gaining a better understanding and would like to talk to someone who can relate to your situation please contact us.
Please do get in touch as it could be the start towards your own recovery.
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