A gambling relapse can happen to anyone at any stage of their journey to beat addiction.
Whether you've steered clear of gambling for years or just a few days, a slip up can really hurt. We understand a gambling relapse can make you feel despondent if you're trying to quit. But we're also here to tell you that this isn't the end of your journey.
In fact, this can help you refocus your efforts and understand your addiction and triggers that little bit more. And although it might not feel that way now, a gambling relapse might just make you stronger in the future.
The first thing that you have to realise about a gambling relapse is that they are way more common than you might think. When you're in the depths of regret, it might be hard to remember this fact. But you're not the first person to have a gambling relapse and you certainly won't be the last.
In fact, according to some studies, approximately 90% of people trying to beat a gambling addiction have relapses at some stage in their journey.
When you're trying to quit gambling, you might have several slip ups along the way. But know that you quit once and you can do it again.
We can often beat ourselves up after a gambling relapse happens. This is a natural response. It's our brains trying to punish us so we never do it again.
But of course, making ourselves feel bad isn't going to have the intended result. Lowering your self-esteem at a crucial time like after a gambling relapse will simply result in making you even more vulnerable to another slip up.
“I couldn't do it then, why should I keep trying to quit?”. Negative thoughts like that might start circulating in your head. But try to look at it from a more compassionate point of view.
“I slipped up. It happens to so many people every day. It's disappointing, but it isn't the end of my journey. I'm going to keep trying my best and being kind to myself.” This is a more positive way of thinking about a gambling relapse.
If you're finding it hard to be kind to yourself, just think about what you'd say to a loved one who's struggling and then try reflect that back on yourself.
Anyone who's struggled with addiction is familiar with the deceit that goes along with it. For some people, it's the worst part. But after a gambling relapse, stop that cycle.
Be honest with close friends and family about what happened. Let them to support you so it doesn't happen again.
Even though it's so difficult to admit when you've made a mistake, this honesty is the difference between living in the throws of addiction and having a relapse.
When you start your journey to beat gambling addiction, people often go to support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, seek therapy from counselors or even opt for in-patient therapy.
After a gambling relapse, it's important to get extra support. It's a vulnerable time in your life, so this is when you really need to get back into good habits.
As part of therapy, you might be encouraged to identify the triggers that caused your gambling relapse.
Try to remember what sort of frame of mind you were in before you started gambling again. Was their external factors at play, like someone encouraging you to just place one bet. Or were you thinking it was a good way to earn a little extra money?
Once you drill down and discover your triggers, it can help you guard against making similar mistakes in the future.
There are so many support organisations that can help you after a gambling relapse. Here are just some of them:
18+ Always remember to gamble responsibly. Check out bet365’s Safer Gambling page for more details or go to GambleAware.org for advice, tools and support.
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