If you think gambling is causing problems for you or you have a gambling addiction, you might want to start a treatment program or attend a gambling rehab. Having a gambling addiction will ruin essential aspects of your life, including relationships, mental health and finances. That is why we encourage players to self-evaluate and join a gambling treatment program if they find out they have a problem.
You are not alone; getting treatment is okay.
According to statistics by Gamble Aware, over 6,000 people were reported to the Data Reporting Framework (DRF) as having been treated by Britain’s National Gambling Treatment Service. Therefore, you are not alone and shouldn’t shy from seeking support for your gambling problem.
If you are not sure you have a gambling problem:
Answer these questions as self-assessment:
- Do you use more money to bet than you can afford to?
- Does gambling feel boring if you are not spending more money?
- Have you used bill money to gamble?
- Does gambling push you to debt?
- Do you think about gambling for most of your day?
- Do you get angry when someone tells you not to gamble?
- Does losing in a casino game make you angry?
- Have you ever had a panic or anxiety attack during or after gambling?
- Have you cancelled family or social events to gamble instead?
- Have you found yourself wondering if you have a gambling problem?
- Do you sometimes feel guilty over the way you gamble?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to five or more of the above questions, it is time to consider getting treatment for your gambling.
Where to get urgent help for your mental health?
Have you experienced anxiety in the past few days due to gambling? If gambling is bringing serious harm to your physical and mental health, here is how to get urgent help to combat your gambling problems.
Gambling treatment clinics & rehabs in the United Kingdom
There are 15+ NHS gambling clinics in the UK, where you can go see a specialist for therapy. Additionally, there are 49 independent rehab centres for British gamblers.
A gambling rehab is a set of programmes that you work through with the help of a specialist to understand, prevent and treat gambling harms. Going to rehab is the best way to overcome gambling compulsions and stop impulsive betting. Most importantly, treatment clinics give you the best chance of overcoming your gambling addiction and achieving long-term recovery.
Which is the best rehab centre or treatment clinic for gambling addicts?
The ideal gambling treatment program should be practical, accessible and confidential. Talking to a specialist at the clinic will help you make the best decision about which treatment to pick.
Outpatient rehab
Outpatient treatment programmes involve attending rehab sessions on several days per week. This might be a convenient option, but it is not recommended for UK players with severe gambling addictions.
Inpatient rehab
Inpatient treatment is the best recovery programme for British gambling addicts. It involves staying at a rehab centre for several weeks. Experts agree it offers a holistic environment, so players can focus on recovery without distractions or temptations.
Major gambling support organisations and rehab programs for UK players
While NHS gambling clinics give treatment for referral and critical betting addicts, other support groups offer confidential support to people who have trouble gambling.
- The National Gambling Helpline – You can call 0808 8020 133 for 24 hours, seven days a week.
- Gamble Aware – This is the National Gambling Support Network service.
- Primary Care Gambling Service – A reliable national service group that supports anyone suffering from gambling-related harms.
- Gamblers Anonymous – A local support group that applies the 12-step approach to aid recovery.
- GamLearn – This is the Gambling Lived Experience and Recovery Network Service.
Who to contact if you are in a gambling-related mental health crisis
Has gambling pushed you to a mental breakdown, nervous breakdown, anxiety attack or thoughts of self-harm?
You can get emergency treatment by contacting 111. Make a call to 111 and select the mental health option. A trained mental health professional will speak to you over the phone and guide you on your next steps to a full recovery from gambling addiction.
If you just need someone to talk to about your gambling addictions and the harm it has caused in your life, below is a list of the people you need to contact:
- Call 116 123 and talk to Samaritans. You can also email [email protected] (they reply to emails within 24 hours).
If you are 18 years or below, and you have been exposed to gambling, text ‘YM’ to 85258 or call 0800 1111 to get support from a professional at Childline.
