How to Quit Gambling in Ireland

In Ireland, there are more people gambling than ever before, and consequently, there is a growing number of individuals seeking help for gambling addictions. While it can be challenging, overcoming gambling issues is possible if you seek out help and guidance. Here at BetinIreland, our guide will give you clear steps on how to quit gambling and maintain healthier habits.

Recognising the Problem

At BetinIreland, we believe that recognising the problem is the first step to recovery from a gambling addiction. In this section, we’ll look at the most common warning signs of problematic gambling behaviours and the impact addiction can have on your life.

10 Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Reckless Spending

Spending more money than intended on betting sites, online casino games, especially if you’re using your savings, can be a major red flag.

Lying to loved ones

You hide or lie to your family and friends about how much time you’re spending playing these games to avoid judgment.

Obsessive Urges

You’re constantly thinking about gambling, such as when your next playing session will be or how a previous one played out.

Anxiety when not gambling

Feeling restless or anxious when you’re unable to gamble could mean you’re unhealthy dependent on this activity.

Neglecting Responsibilities

One common sign of addiction is neglecting daily activities, such as not going to work, to continue playing.

Asking for Money from other people

When you’re out of money, you borrow money from family and friends to continue playing, even if you cannot afford to pay it back.

Unable to Stop

Whenever you try to stop gambling, it never works out, and you end up right back where you started.

Chasing Losses

You try to win the money you’ve lost by gambling before, hoping the next bet will bring about a winning sum.

Spending Spare Time Gambling

Gambling takes up all your free time, replacing social activities, hobbies, and even time with family and friends.

Using Gambling to Cope

Instead of facing problems and dealing with the issue, you keep gambling to escape stress, loneliness, and other issues.

The Impact of Gambling on Your Life

Gambling addiction can negatively impact various aspects of your life. More on that below:

Financial consequences

If you’re borrowing money from others to fund your playing habits or maxing out your credit cards, this can lead to increasing amounts of debt. Some individuals even use up their hard-earned savings to maintain their playing habits, which can lead to serious problems.

Family and relationship issues

Gambling addictions can have huge impacts on relationships. If you're lying to your loved ones about your spending habits or if you’re taking money from them to fund your addiction, this can lead to a lot of stress and tension.

Work and career problems

If you choose to gamble instead of going to work, or are engaging in gambling activities while you’re at work, you can end up losing your job. This, in turn, leads to more anxiety and stress.

Mental health effects

Your mental health can suffer immensely because of gambling addiction, causing low self-esteem, guilt, anxiety, and even depression. Over time, this can seriously affect your overall well-being.

How to Begin Your Recovery Journey

Overcoming gambling addiction takes time, effort, and discipline. It’s important to remember that recovery is different for everyone; it’s not always straightforward, and some days will be more challenging than others. However, many people before you have managed to overcome these problems, and so can you.

Below, I’ve set up a step-by-step practical guide with general tips to help you on your journey to recovery.

Acknowledge the Problem

The first step to overcoming the problem is to be honest with yourself. This is often the most challenging step, especially if you’ve been gambling for a long time. It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s only by facing this truth that you can take control of your addictions and move forward.

Identify and Avoid Triggers

The next step is to identify your triggers. Triggers are the stimuli or situations that compel you to start gambling. These can be anything from stress, boredom, being around certain people, or even specific places. Once you understand what your triggers are, you’ll be better able to handle or avoid them altogether. For example, if you gamble whenever you feel bored, you’ll need to replace that habit with something healthier, such as going for a walk or reading. If specific environments trigger your gambling, it’s best to find ways to avoid those situations, especially when you’re first starting your recovery journey.

Set Limits and Take Control of Your Finances

To help you control your gambling activities, or stop them altogether, it’s a great idea to limit your financial access and give it to a trusted person. Without easy access to these funds, it will be harder to overspend, and you might think twice before spending money on gambling activities. You can use tools like budgeting apps to help you with this, which will allow you to spend only a certain amount of money per month. For example, in Ireland, you can get free advice from organisations like MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) to help you manage your money and take control of your debt.

Find Healthy Alternatives

Replacing unhealthy habits with healthy ones is key to successful recovery. One great way to keep your mind busy and negative patterns at bay is to establish a routine that includes various feel-good activities. Exercising is a great activity to consider, as it provides a natural adrenaline boost while also improving your overall well-being and self-esteem.

Another great option is volunteering or joining a hobby group. This is a great way to meet new people, do something beneficial for your community, or simply learn a new skill, all of which can help improve your overall well-being. Attending therapy sessions is another important step, as it can help you get to the root of your problems more quickly than when trying to tackle them alone. It also provides the support you need as you work through your recovery journey.

Block Access to Gambling

Almost all online casinos in Ireland offer players self-exclusion tools, and these are easy to use and set up. This tool prohibits you from entering a casino for a stipulated timeframe. Alternatively, you can also install tools such as Gamban and Betblocker, which will block your access to all available gambling platforms, not just individual sites. Both Gamban and Betblocker come with features that show you how many days you’ve gone without gambling and how much money you’ve saved, helping to motivate you and keep you on track.

Get Support from Professionals

Seeking help is not a last resort; it’s an integral part of the recovery journey and can help you beat your gambling addiction much more quickly than trying to deal with it alone.

Talk to a Therapist or Counsellor

One of the most helpful things you can do is to reach out for support. One way to do this is by seeking assistance from professionals. There are a variety of treatments available when it comes to addiction, with one of the most effective ones being CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). This is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change unhealthy thought patterns to improve their well-being.

Here are some useful mental health resources in Ireland that you can check out:

• Mental Health Ireland
• Health Service Executive
• Aware
• The Samaritans
• Pieta House

Join a Gambling Support Group

Joining a support group can be a great way to feel less isolated on your recovery journey. These groups provide a judgment-free space where you can share your experiences and recovery journey in a safe and supportive environment, while also listening to others' experiences.

Here are some well-known support groups you can contact in Ireland:

• Gamblers Anonymous Ireland:

A group of men and women who come to share their experiences about gambling addiction. Meetings are held in person and online.

Regional phone numbers & Emails:

Dublin: 01 872 1133

Cork: 087 285 9552

Galway: 086 349 4450; galwayga@gmail.com

Tipperary: 085 783 1045

Kerry: 087 426 6633

Waterford: 087 185 0294

Belfast: 048 9024 9185; gabelfast@gmail.com

Contact form: https://www.gamblersanonymous.ie/contact

• Gambling Therapy:

A global service offered by Gordon Moody, providing free advice and emotional support to those who are struggling with gambling addictions.

Phone: 01384 241292

Email: help@gordonmoody.org.uk

Contact form: https://gordonmoody.org.uk/contact-us/

• SMART Recovery:

An international community that offers tools and techniques to live a life without addiction.

Contact form: https://smartrecovery.ie/contact-smart-recovery/

• GamblingCare:

GamblingCare aims to raise awareness of gambling addiction in the Irish public. They’re also there to offer support to addicts and their loved ones.

Phone: 1800 936 725

Contact form: https://gamblingcare.ie/contact-us/

• Extern Problem Gambling:

A group that’s there to help anyone who has been affected by the harms of gambling. They offer a variety of helpful tools to determine whether you have a problem with gambling.

Phone: 089 241 5401

Email: info@problemgambling.ie

Contact: https://www.problemgambling.ie/contact-us.html

Preventing Relapse and Staying Gambling-Free

There are several things you can consider implementing into your life to prevent relapsing into gambling, which I’ve described below.

Common Relapse Triggers

Awareness is key when it comes to recovery, and one of the most beneficial things you can do to prevent relapse is to identify your triggers. These can be emotional states such as boredom, anxiety, or loneliness. Sometimes it can be high-risk situations, such as knowing a casino is close by, or feeling overconfident in your recovery process. Recognising these triggers will help you develop proactive strategies to manage them more effectively and avoid slipping into old habits.

Building a Support Network

Having an accountability partner can help you feel more empowered during your journey. This could be a therapist, a friend, or a family member—anyone you can be open with and trust. One great tactic is to schedule regular check-ins with them, such as sending a message once a week about your progress, which helps you stay committed to your goals. Joining a support community is also a great option, as you’ll meet with a group of people every couple of days or weeks to discuss your recovery.

Finding New Hobbies and Interests

Replacing your gambling habits with healthier alternatives is another crucial step to help you during your recovery. You can consider physical activities such as exercise and sports, which can help you greatly with stress management while also providing you with the same dopamine you would get from gambling activities. Creative pursuits, such as painting or writing, are another excellent option that can help you feel more fulfilled and encourage you to connect with your emotions. By choosing these healthier alternatives to gambling, you can regain control of your life and, in turn, feel more empowered and happier.

Rebuilding Your Life After Gambling

It can be difficult to implement healthier routines and strategies when experiencing a gambling addiction. However, once you establish and consistently incorporate them into your daily life, they’ll become second nature. Let’s have a closer look at how you can rebuild your life after gambling.

Repairing Relationships

Gambling addictions can cause a lot of tension between you and your loved ones, but this doesn’t mean that there isn’t a way to repair these relationships. Here are some strategies that can help:

• Apologising and making amends:

  If you’re trying to repair a relationship with someone, it’s often best to take the first step. The best and bravest thing you can do is admit your shortcomings, take responsibility, and show your desire to change. Try to avoid justifying your behaviour; it’s better to show the other person that you’re working on becoming a healthier version of yourself.

• Rebuilding trust:

  Honesty is a crucial factor here; let the other person know where you are in your recovery process and keep your communication open and honest. Try to check in regularly with them and ensure you follow through on your promises and commitments. It’s also important to show people that you’re there for them and genuinely interested in their lives.

• Setting boundaries:

  Boundaries are crucial to healthy and long-lasting relationships, and they can have a significant impact on your emotional well-being. For example, you might ask friends not to talk about gambling around you or not to invite you to environments that may be triggering. When setting boundaries with others, it’s essential to understand your priorities and what you need from others to support your recovery process. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up if those around you are not respecting them.

Financial Recovery

For many, a big part of their recovery journey will involve repairing the financial problems caused by their gambling addiction. This can be stressful, but don’t let it consume you; there are ways to help improve your financial situation one day at a time. Here are some helpful strategies on how to regain your finances in order:

• Debt management plans:

  This is a strategic effort to help you pay off large bills and manage your debt. Many financial management apps can help you get your debt under control, which will help you set up a manageable payment plan. Or you can seek a credit counsellor to help you set this up if it feels too overwhelming to do it on your own.

• Budgeting strategies:

  Budgeting is an essential step in gaining control over your spending. Look at your spending every month and try to understand where you’re wasting the most money. Start by listing your essential monthly expenses, such as rent and food, and ensure those are covered. Then, look for other areas where you can cut back to help you save money. There are many apps available to help you with this, such as Goodbudget, Money Tracker, and Monefy.

• Financial counselling:

  If keeping track of your debt feels too overwhelming, you can seek out a financial counsellor for guidance. Financial professionals help you create a personalised plan to get your finances in order while also protecting you from future money-related issues. In Ireland, there are free financial counselling support groups, such as GamFin, which can help you with this.

Establishing New Routines

Many studies have proven that having a consistent routine is beneficial for addicts in recovery as it provides them with structure, which in turn reduces stress and helps build better habits. Here’s how you can establish new routines:

• Daily structure:

  Create a healthy daily routine that you enjoy. To do this, you can first start by setting regular waking and sleeping times. Then, you can include around five activities in the day that promote well-being, such as exercising for 30 minutes, going for a one-hour walk, cleaning up the house, meeting a friend for coffee, and cooking healthy meals. Everyone's daily routine looks different, and it’s essential to create one that you can stick to.

• Long-term goals:

  During recovery, some days may feel more challenging, and it's normal to question the process. A powerful way to stay motivated is to set long-term goals. Ask yourself, “What do I want my future to look like?” Break down your goals into small, achievable steps to track your progress without feeling overwhelmed. For instance, if you dream of travelling, set aside a little money each month. This focus can greatly improve your overall well-being.

• Self-care practices:

  During your recovery process, it’s important to prioritise activities that make you feel good and remind you that you’re worth taking care of. Self-care practices ensure your physical, mental, and emotional needs are met. This can include making sure you eat one healthy meal every day or taking time to journal once a week. These simple acts of kindness to yourself are a great way to reconnect and feel better about yourself.

Irish Helplines and Support Services

Many people struggle with gambling addiction in Ireland, but fortunately, the country is well-equipped with support services and groups to help you overcome it. You’ll never be alone on this journey; there's always a professional to help you.

In this section, I’ve listed the best Irish helplines and support services.

Organisations Providing Support

Here are some more free or low-cost organisations you can reach out to if you or a loved one has a problem with gambling:

• HelpLink

Offers problem gambling counselling services completely free of charge for Irish residents.

Email: gamblingsupport@helplink.ie

Phone: 0818 99 88 80

• GamblingCare.ie

They aim to make problem gambling better understood and aware by the public, and to help those who have developed this problem:

Email: info@turascounselling.ie

Phone: 1800 936 725

• The Rutland Centre

A gambling rehabilitation centre that has been around for almost a decade.

Email: info@rutlandcentre.ie

Phone: 01 494 6358.

• Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)

An Irish money advice service that helps individuals with money advice and debts.

Email: helpline@mabs.ie

Phone: 0818 07 2000

Online Resources

Along with in-person support, online resources such as articles, tools, apps, and online support groups can be an excellent way to help you through your recovery process. I’ve listed some of the best ones below:

Supporting a Loved One Who Gambles

When someone close to you struggles with gambling addiction, it can greatly impact your emotional well-being. It’s normal to feel betrayed or angry, but remember that you are not responsible for their actions. Help and recovery are possible, and your loved one can start over.

To support them, practice empathy. Although it’s challenging when their behaviour affects you negatively, staying calm is crucial. Gambling addiction is a mental disorder, and shaming them will only worsen the situation. Understanding more about addiction can alleviate some of your stress and foster compassion.

How to Start a Conversation

Before you bring up the problem, ensure you’re in a private space where you can discuss the situation without distractions. It’s essential that the person feels comfortable and safe talking about the problem, and you give them the time to explain their side of things. Make sure to show care when discussing the issue and try to explain how their problem is affecting you. While doing this, it’s important to show the other person that help is available, and that you’re ready to support them.

What to avoid saying

Although it might be tempting, it’s essential not to blame, accuse, or judge your loved one, as this can make them feel even more ashamed and guilty, which can trigger a relapse. One way to avoid sounding judgmental is to start your sentences with ‘I’, not ‘you’. For example, instead of saying ‘You must get help’, you can say ‘I’m worried that this might be affecting you, and I think it could be beneficial to talk to someone’. Also, try not to bring up the topic too often, as this can make them shut down or deny the issue.

Confrontation

If your loved one becomes defensive or walks away when you first bring this up, don’t take it personally. This is a very common reaction. Make sure to remain calm and collected, as getting angry will only make the situation worse. The best thing you can do is let them know that you’re ready to talk whenever they’re ready.

Set Boundaries

It’s important to help your loved one during this difficult time, but it's also essential not to let your actions enable them to continue their gambling habits. For example, if you are married, you can protect your finances by keeping your bank accounts separate. You can also make it clear that you will not provide them with any money, and gambling will not be tolerated at home.

I’d like to reiterate that you don't need to handle this problem alone. There are many support groups that families and friends can reach out to for emotional support, such as the ones below:

• GamblingCare.ie
• Extern Problem Gambling
• Gam Anon