Next of kin guide

Some of the advice we list here are actions the player must take themselves, they are not exempt from taking responsibility, but you can encourage and support them through the process.

Take a step back - don't react impulsively

It's natural to feel shock, anger, disappointment and concern when you discover the gambling problem. In these situations, it's important to try and keep your emotions in check and avoid impulsive actions that could escalate the situation. Give yourself time to process the information before taking the next step.

Search information about gambling addiction

If you haven't already done so, seeking knowledge will help you get a clearer picture of what's going on and how to approach the situation.

Talk to the gambling addict - in a calm and open manner

This step can be easier said than done, and we understand that. However, it's important that you have a conversation about the situation when you feel ready for it. Choose a time when you are both calm and have time to talk undisturbed. Avoid accusations and criticism, but you are allowed to be honest and direct about how you feel about the situation.

Seek help

Gambling addiction can be challenging to overcome on your own. Encouraging the compulsive gambler to seek help, such as counseling and treatment, will ease the path to becoming free of gambling. If the compulsive gambler is not ready to seek help, you as a relative can still benefit from talking to a counselor for tips and advice on how to best handle the situation.

Set boundaries and take care of yourself

It is important to set clear boundaries and protect yourself from the negative consequences of gambling addiction. This can include financial boundaries, such as ensuring that shared finances are not affected by gambling, or emotional boundaries to ensure that you are not drawn into destructive patterns.

At the same time, you also need to take care of your own physical and mental health. Gambling addiction can cause a lot of stress and it's important that you give yourself time to process your feelings, talk to someone you trust and get the support you need.

Assess the financial consequences

If the gambling addiction has resulted in financial consequences, it is important to take action as soon as possible. This may include getting an overview of any debts or other financial problems that have arisen due to the gambling. You may also want to contact a financial advisor. It may also be appropriate for you to take responsibility for the family's finances from now on.

Join a self-help group

Being a next of kin of a gambling addict can be lonely, but there are groups where you can meet others in the same situation. Sharing experiences with other caregivers can give you valuable support, as well as new perspectives on how to handle the situation.

Block all gaming accounts

In the case of gambling, we recommend that the gambling addict contacts the gambling sites used and informs them of their gambling addiction in order to block the gambling account from further activity. You are welcome to take part in this process, as it will give you an insight into how cynical these gambling sites are. Many will entice their players to stay by offering them bonuses and other benefits.

Make concrete agreements

It's good if you've agreed in advance what the player should do if they have gambling thoughts or what the consequences are of having a relapse. For many, relapse is difficult to avoid and for others it is not. But it's inappropriate to threaten or give ultimatums that you'll never follow through on. If no requirements or expectations are set for dealing with relapse, the player will quickly learn that it doesn't matter if they continue with unwanted gambling.

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