Have you been lying to someone about your gambling? Are you worried someone has been lying to you about his or her gambling? When gambling gets out of hand and you feel like you are spinning out of control, contacting the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine is the best way to find hope and resources for recovery in Florida – for both gamblers and impacted loved ones. You can call, text, or open a live chat on gamblinghelp.org to reach out for help and support. The HelpLine is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and you’ll always be connected with a live person.

There is no shame in asking for help. In fact, it is the most power you can have when dealing with disordered gambling or any other addiction. Once you have taken the first step of asking for help, then change will follow. In other words, the first step to recovery from problem gambling is to admit it. This is true no matter where you are in the stages of change. Disordered gambling is a progressive disease, meaning even if you were to stop for a week, month, or a year, if you start again, you will immediately be right back at the same place you were when you stopped. You can never go back to that first high.

Stages of Change:

1. Pre-contemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Preparation
4. Action
5. Maintenance

Now that you realize there is a problem and have seen how it has affected so many areas in your life, let’s take a look at how you can tackle them one by one. It can be done, and you don’t have to do it alone. The HelpLine can connect you with the FCCG’s A Chance for Change Recovery Workbooks, Gamblers Anonymous or Gam-Anon Self-Help Support Groups, the Peer Connect Program and Counseling from Florida’s only network of treatment providers certified for disordered gambling. Check out the Resources section on gamblinghelp.org to learn more about all the HelpLine has to offer.

Here are the eight areas for you to explore, honestly, with yourself to see what damage problem gambling has done. First, you will want to list the most important areas in order, then set your goals to take steps to change them. A characteristic of anyone prone to any addiction is instant gratification – and none more so than gambling. It may be a challenge to get used to accepting small successes in the beginning, which will lead to greater change for your better future. You will build your confidence with each successful small step!

1. Family/Relationships
2. Social
3. Legal
4. Physical
5. Financial
6. Spiritual
7. Emotional
8. Occupational

In order for any goal to be successful, it has to be reasonably attainable and measurable. Otherwise, how will you know you are changing?

Here is an example; let’s start with Financial:

1. Describe the problem: “I have creditors calling about my credit card debts, wanting money, and I can’t pay them all. I am afraid to return their calls.”
2. Goal: To start a payment plan to pay off debts over time.
3. First small step to change: “I will sit down this Sunday and go through all the bills stacking up for months, that I have been avoiding and am afraid to look at. I will sift through them and only keep the most current bill from each company.” Important: If you think this will be too emotionally overwhelming and could cause a relapse, ask someone you trust to help you through this step.
4. Second small step to change: “I will use the free Financial Debt & Budgeting Toolkit from my call to 888-ADMIT-IT to help me organize all my bills and assets together with all incoming and outgoing financial information. I will call one creditor at a time to set up a payment plan.” Important: Continue this one bill at a time, paying off the highest one first. Then, you can pay more towards the next and onward.

Now use this example to work through all the areas above you think are negatively affected by your gambling. Ask for help!

The Triple Crown, Sports Betting, and Relapse

It’s that time of year again. The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing begins on May 4, 2024, with the famed Kentucky Derby, followed by the Preakness Stakes on May 18th and the Belmont Stakes on June 8th. If you are in recovery for problem gambling, you have to be proactive to prevent giving in to the temptation to bet on these hyped events. It is a time to be vigilant with all of your recovery tools, and to remember that the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine is standing by every step of the way.

This message isn’t just for those in recovery. If you are concerned about gambling or are not sure whether it has become a problem for yourself or a loved one, do not hesitate to reach out to the HelpLine for free, 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual support. There are no prerequisites to contacting 888-ADMIT-IT. Learn about all the ways to get in touch.