For National Recovery Month, Know the Triggers That Can Lead to Problem Gambling Relapse

National Recovery Month, observed every September, is a vital initiative that sheds light on the importance of recovery from mental health and substance use disorders, including gambling addiction.^{1, 2} This annual observance, established in 1989, aims to educate Americans about the availability and effectiveness of the resources, services, and support systems for those in need, while celebrating the achievements of those who have overcome addiction and working to reduce stigma.³ In Florida, recovery from gambling disorder is a reality, thanks to 24/7 accessibility to a comprehensive range of proven resources via the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine. Listen now to the recovery stories of those who began by contacting the HelpLine.

One of the most vital topics in recovery from problem gambling is relapse. When you think about the relapse cycle for disordered gambling, it is important to remember the steps to watch out for before there is a “planned gamble” or a relapse. When you first quit gambling, keeping your eyes open to how you feel and what you are thinking at every moment is significant. The cycle starts with feelings, then warning signs, then come the urges, followed by thinking errors and lastly – the trigger that can set off a relapse.

Every day you have a choice to gamble or not gamble. The more information and tools you have will help you fight off urges to gamble. Are you aware of the triggers that you are experiencing? It is possible that they happen without you even thinking about them. A trigger can originate internally from yourself, or externally from others or situations around you. Triggers can release pent-up anxiety or tension, and when coupled with a warning sign, it is difficult to stop the momentum of the urge to gamble.

There are three types of triggers: Internal, External, and Environmental. Internal triggers come from inside yourself. External triggers come from your surroundings and situation. Environmental triggers are those things you have no control over and can be the most dangerous to your recovery. Here are some examples of the three different types of triggers. Do you recognize any?

HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) is an acronym that you will hear in addictions treatment settings and support groups. These four common emotional and physical states increase your risk of relapse and are very important to keep in mind while you are checking in with yourself on what is going on at any time of the day or night.

Any one of these triggers can cause a relapse. Being mindful of your warning signs can help you take the necessary action before a trigger leads you down the path of relapse. Think back through your experience with your gambling. Does any of this sound familiar to you? It should, because triggers affect you when you are not taking care of yourself and are not in tune with yourself. When you are not paying attention to the basic needs of your body, mind, and spirit, gambling addiction can silently slip up from behind you and take you places you don’t want to go. It is always lingering in the background, waiting for a time to take control of you! This is why recovery from problem gambling is often described as a lifelong process.

Remember: if you find yourself anywhere in the relapse cycle, pick up your phone and call or text the 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT! Specialists are standing by to support you through the rough times. Sometimes, you just need to talk with someone long enough until the craving or urge has passed – when you contact the HelpLine, you’ll also get a supportive and understanding voice plus connection to a wide range of free resource referrals. As time goes on in your recovery, the urges and cravings will come fewer and farther in between.

1. “National Recovery Month.” , www.naadac.org/national-recovery-month. NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.
2. “National Recovery Month.” National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 29 Aug. 2024, www.thenationalcouncil.org/national-recovery-month/. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.
3. “National Recovery Month 2024.” SAMHSA, www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.