Are you ready to change your gambling?
Deciding to change can be difficult, especially if gambling has become a big part of your life.
You may be concerned about spending too much money and time on gambling. At the same time, you may also be unsure about whether you want to change your gambling.
Or you may be ready to take control of your gambling. You may even have decided to do something about it.
Knowing which stage of change you’re in can be helpful because it can help you understand the process of recovery and determine what action might be most effective.
Is your family member or friend ready to change their gambling?
Deciding to change can be difficult, especially if gambling has become a big part of your family member or friend’s life.
They may be concerned about spending too much money and time on gambling. At the same time, they may also be unsure about whether they want to change their gambling.
Or they may be ready to take control of their gambling. They may even have decided to do something about it.
Knowing which stage of change your family member or friend is in can help you understand the process of recovery and the challenges they may face. This knowledge can also help you provide more informed support and encouragement.
Is someone ready to change their gambling?
Deciding to change can be difficult, especially if gambling has become a big part of people’s lives.
They may be concerned about spending too much money and time on gambling. At the same time, they may also be unsure about whether they want to change their gambling.
Or they may be ready to take control of their gambling. They may even have decided to do something about it.
As a professional, recognising which stage of change the person you’re working with is in can be a valuable tool for understanding their process of recovery and the obstacles they may encounter. By having this knowledge, you can provide more informed guidance and support that can assist their recovery.
What are the stages of change?
People can change their gambling. But the road to recovery isn’t necessarily a straight line. People often move back and forth between different stages when trying to change their gambling.
There are typically five stages of change when it comes to harmful gambling. It can be helpful to understand these stages and how people move from one stage to the next until they have reached their goals.
People in this stage may not even be aware that their gambling is an issue or they’re not quite ready to think about making changes. In this stage, taking the Gambling Quiz or looking at the Benefits of Change can be helpful.
People in this stage are aware that gambling is an issue and considering making a change, but may be unsure of whether they want to or how to go about it. In this stage, taking the Gambling Quiz or looking at the Benefits of Change can be helpful.
People in this stage are actively preparing to make a change and may be seeking out resources or support to help them. In this stage, taking a look at Taking Action may be helpful.
People in this stage are actively making changes to their gambling. They might be using strategies or getting support to help them change. In this stage, taking a look at Taking Action may be helpful.
People in this stage have successfully made changes to their gambling and are working to maintain those changes over the long term. Looking at Maintaining Change might be helpful in this stage.
How do lapses and relapses fit into these stages of change?
When you’re trying to change your gambling, it’s important to understand that you might have times when you slip up and start gambling again. This can be really frustrating or upsetting, but lapses and relapses can help you learn how to better recognise and manage your gambling triggers in the future. If you’re struggling with lapses or relapses, take a look at our section on Managing Lapses And Relapse.
How can understanding the stages of change help?
Knowing which stage of change you’re in can be incredibly helpful because it can help you to understand the process of recovery. It can help you to understand why it may have been such a struggle to “just stop”. To change your gambling long-term, you must recognise that gambling is causing harm and be ready and willing to commit to change.
Understanding the stages of change that you’re in can also help to determine what actions and strategies are most likely to be effective at each stage of the change process. This knowledge can help you decide how to move to the next stage of change and the type of support you might need to make lasting changes.
The good news is that you can decide to make a change at any time. You don’t need to hit rock bottom. You just have to want to change. Check out The Benefits of Change. Speaking to a counsellor can also help – see our information on Seeking Support.
Do you want more help?
To learn more about the stages of change, you can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members or friends.
How do lapses and relapses fit into these stages of change?
If you’re supporting a family member or friend who is trying to change their gambling, it’s important to understand that they might have times when they slip up and start gambling again. This can be very frustrating or upsetting for both of you, lapses and relapses can help your family member or friend learn how to better recognise and manage their gambling triggers in the future. If they are struggling with lapses or relapses, you can suggest that they take a look at our section on Managing Lapses And Relapse.
How can understanding the stages of change help?
Knowing which stage of change your family member or friend is in can help you understand their experiences, expectations and goals. It can provide you with a better understanding of what they are going through in their recovery journey so you can adjust your expectations accordingly. It can help you understand the challenges they may face when they are trying to change their gambling. Try to understand that lapses and relapses are a normal part of the recovery process. With this knowledge, you can anticipate and plan for these potential setbacks.
A widely held view is that people struggling with gambling should “just stop”. But many people have mixed feelings about their gambling. Although gambling can create problems, it also offers people excitement, a way to forget their worries, the possibility of a win, and a way to socialise with other people. People often want to stop, but it’s not always that simple. To change their gambling long-term, they must recognise gambling is causing harm and be ready and willing to commit to change. Research shows that it can take a long time for people to start thinking about change.
“We don’t see anyone here who doesn’t want to reduce their drinking or drug use or gambling… they all want to quit. The problem is they haven’t been able to, they’ve struggled. They’ve got lots of advice, everyone’s told them to stop but it’s not that simple.” — Professor Dan Lubman, Turning Point Executive Clinical Director.
Understanding what your family member or friend is going through can help you talk with them. People who feel understood are more likely to speak openly and honestly, allowing you to negotiate and develop a plan together.
When you’re trying to help a family member or friend with their gambling, it’s important to consider what stage of change they are currently in so that you can decide the best way to respond to them and align your help and support to that stage. You can tailor your support and encouragement to be most effective at each stage of the process. You might see the harm caused by their gambling, but they may still only be thinking about change, or they may not be sure that they want to change at all. Providing this informed support can help foster greater understanding, trust, and improved outcomes for both you and your family member or friend.
The good news is that your family member or friend can decide to change at any time. They don’t need to hit rock bottom. They just have to want to change. You could ask them to check out The Benefits of Change or encourage them to speak to a counsellor – see our information on Seeking Support.
Do you want more help?
To learn more about the stages of change, you or your family member or friend can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members or friends like you. It’s not only the person who gambles that can be affected, but the people close to them too. It’s important to take care of yourself when you’re supporting someone else. Check out the family and friends section in our peer support community to connect with people who understand.
How do lapses and relapses fit into these stages of change?
As a professional working with a person who is trying to change their gambling, it’s important to inform them and their family members that there might be times when they slip up and start gambling again. This can be very frustrating for both them and their family members, but let them know that it’s actually a normal part of the process. Lapses and relapses can provide valuable opportunities for them to learn how to better recognise and manage their gambling triggers in the future. If they are struggling with lapses or relapses, you can suggest that they take a look at our section on Managing Lapses And Relapse.
How can understanding the stages of change help?
As a professional, knowing which stage of change your people are in can help you understand their experiences, expectations and goals. It can provide you with a better understanding of what they are going through in their recovery journey and the challenges they may face.
A widely held view is that people struggling with gambling should “just stop”. But many people have mixed feelings about their gambling. Although gambling can create problems, it also offers excitement, a way to forget their worries, the possibility of a win, and a way to socialise with other people. People often want to stop, but it’s not always that simple. To change their gambling long-term, they must recognise gambling is causing harm and be ready and willing to commit to change. Research shows that it can take a long time for people to start thinking about change.
“We don’t see anyone here who doesn’t want to reduce their drinking or drug use or gambling… they all want to quit. The problem is they haven’t been able to, they’ve struggled. They’ve got lots of advice, everyone’s told them to stop but it’s not that simple.” — Professor Dan Lubman, Turning Point Executive Clinical Director.
Understanding what the person you’re working with is going through can help you talk with them. People who feel understood are more likely to speak openly and honestly, allowing you to negotiate and develop a plan together.
When you’re trying to help someone with their gambling, it’s important to consider what stage of change they are currently in so you can decide the best way to respond to them and align your strategies to that stage. You can tailor your support and guidance to be most effective at each stage of the process. You might see the harm caused by their gambling, but they may still only be thinking about change, or they may not be sure that they want to change at all. Providing this informed support can help foster greater understanding, trust, and improved outcomes for the person you’re supporting. Additionally, by anticipating and planning for potential setbacks, you can provide more effective support and guidance, which can help them achieve sustained recovery.
The good news is that they can decide to change at any time. They don’t need to hit rock bottom. They just have to want to change. You could ask them to check out The Benefits of Change or encourage them to speak to a counsellor – see our information on Seeking Support.
Do you want more help?
To learn more about the stages of change, you or the person you’re working with can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members, friends, and professionals like you. It can be hard for professionals to support people with gambling issues. To learn more about how you can help, go to our section on How Professionals Can Help.
