Here Comes Another "Helltenham"

It's that time of year again.  Silly Season for gambling.  In case you've been living in a cave with no radio, TV or broadband coverage - the Cheltenham  Festival begins next week.  What many consider to be the highlight of the horse-racing year on these islands, runs over 4 days (Tuesday to Friday).  Despite it being a UK fixture, Cheltenham holds a special place in the hearts of Irish enthusiasts.  In fact, its appeal goes far beyond the limits of regular punters and the festival manages to inspire many, who would not bet on horse-racing from one end of the year to the other, to have a 'flutter'.  Offices, factories and other workplaces are a-buzz with tips and talk of the winners and losers.  This fascination is reflected in (and/or encouraged by) the media.  It is practically impossible to listen to any radio station, read a newspaper or watch the TV without hearing talk of gambling.  This, of course, is not so strange, considering that horse-racing and betting have been intertwined since time immemorial.  

Unfortunately, for recovering gambling addicts (problem gamblers), this time of year is an absolute nightmare.  If you don't believe me, try to spend one day between now and March 18th, avoiding all talk of Cheltenham.  I'd be very interested to hear how you get on.  

In my time working with problem gamblers, they have almost uniformly expressed a sense of impending dread and fear in advance  of the Cheltenham Festival.  The 'triggers' to relapse (or 'lapse' or 'slip'), which most people in recovery from addictions try so hard to avoid, are omni-present.  Short of booking a trip to Ireland's Most Remote Cave, it is practically impossible to avoid hearing constant talk of gambling.  And as if that weren't bad enough, bookmakers heavily promote 'Free Bets' of up to €30 for new customers.  For some problem gamblers in recovery, these sorts of enticements are the equivalent of a drug dealer putting a bag of heroin through a recovering addict's letterbox.  

So, if you are a problem gambler in recovery, what should you do over the coming week?

Here are some suggestions:

• Plan some fun activities:  You know that there is going to be wall-to-wall talk of gambling over the coming week.  You know that many of your co-workers, friends and family will be watching the racing and placing bets.  Fore-warned is fore-armed.  Make sure you have some fun activities planned for next week.  It should be something you enjoy.  It would be even better if it involved some physical activity (let's get some of those nice endorphins flowing!).  Even better again if it involves meeting with like-minded friends or family, who have no interest in gambling.  The last thing you need to be doing is stewing on your own, frustrated that you're missing out on all of the gambling "fun".  
• Turn off the radio:  Just for the next 8 days, turn off the radio and TV, stay off social media - and don't buy a newspaper.  If, like me, you are a news-hound, this is going to be difficult - but it will stand to you.  All media sources are going to be plugging gambling on Cheltenham ad naseum.  You know this.  You've seen it happen, year-in, year-out.  Don't kid yourself.  All this constant talk of tips and the enticements of 'free' bets are triggers to relapse.  
• Attend a Meeting:  If you are already attending Gamblers Anonymous or SMART Recovery meetings, make sure that you seek the support of your group this week and next.  If you have never attended a meeting before, this is a great time to start.  You will meet people who are on your wavelength and who have been through similar experiences and thought processes.  Details of meetings are available on our Resources Pages
• Call the National Gambling Helpline: The Helpline is operated by Dunlewey Addiction Services.  They can arrange for free gambling addiction counselling with one of their affiliate counsellors.  Having somebody to talk to in confidence about your addiction can be really beneficial - particularly at this time of year, when the urge to relapse can be more intense.  
• Make a 'Get out of Jail Card':  Some clients in recovery from addictions find it useful to have a small card in their pocket, wallet or purse, that will help to remind them not to engage in the addictive behaviour.  Some clients will have a picture of their loved ones.  Some will have a few phone numbers of people they can call if they are experiencing urges or cravings.  It could even be a list of alternative enjoyable activities that will distract from thoughts which might lead to relapse.  It could be a combination of these or something completely different.  Get creative.  This will be completely unique to you.   

​Remember, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to recovery.  Your recovery journey will be as unique as you are - regardless of whether you are following the 12 Steps, in counselling or 'going it alone'.  Do what works for you.  Make healthy choices and reap the rewards.

Barry Grant