Free Specialist Problem Gambling Counselling Service (ROI & NI)
Monday-Friday Call-Back Service
Call or Text 089 241 5401 (ROI) 07537188575 (NI)
​Email: info[at]problemgambling.ie 

GamFam are a UK based charity, founded by family members, for family members.  While they are UK based, roughly 1 in 4 of the people who attend their meetings are based in Ireland.  For further details of their online meetings, go to: gamfam.org.uk/

Check out our Podcast interview with GamFam founder, Steve Watts

How to Talk to Someone about Their Gambling

Often the person who’s gambling doesn’t think that he or she has a problem. Sometimes family and friends will spot the problem first, because the gambler might be convincing him/herself that everything is fine when really it isn’t.
It’s important to let the gambler know the reason you’re concerned is that you care about them. It’s also helpful to use positive communication rather than being confrontational or critical. You could try talking about how you’re feeling by using ‘I’ messages to lessen defences and keep lines of communication open. Below are some examples, but it’s important to be genuine and talk to the gambler in a natural way.
  • "You’re my friend and I’m upset because I see you doing things that are really risky."
  • "I love you and I don’t want you to hurt yourself. Talk to me about what’s going on."
  • "I can see you’re not happy at the moment and it upsets me. I want to help."
Once you’ve started the conversation, listen carefully to what they have to say in response and be patient. Don’t jump in or cut them off mid sentence, as this might drive them back into their shell or make them turn defensive. Being calm and caring is really important, but don’t allow them to make excuses for their gambling and certainly don't help them out with money, as this could make the problem much worse.
[From: BeGambleAware]

Have a listen to the special episode of our podcast, for family members and loved ones

Podcast Trailer

Full Episode

One-to-One Counselling (Free for Medical Card Holders)

The HSE provide up to 8 sessions of counselling through the Counselling in Primary Care service.  Contact your GP to be referred to a counsellor in your local area.  The service deals with the following issues: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Relationship Problems, Loss Issues & Stress.  An information leaflet is available here.

Online Peer Support Group Meetings

GamFam is a UK Charity which holds regular online peer support group meetings for family members and affected others, impacted by a loved one's gambling.  Currently, roughly 1 in 4 of their group members are based in Ireland.  For details of the groups and contact details for GamFam, go to: ​https://gamfam.org.uk/

Money Advice & Budgeting Service (MABS)

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service is the State’s money advice service, guiding people through dealing with problem debt for more than twenty years. 

SMART Recovery Online Meetings for Family & Friends

SMART Recovery (SMART) is a science-based programme to help people manage their recovery from any type of addictive behaviour. This includes addictive behaviour with substances such as alcohol, nicotine or drugs, or compulsive behaviours such as gambling, sex, eating, shopping, self-harming.  UK online meetings for Family and Friends are open to people in Ireland.  Meetings are on Monday nights from 7;30 to 9.  The online meeting room opens at 7pm.  

Problem Gambling - Help for Family & Friends

Really useful and insightful document explaining the signs of problem gambling, its impact on relationships, how to talk to children about it, self care and how to support a person in your life who has a problem gambling issue.  (Australian Government publication)

The Rise Foundation

The Rise Foundation's mission is: to support families impacted by a loved ones addictive behaviour through awareness, education and therapy, and to combat the associated shame and stigma.
Australia's Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation have produced this excellent guide for parents, guardians and other adults to help start the conversation around possible gambling issues with teenagers.  

Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon is a fellowship of men and women who are husbands, wives, relatives or close friends who have been affected by the gambling problem.

Free Family Mobilisation Sessions (Rutland Centre, Dublin)

Commencing on Wednesday March 2nd, 2016  at 16:00 and taking place on every second Wednesday, going forward.  

Taking the first step in getting treatment for a person in active addiction often begins with loved ones and family members. This FREE 1 hour session will give loved ones practical advice on how to approach the idea of treatment but will also give family members much needed support and a non-judgmental listening ear. 

Led by a specialist Addiction Counsellor, this is a valuable session for anyone who simply doesn't know where or how to start - it takes place every second Wednesday and you can ring and put your name down & confirm dates at 01-4946358

Multiple family members or loved ones are welcome and places are free for all. 

(This session is for loved ones and family members - it is not a session for the person in addiction.)

Support for family members gambling addiction. Family intervention gambling addiction. Gambling addiction help Ireland. Free problem gambling counselling service Ireland.