Is gambling affecting other parts of your life?
When gambling starts to take control, it can affect other parts of your life. Some of life's challenges can have an impact on your gambling, too.
Here is a list of additional resources to help you get the support you need in other areas of life.
National Gambling Support Network
We understand that everyone's journey with gambling is different. We're here to help and guide you towards specialist support services tailored to your unique situation, if you'd like them.
We commission the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), a group of organisations who provide free, confidential and personalised services to help anyone who’s experiencing difficulties in their life as a result of gambling, including negative thoughts or feelings, relationships, and more.
If you’re worried about yours or someone else’s gambling and would like to get support quickly, the National Gambling Helpline is a free and confidential service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find NGSN support in your local areaAnxiety and depression
Regardless of how much or how often you do it, gambling can affect how you feel. People whose gambling feels out of control may experience shame and lack of self-worth, but also guilt and remorse over how their behaviour is affecting others. If you’re struggling with your gambling you may also experience feelings of anxiety or depression, mood swings and problems sleeping.
If you have self-harmed or had suicidal thoughts, it’s really important to seek professional help as soon as possible from your GP or via the NHS here. You can also contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (24-hours) or via www.samaritans.org
Talk to the Samaritans about your feelings
Relationship problems
Our relationships are a really big part of our lives. Taking small steps to improve your relationships can make a big difference to your wellbeing, and having strong relationships can make it easier to tackle gambling issues.
Prioritising your relationship with yourself, good communication, stress management and dealing with conflict are all important to maintain healthy relationships and mental wellbeing.
Relate have a network of centres across the UK, and a group of licensed local counsellors that provide face-to-face and online support. If you're not ready to talk, they also have help pages with practical advice to help you manage relationship issues.
Contact Relationships Scotland
Maintain healthy relationships with RelateFinancial problems
Money worries can affect anyone and can have a big impact on your wellbeing. When gambling takes control, it can lead to issues like debt, or not being able to pay your rent, mortgage or bills on time. Any of these issues can cause financial stress and worry.
You can get support for gambling debt here, or more general debt advice here. Citizens Advice has more information to help you make the right choices, including how to deal with your debt, how to avoid losing your home, and how to get your finances back into shape.
Feel more in control of your finances with Citizens Advice
Employment problems or losing your job
When gambling starts to become an issue it can have an impact on your work, affecting concentration or relationships with your colleagues. For some people, the stress and changing work patterns of the pandemic have led to their gambling creating harm.
If you’re worried about work, redundancy or job loss, knowing your options can help. It's also important to find out if you're entitled to any benefits.
Know your options with Money HelperAlcohol and drugs
Asking for support for drug or alcohol use can feel difficult, but there are ways to get treatment and support for both. Addressing drug and alcohol issues can support you on your gambling journey.
Our National Gambling Support Network provider, Adferiad, has over 50 years' worth of knowledge and experience in supporting people with mental health, drug and alcohol use, and other complex needs. Find their services here.
Alternatively, there are other drug and alcohol services that can also discuss how drugs and alcohol are affecting you. They can understand your unique situation, and will explain your treatment options:
Contact Scottish Association for Mental Health
Find support for drug and alcohol issues with Mind
Domestic abuse
The stress from gambling harms can impact your relationships, particularly where household finances are being affected, and gambling has been linked to domestic abuse. If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, you're not alone, there's help and support available for you.
Refuge’s highly trained advisors can help you find specialist support, whether or not you have left your partner.
Get support with Refuge