Ep. 36 - Keeping the Momentum Going: Preventing Relapse and Rebuilding Your Life
After the chaos of gambling problems have settled, it’s tempting to think, “that’s not going to happen again.” But, it’s tricky. We know that gambling problems can return. To keep your momentum going, learn about how to prevent a relapse.
Another important step is to rebuild a life that feels more peaceful and inline with who you are. This will look different for everyone. Why is this important? Well, you deserve it. But also because gambling problems and other addictions have less room to move in on a life that is full.
To learn more about how to prevent a relapse and build positive momentum for yourself, tune in to episode 36 of our podcast, Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems. Allison Rice, a counsellor specializing in gambling problems, offers guidance learned from 20-years of helping people to overcome addiction. There’s lots of helpful information for those struggling with gambling as well as for their family, spouses and friends.
Listen now by clicking on the green play button at the top of the blog.
If you prefer to tune in directly from Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts, click on the red “Listen and Subscribe” button below.
We know that gambling problems can return
To keep your upward momentum going, learn how to prevent a relapse and rebuild a life that feels more peaceful
How Do I Make Sure That Gambling Doesn’t Get Out of Control Again?
Allison Rice has helped many people overcome gambling addiction. From doing this, she has learned that there is always a possibility it will resurface. In fact, “this is how addiction works.” Long before someone has thoughts of gambling or a craving, a crack gets opened in the door which creates a vulnerability for gambling to move in when the time is right.
Preventing a relapse involves knowing that:
there will be times when you are vulnerable to gambling getting out of control again,
when thoughts and cravings to gamble have their foot in the door, it’s really hard to reach out for help at that point, and
many people have stayed on track and not had relapses so you can too!
Key Points from Episode 36 of Fold em - How to Prevent a Gambling Relapse
In this episode of Fold em, Allison talks about how to stay on track and prevent gambling from getting out of control again. Here’s some of the key points:
Know what creates vulnerability FOR YOU for relapse, e.g. situations, thoughts, feelings, moods, people
Know what keeps YOU well and on track with your recovery, e.g. being open about your finances with an accountability partner, exercising 4 times a week, attending a recovery meeting once a week
Know the warning signs that YOU and PEOPLE CLOSE TO YOU should watch for, e.g. signs that you are experiencing vulnerability for relapse (#1) and off track with your wellness and recovery practices (#2)
Have a clear plan for what YOU and PEOPLE CLOSE TO YOU will do when they see signs of vulnerability for a relapse, e.g. get back on track with what keeps you well and in recovery (#2), family and your recovery supports know how to talk to you about their concerns.
As a reminder, in episode 35 of Fold em, Allison shared basic practices that keep people on track in recovery. These are:
asking for help from people who understand gambling problems and addiction, e.g. counsellors, recovery groups and meetings
connecting with your recovery supports regularly and being open to suggestions and willing to try different solutions
being open and honest with your recovery supports about stresses, challenges and successes
watching out for old habits and signs that you are isolating, especially defensiveness
Key Points From Episode 36 - Rebuilding Your Life
In the beginning, as you tackle problems that gambling brought into your life, it’s hard to imagine that you will ever have trust in your relationships again, or that you’ll have savings in the bank. Although it’s hard to imagine having a peaceful life, Allison Rice encourages you to believe it is possible.
Once people start closing the door on gambling problems and doing what helps them to feel well and stay on track, it’s like a long line of dominoes falling. One change triggers another and another. It doesn’t mean that life will be perfect. But as you start to feel more clear-headed and get your integrity back, even the hard things don’t feel so bad.
Allison encourages everyone to make feeling better part of recovery. Here’s tips she offers for doing that:
Listen to others who have gone before you with addressing gambling problems: pay attention to what they say about feeling better and life getting easier
Believe that feeling better and rebuilding your life is possible - as you stay on track with recovery
Make a list of what is needed for you and your relationships to rebuild - and start acting on this
Use the energy that was channeled into gambling for putting this list into action
If you are not seeing progress, go back to those people who have gone before you with addressing gambling problems and ask more questions, e.g. “what did you do to feel better? what did you do when you got stuck?”
Learn more from Allison Rice in episode 36 of Fold em. She shares lots of examples of how to prevent a relapse and grow more relief and peace in your life.
Listen now by clicking on the green play button at the top of this blog or the red “Listen and Subscribe to Fold em” button below.
If you would like to hear real stories of people getting their life back after struggling with gambling, tune in to episodes 16 and 17 of Fold em by clicking on the green play buttons below.
Check out other episodes of Fold em and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out when new ones are released.
Want to Connect With Support and Counselling in British Columbia?
If you live in British Columbia and would like to learn more about free, confidential support and counselling services from Gambling Support BC, click on the red “Connect with Support in BC” button below. Or, go to the Gambling Support BC website. You can also access our services through the Gambling Support Line. It is available 24/7 at 1-888-795-6111.
Gambling Support BC services are available to residents of British Columbia who are concerned about their own or a loved one’s gambling.
Fold em is a podcast hosted by Adrienne Cossom and her colleagues at Gambling Support BC. Whether you are looking at stopping or scaling back your own gambling or supporting a family member with a problem, this podcast will help you take back control. Hear from gamblers who have been through it and get tips from counsellors. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.
To learn more about gambling concerns and how to access resources and support, go to the home page of this website, click on the red “Learn More” button below, or connect with us through Facebook.