Clinician & Provider Guide

Supporting Families and Loved Ones

Understanding the ripple effects of gambling harms, providing hope, encouraging self-care, and guiding loved ones toward recovery and financial empowerment.

Holding loved ones hand
Ripple Effects

The Impact on Families and Loved Ones

Gambling-related problems can lead to financial, social, emotional, occupational, and physical harms. These harms can impact more than just the gambler, causing a ripple effect throughout their social network. In particular, the consequences of problem gambling can impact the gambler’s family, intimate partners, and close friends. As a provider, it is important to be aware of what your clients might experience when they have a loved one experiencing gambling-related problems.

Family conflict including heightened anger, low communication, isolation, and disengagement in social activities.
Financial crisis and hardship from loss of money, property, savings, or potential homelessness.
Emotional toll: anger, betrayal, fear, and increased stress leading to anxiety and depression.
Association with intimate partner violence and family violence.
Children of a parent with gambling problems are at higher risk of developing gambling difficulties later in life.
Clinical Guidance

Provide Hope and Reassurance

Loved ones of an individual experiencing gambling problems might experience negative emotions, such as anger, fear, confusion, guilt, and hopelessness. As a clinician, you can provide them a message of hope and reassurance:

Let them know they did not create this situation or cause their loved one's gambling problems.
Reassure them that complicated feelings are completely normal.
Remind them many others have been through similar experiences and recovered to lead happier lives.
If a relapse occurred, remind them recovery is ongoing and relapse is a normal part of the journey.
Listen carefully and give them an opportunity to talk about how the situation has impacted them.
Connection

Encourage Social Support & Healthy Connection

Social support helps individuals deal with emotions and navigate through their loved one’s challenges.

Wellbeing

Promote Self-Care

Loved ones often put others' needs above their own. Remind them to engage in self-care:

  • Practice relaxation (meditation, mindfulness).
  • Manage emotions through self-reflection or journaling.
  • Avoid isolation by seeking social support groups.
  • Spend time on hobbies, exercise regularly, and practice positive self-talk.
Financial Wellbeing

Suggest They Check Their Finances

Gambling problems can lead to financial crises and hardship for family members who share finances. Assistance in PEI is available through Family Services PEI:

Financial Empowerment Program

Email

fe@familyservice.pe.ca

Phone

902-892-2441 ext 3
"Empower yourself with personalized budgeting & financial information sessions catered specifically to those facing financial hardships... Our free and confidential one-on-one sessions are here to provide non-judgmental support and guidance..."
Communication DOS & DON'TS

Provide Guidance About Supporting Their Loved One

  • Only talk when ready, in a private setting, sober, and free from active gambling. Share specific behavioral examples.
  • Do not blame, attack, or insult. Approach with compassion and understanding.
  • Focus on how to help, ask about their needs, and listen when they want to talk.
  • Provide referral options
Education

Encourage Them To Learn More

Loved ones might wonder how gambling becomes an addiction. Encourage them to be informed through up-to-date resources.

The PEI Gambling Support website is an excellent destination for free information, educational materials, and addiction resources.

Reference Source:

Cambridge Health Alliance - Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital

Professional Support Available

Need Help or Have Questions?

Professional counsellors are available 24/7 to talk confidentially whenever you need support.

  • PEI Gambling Support Line: 1-855-255-4255
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Call PEI Support Call Kids Help Phone