Resources
Help and Resources
If gambling is affecting your life, your finances or your relationships, or you are worried about someone else, these services can be used directly. If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, call now.
Helplines
- United States National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-MY-RESET. National Council on Problem Gambling
- United States 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988. 988lifeline.org
- United Kingdom National Gambling Helpline, 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours. NHS guidance
- Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare helpline, 1925, 24 hours. Ministry announcement (Chinese)
Finding professional help
Gambling disorder is treated by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. A family doctor or a local mental health service is a sensible place to start; say plainly that the difficulty is with gambling.
Further reading
- American Psychiatric Association: What is gambling disorder?
- NHS: Help for problems with gambling
- GambleAware, with self-assessment and self-help tools
If it is a relative or friend
Paying off the debts usually postpones the problem. It helps more to say clearly what you have noticed, that you are worried, and that you will go with them to get professional help. Your own strain needs somewhere to go too; the helplines above also take calls from families.