10 Ways to Support Someone in Recovery from Substance Misuse and Problem Gambling
Supporting a loved one through their recovery from alcohol or drug misuse and problem gambling can make a significant difference in their journey. Recovery is a lifelong process, and having a strong support system can provide the encouragement and stability needed to stay on track. If someone you care about is working toward sobriety and financial recovery, here are ten meaningful ways you can help.
1. Educate Yourself About Addiction and Problem Gambling
Understanding substance misuse and compulsive gambling as medical conditions—rather than personal failings—helps remove stigma and promotes empathy. Learn about triggers, relapse prevention and the challenges your loved one may face in recovery. Knowledge is a powerful tool in offering meaningful support.
2. Be a Non-Judgmental Listener
Recovery is filled with ups and downs. Sometimes, your loved one may need someone to talk to without fear of judgment or criticism. Let them share their thoughts and feelings openly and focus on listening rather than offering solutions unless they ask for advice.
3. Encourage Healthy Habits and Coping Strategies
Help your loved one find healthy alternatives to past behaviors, such as exercise, meditation, creative hobbies or support groups. Encouraging positive coping mechanisms can reduce stress and prevent relapse.
4. Avoid Triggers and High-Risk Situations
If your loved one is recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, be mindful of environments that may tempt them, such as bars or social gatherings with substance use. If they struggle with gambling, avoid suggesting activities that involve betting, such as casinos, sports pools or lottery tickets.
5. Offer Emotional Support Without Enabling
Being supportive does not mean shielding someone from the consequences of their actions. Avoid covering for their mistakes, providing financial support for gambling or excusing harmful behaviors. Instead, offer encouragement while holding firm boundaries.
6. Help Them Stay Connected to Their Recovery Plan
Support their commitment to recovery by reminding them of their goals and encouraging participation in therapy, support groups or counseling sessions. If appropriate, offer to attend meetings with them for additional support.
7. Be Patient and Celebrate Progress
Recovery is not a linear process, and setbacks can happen. Patience is essential in supporting your loved one through challenges. Celebrate milestones—big or small—such as attending support meetings, maintaining sobriety or handling stressful situations in a positive way.
8. Encourage Financial Responsibility
For those recovering from problem gambling, financial difficulties can be a major hurdle. Offer to help them create a budget, set up automatic bill payments or find financial counseling resources to rebuild stability. Avoid lending money, as this can unintentionally enable gambling behavior.
9. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Supporting someone in recovery can be emotionally draining. Prioritize your own well-being by setting boundaries, seeking support from others and engaging in self-care activities. Consider joining a support group for family members.
10. Remind Them That They Are Not Alone
Recovery can feel isolating, but knowing they have unwavering support makes a difference. A simple text, call or check-in can reassure them that they are not alone on this journey.
Final Thoughts
Supporting a loved one in recovery requires patience, understanding and commitment. While you can’t control their choices, your encouragement can help them stay focused on their healing journey. If they need professional help, St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers is here to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. Call 518-354-5390 anytime of day or night to speak with a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate.
FAQ: Supporting Someone in Recovery from Addiction and/or Problem Gambling
Supporting a loved one through recovery from substance misuse and/or problem gambling can be challenging, but your encouragement and understanding can make a significant impact. Here are answers to common questions about how to provide meaningful support.
1. How can I best support someone in recovery?
The best way to support someone in recovery is by:
Listening without judgment.
Encouraging them to stay engaged in treatment or support groups.
Avoiding triggers or high-risk situations.
Celebrating progress, no matter how small.
Helping them develop healthy coping strategies.
Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries
2. What should I avoid doing?
Avoid enabling behaviors such as:
Lending money to someone recovering from gambling addiction.
Making excuses for their actions or covering up their mistakes.
Pressuring them to be in environments where substances or gambling are present.
Criticizing or shaming them for their past behaviors.
Instead, focus on offering support while encouraging responsibility and accountability.
3. How do I help someone avoid relapse?
Relapse is a common part of the recovery process, but you can help by:
Recognizing early warning signs like stress, isolation or romanticizing past substance use or gambling.
Encouraging participation in recovery meetings, therapy or counseling.
Suggesting alternative activities to reduce stress and avoid boredom.
Offering emotional support during difficult times.
4. What if my loved one denies they have a problem?
Denial is common, especially early in recovery. Express your concerns with care, focusing on how their behavior has affected them and others. Instead of blaming or arguing, offer support and encourage them to seek professional help.
5. How can I help with financial recovery for someone with a gambling problem?
Financial struggles often accompany problem gambling. You can help by:
Encouraging them to seek financial counseling or support
Assisting with budgeting and money management
Encouraging them to limit access to large sums of money by setting up safeguards, such as self-exclusion programs from gambling venues
6. How do I take care of myself while supporting a loved one?
Caring for someone in recovery can be emotionally taxing. Protect your well-being by:
Setting clear boundaries
Seeking your own support through therapy or groups
Taking time for self-care activities and stress management
Understanding that their recovery is ultimately their responsibility—not yours
7. Is it normal for recovery to be a long process?
Yes! Recovery is a lifelong journey, and progress often comes with setbacks. Be patient and recognize that small steps forward are still progress.
8. Where can my loved one find professional help?
If your loved one needs treatment or additional support, St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers offers compassionate, evidence-based care for substance use and problem gambling. Call 518-354-5390 anytime of day or night to speak with a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate.