RELAPSE PREVENTION

Support for staying on track at all stages of recovery.

Recovery from gambling harm is real, and it’s possible. It’s also normal for recovery to include hard days, stress, and moments of temptation. Relapse prevention is about building the tools, awareness, and support that help you navigate those moments safely — and strengthen recovery over time.

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from relapse prevention. You also don’t need to “start over” if you’ve had a setback. Support can meet you where you are.

COMMON TRIGGERS

Everyone’s triggers are different, but many people notice increased urges during:

  • Stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed

  • Loneliness, boredom, or social pressure

  • Conflict in relationships

  • Access to money, payday, or “extra cash”

  • Alcohol or substance use

  • Sports seasons, big games, or constant betting content

  • Feeling confident after time away (“I can handle it now”)

  • Trying to “fix” financial problems quickly or chase losses

RELAPSE PREVENTION PLAN (START HERE)

1) Pause the moment. Take a breath, step away from the trigger, and give yourself space.

2) Reduce access. Remove apps, block sites, leave environments that prompt gambling, and avoid risky situations temporarily.

3) Contact support. Text/call the help line, a counselor, or a trusted person. Don’t wait until you feel out of control.

4) Make the next right choice. Choose one small stabilizing step: a walk, shower, meal, grounding exercise, journaling, or paying one bill.

5) Review and adjust. Use the moment as information. Identify what triggered you and update your plan

EARLY WARNING SIGNS

  • Thinking about gambling more often

  • Visiting gambling websites/apps “just to look”

  • Minimizing the risks or rewriting the past (“It wasn’t that bad”)

  • Hiding stress, debt, or emotions

  • Feeling restless or irritable

  • Increasing secrecy about money or time

PRACTICAL TOOLS THAT CAN HELP

  • Blocking software / website and app restrictions

  • Self-exclusion options (in-person and online where available)

  • Spending controls, daily limits, and financial accountability supports

  • Counseling and peer support groups (ongoing, not just crisis-based)

  • Building new routines to reduce boredom and isolation

Recovery gets stronger when support is consistent — not only when things get tough.

WHY SELF-EXCLUSION MIGHT WORK FOR YOU.

Self-exclusion is a tool that allows a person to request to be banned from either all Gaming Facilities or Event Wagering & Fantasy Sports Contests.

Learn more

RELAPSE SUPPORT FOR AFFECTED OTHERS

Support for you and a healthier path for your family.

When someone you care about is working on recovery, it can be hard to know what to doespecially if there has been financial harm, broken trust, or repeated setbacks. Affected others often feel anxious, exhausted, or stuck between helping and protecting themselves.

Relapse prevention support for loved ones focuses on two things:

  1. Helping you understand patterns and warning signs

  2. Helping you protect your well-being with healthy boundaries

Two women holding hands during a spiritual or healing ceremony in a bright room, with a third woman observing.

WHAT RELAPSE CAN LOOK LIKE (FROM THE OUTSIDE)

Relapse is not always obvious at first. Some early signs include:

  • Increased secrecy (phone, accounts, money)

  • Mood changes: irritability, distance, defensiveness

  • “Just checking odds” or watching gambling content frequently

  • Unexplained spending or missing money

  • Avoiding responsibilities or increased conflict

  • Sudden requests for loans or urgent financial pressure

SUPPORTING RECOVERY WITHOUT CARRYING IT

Support does not mean absorbing the consequences or doing it all for them. Helpful approaches can include:

  • Encouraging professional support (counseling, groups, help line)

  • Discussing a shared plan for triggers (paydays, sports seasons, stress)

  • Establishing clear financial safeguards that reduce risk

  • Offering accountability — without surveillance or constant suspicion

BOUNDARIES TO PROTECT YOU

Boundaries are not punishments. They are protections. Examples may include:

  • Not lending money or covering gambling-related losses

  • Keeping financial accounts separate or creating safeguards

  • Setting expectations for transparency and support participation

  • Prioritizing your safety, stability, and mental health

If you’re unsure what boundaries are appropriate, support services can help you think through options with care.

IF A RELAPSE HAPPENS

A relapse can be painful — and it can also be a turning point. If it happens:

  • Focus first on safety and stability

  • Avoid crisis-driven decisions when possible

  • Reach out for support for you, too

  • Revisit what safeguards and support need strengthening

You deserve support whether recovery is going smoothly or not.

If you are in a life threatening situation, please call 911 for Emergency Services or 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.