Explore the realities of gambling addiction in Singapore and its impact on individuals and families. Learn about the signs, support resources, and strategies for prevention and recovery.
The Path to Recovery from Gambling Addiction in Sinagapore
Gambling addiction afflicts over 2 million Singaporeans each year. The compulsion to gamble despite mounting consequences can spiral out of control, devastating finances, relationships, and lives.
This leaves many asking – do people actually recover once addicted? Or is problem gambling an inescapable fate? The good news is that recovery is absolutely possible with proper treatment and support.
Understanding the recovery process can help those battling gambling regain control and build fulfilling lives.
The Recovery Process
Like other addictions, recovering from problem gambling involves working through several stages:
- Accepting there is a problem – The path to change starts with honestly facing the inability to control gambling behavior despite the harm it is causing.
- Seeking help – This involves connecting with counseling, support groups, financial advisors, and other resources to build a recovery team.
- Gaining understanding – Through counseling and group support, individuals understand the root causes, thought patterns, and triggers behind addictive gambling.
- Developing skills – New coping mechanisms, emotion regulation, money management, and cognitive techniques help break problematic gambling habits.
- Making lifestyle changes – Steps like self-excluding from casinos, changing social circles, and avoiding tempting environments support recovery.
- Managing setbacks – Relapses and temptations are expected. But long-term change comes from perseverance.
- Maintaining vigilance – Ongoing work is needed to stick to the recovery plan and prevent relapses even after gambling urges fade.
This process requires tremendous effort over months or years. But research shows it can produce lasting change.
Recovery Rates from Gambling Addiction
Studies measuring long-term recovery rates from compulsive gambling find:
- 20% abstain from all gambling in the first year after treatment, with about 14% continuing abstinence over 3 years.
- 44% significantly reduced or eliminated problem gambling behaviors over 5 years in one study.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy had a 67% success rate in reducing harmful gambling over 12 months.
- With medication and therapy, 50% to 75% saw meaningful recovery over 1 to 2 years.
So while relapse risks exist, with concerted effort recovery from problem gambling is very possible. Therapy combined with lifestyle changes and support provides the best results.
Factors Supporting Sustained Recovery
Key factors helping successful long-term recovery from gambling addiction include:
- Developing new interests and social circles unrelated to gambling. This fills free time with meaningful activities.
- Establishing routines, structure, and daily goals to replace gambling. Routines build new healthy habits.
- Repairing personal finances and relationships damaged by gambling with help from advisors. Time and trust rebuild connections.
- Using techniques like mindfulness to gain awareness of thoughts and feelings driving gambling urges. This builds self-control.
- Joining community support groups. Connecting with others facing similar struggles provides perspective and accountability.
- Exercising and proper sleep to manage stress and moods. Good self-care reduces gambling triggers.
- Therapy and/or medication to address mental health issues like depression that may underlie problem gambling. This provides stability.
With hard work, commitment, and the right help, breaking free of gambling addiction is possible. People regularly achieve sustained recovery, regaining their finances, relationships, and lives.
Signs of Effective Recovery
Indicators that long-term recovery is progressing well include when a person:
- Accepts past gambling mistakes without shame and looks positively toward the future.
- Can socialize or drive by a casino without strong temptations to gamble.
- Shows interest and engagement in life activities unrelated to gambling.
- Demonstrates effective coping strategies when tempted or during stressful events.
- Takes responsibility for choices and does not blame external factors.
- Rebuilds trust and support in personal relationships damaged by gambling.
- Displays responsibility in financial matters and discusses money issues calmly.
- Can reflect on the recovery journey so far with gratitude.
Seeing these attitudes and behaviors emerge are positive signs the recovery process is on track.
The road to recovering from problem gambling has challenges. But countless people break free of gambling addiction through dedication and help.
Final Thoughts
By honestly facing the issue, obtaining treatment, building a support system, and making needed lifestyle changes, sustained recovery is achievable.
People regularly overcome compulsive gambling to reclaim their lives. With hope, determination, and diligence, recovery can become a reality.
Gambling Problem Help
While gambling is meant to be enjoyable, it can become a serious issue for some individuals. If you’re experiencing difficulties related to gambling, seek help from:
- National Council on Problem Gambling or call 1800-6-668-668
- All Addiction 6-RECOVER: 6-7326837 or visit the National Addictions Management Service
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Hao Cheng Cheng is a renowned authority in the online gambling industry, with over a decade of hands-on experience. Holding a Master's in Cryptographic Engineering from Singapore Institute of Technology, he spent years working at Marina Bay Sands, igniting his passion for the intricacies of casino operations and regulations.
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