How to Handle a Gambling Relapse

Relapse is a scary word for any recovering gambling addict and a common hurdle in the recovery journey. My first relapse was at 11 months. I had been clean for almost one year. I had rebuilt my life, friendships, and even finances. But then stress from work hit, and that familiar itch came back. I justified it as a one-off, a harmless distraction, but before I knew it, one bet had turned into 10, then 100. I was experiencing a gambling relapse. 

How to Deal with a Gambling Relapse

If you have recently gambled again, here is what you can do to pick yourself up and recommit to your recovery:

1. Recognize and acknowledge what has happened -- Denial often prolongs the gambling relapse. Acknowledge that a relapse has occurred. Don’t try to ignore or downplay it.
2. Assess the damage -- Assess how much you have lost and develop a realistic financial plan to regain control of your finances. If the losses are too big, I recommend seeking help from a financial advisor. Reaching out to a therapist or counselor to help you repair trust with friends and family is also essential.
3. Identify triggers -- What pushed you into a gambling relapse? Knowing and understanding your triggers will significantly help you move on and avoid future relapses. For me, it was a combination of feeling overwhelmed and seeking a quick escape. My job was not doing that great, and I was so in my head about it. Some other triggers include financial stress, loneliness, boredom, peer pressure, and environmental cues such as seeing gambling advertisements or receiving promotional gambling messages and offers.
4. Reach out for support -- Talk about your gambling relapse with your sponsor, support group, therapist, and close friends. Share what led to the relapse and measures you are adopting to avoid gambling again. 
5. Invest in self-care -- Prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing through physical exercise and other self-care practices. If the cause of your relapse was boredom or loneliness, you can look for engaging activities like joining a sports team.
6. Avoid isolation -- Gambling addiction, like many forms of addiction, often thrives in isolation. Build a support network that will help you stay on track. They can be other recovering gamblers or family.
7. Focus on the future -- Lastly, do not dwell on the past. Start working on a recovery plan and set new goals. 

A gambling relapse can be mentally and emotionally devastating. Shame, guilt, and even disappointment may creep in, but it is essential to be kind to yourself and remember that relapse is not the end of the journey. It is a chance to learn, adapt, and recommit to your recovery journey.