Gambling problems can be treated, and support exists both for the person who gambles and for their family and friends. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that few of the people affected seek help, and that stigma and shame are often what stands in the way. This article describes, in general terms, the steps set out by the health bodies cited at the end. It does not replace a doctor's advice.
Support lines in Romania
The support lines in Romania are listed on the Responsible gambling page. The list is compiled and kept up to date from official sources only, which is why this article does not repeat names of organisations or phone numbers.
The family doctor
For many people, the first step is a conversation with their family doctor. The public health services of the United Kingdom (NHS) and Australia (healthdirect) describe the doctor as someone who can give information about the services available and refer the person to other professionals, such as a psychologist.
Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, are common in people with gambling disorder. The UK Royal College of Psychiatrists notes that when these conditions are treated, the gambling problem can also improve. That is why the conversation with the doctor can also cover sleep, mood or alcohol use.
Mental health specialists
The specialist services described by the NHS have teams of psychiatrists and psychologists who treat the person, support their recovery and can also help their family. According to the WHO, the most effective therapies at present are long-term cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy is a talking therapy. It helps the person reduce their opportunities to gamble, manage cravings and the situations that trigger them, and challenge their gambling-related thoughts, such as the belief that losses can be won back by gambling more.
- Motivational interviewing helps the person identify their own reasons for change and act on them.
- Medication can be used in some cases; it is usually started by a specialist doctor.
Mutual support groups, where people who have been through the same problem meet, are among the most widely used forms of help. According to the WHO, however, the evidence for their effectiveness is weaker than for the therapies above.
Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion allows a person to cut off their own access to gambling. In Romania, according to the National Gambling Office (ONJN), it is voluntary but binding on gambling organisers, and it can only be requested in one's own name. How to submit a request and how to withdraw consent are described in the article Self-exclusion from gambling in Romania.
Blocking access and other practical steps
The health bodies cited also describe practical steps that can support recovery alongside specialist help:
- software that blocks access to gambling websites and apps on phones and computers;
- asking the bank to block payments to gambling, where the bank offers this option;
- limits on cash withdrawals, and leaving cards at home;
- paying important bills as soon as wages come in, for example by automatic payments;
- dealing with debts rather than putting them off, possibly with the help of a financial counsellor;
- spending more time with family and with friends who do not gamble;
- talking to someone they trust about what is happening.
The same sources point out that gambling is not a way to make money.
Support for family and friends
Problem gambling also affects the people close to the person who gambles, most of whom do not gamble themselves. The NHS notes that support is also available to people affected by someone else's gambling.
The UK Royal College of Psychiatrists describes feelings that are common among relatives, such as hurt, mistrust, sadness and worry about the future, and notes that they can:
- get help for their own feelings, in support groups or counselling sessions;
- learn more about gambling and its treatment;
- protect their finances and get support if they are struggling financially;
- seek support for other family members who are affected, including children;
- turn to family or couples therapy.
People who get support for themselves are in a better position to support the person who gambles. According to healthdirect, a kind and honest conversation can encourage that person to seek help, even if at first they feel ashamed or deny that there is a problem.
In an emergency
If gambling is seriously affecting someone's mental health, or if there are suicidal thoughts or immediate danger, the emergency services should be contacted without delay.
Sources
- World Health Organization, "Gambling", fact sheet, 2 December 2024.
- NHS (UK National Health Service), "Help for problems with gambling", page last reviewed 8 December 2023.
- Royal College of Psychiatrists, "Gambling disorder", November 2025.
- healthdirect Australia, "Gambling addiction", page last reviewed October 2024.
- National Gambling Office (Oficiul Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc), official page Autoexcludere (Self-exclusion).