Addiction – Gambling

Break Free from Gambling Addiction with Professional Support

Are you struggling with gambling addiction? Is it affecting your relationships, finances, and overall well-being? Gambling addiction can feel overwhelming, but recovery is possible. At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte Ltd in Singapore, we offer personalised support to help you reclaim control over your life and address the root causes of this challenging behaviour.

If you or someone you know needs urgent help, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) hotline at 1800-6-668-668 or visit their webchat service, available daily from 8 am to 11 pm.

Understanding Gambling Addiction

What is gambling addiction? It’s a behavioural disorder characterised by the inability to resist the urge to gamble, despite the negative consequences. In Singapore, gambling addiction can affect finances, emotional health, and family relationships. Gambling may start as a recreational activity but can evolve into a compulsive behaviour that takes a significant toll on various aspects of life.

Learn more about gambling addiction and find helpful resources at the NCPG website.

The False Allure of Gambling Addiction

Gambling often appears to offer excitement, a sense of escape, or financial rewards. However, for individuals battling gambling addiction, this false allure leads to financial turmoil, emotional distress, and strained relationships. Recognising the deceptive nature of gambling is an essential first step toward recovery.

Signs of Gambling Addiction

Acknowledging the warning signs of gambling addiction is crucial to reclaiming control. Common indicators include:

• Preoccupation with gambling.
• Feeling the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same thrill.
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit gambling.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to gambling.

If these behaviours resonate with you or a loved one, take the first step by contacting the NCPG hotline or exploring local support options.

How to Overcome Gambling Addiction

At Listening Ear Counselling, we focus on uncovering and addressing the root causes of gambling addiction. Often, this behaviour is linked to deeper emotional wounds, such as attachment wounds, adverse childhood experiences, or other traumas.

Our therapy sessions aim to:

• Identify the underlying distress driving the behaviour.
• Help you take responsibility for coping mechanisms without judgment or blame.
• Equip you with tools and strategies to foster emotional resilience and sustainable change.

We combine evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, somatic techniques, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), to provide holistic care that gets to the root of the problem.

Breaking Through Denial

Many individuals struggling with gambling addiction minimise the severity of their behaviour, often attributing losses to bad luck. Denial can prevent meaningful change, but therapy provides a safe and supportive environment to confront these patterns. We help you take responsibility for your journey while fostering self-awareness and accountability.

Support for Families Affected by Gambling Addiction

The effects of gambling addiction extend to loved ones, often causing emotional stress and fractured relationships. Our family counselling sessions are designed to:

• Rebuild trust and understanding.
• Establish healthy boundaries.
• Foster healing within the family unit.

If your family is struggling, we can provide the tools and support needed to move forward together.

Why Choose Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy?

At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy, we believe in the words of Virginia Satir: “The problem is not the person; the problem is the problem.” Our therapy is grounded in the understanding that every individual has inherent worth and the capacity for growth and healing.

Our Unique Approach

1. Personalised, Private Therapy: One-on-one sessions tailored to your specific challenges.
2. Holistic, Evidence-Based Care:
   • Healing attachment wounds.
   • EMDR for trauma processing.
   • Somatic techniques for mind-body connection.
   • Internal Family Systems (IFS) for integrating the self.
   • A salutogenic, asset-based approach focusing on your strengths and resilience.
3. Flexibility: In-person or online therapy to suit your schedule.
4. Collaborative Support: Respecting and complementing resources like WE CARE Community Services and NCPG.

Complementary Resources in Singapore

For those needing additional or immediate support, these trusted organisations are available:

• NCPG (National Council on Problem Gambling)
  • Hotline: 1800-6-668-668 (8 am–11 pm daily).
  • Webchat service for real-time support.
• WE CARE Community Services
  • Helpline: 3165 8017 (10 am–7 pm, Mon–Fri).
  • Email: help@wecare.org.sg.
• National Addictions Management Service (NAMS)
  • Visit NAMS at Buangkok Green Medical Park.

Contact Us Today

Whether you’re ready to start your personalised therapy journey or need guidance on additional resources, Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy is here to help. Take the first step toward a healthier, addiction-free future.