[dropcap]G[/dropcap]ambling is a vicious cycle. It is both a cause and a consequence, result and repercussion. Perhaps at the heart of a gambling addict is the loss of family or work. Or a gambler may find it hard to keep a job down while feeding the habit. Groups like Gamblers Anonymous are essentially support groups. In this non-judgmental space, gamblers can speak about their problems and work with others to find solutions.
In the professional space, support groups are even more important, especially employee support groups. Here are some reasons why:
Health in the workplace is essential to employee morale. Addiction detox is a part of the process. Human resources in the organization can help those with disorders. What can help in such a situation is if colleagues can help the person stay on track. This support is crucial in the entire process.
Colleagues are the first people to notice a downturn in performance. An addict may be restless at work, spend long minutes on the phone, seem agitated and not in control. Employees can assist each other in this regard by bringing tardiness to the addict’s notice and see if they can pick up the pace with him or her.
If the situation is grave, then employees can draw the attention of the management to their friend who needs therapy. It could be a few weeks off from work, or professional counselling services, or some financial assistance. The managers who are in the know can help the addict in a more effective way.
HR policies may put the addict on a regimen. It may involve group therapy, meetings and other activities. A reluctant employee who doesn’t want to do these will not get better. But how can the management keep an eye on him at all times? Support groups are the answer. They can keep track of the employee, urge him and be on his side as he heads down the long hard road to recovery.
One of the ways an addict can get better is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for gambling addiction. CBT involves talking about your thoughts, attitudes and beliefs as a way to set right any issues in behavior. Knowing and acknowledging a problem is the first step to recovery. For addicts who do not have family support, the workplace becomes a safe haven where conversation can ensue. It could be the staff psychologist or a concerned friend; talking will help the addict.
The employee support group works as a recreational club as well. Often, gambling is a way to do something, to kill time. That time can be used productively with exercise, sports, social clubs and hobby groups. A company with a strong social life ethic can create these opportunities in a comfortable environment. Being among peers and colleagues will surely be a good space to heal in.
Employee support groups function in a democratic way. There is no pressure to pretend or be anything else but a person determined to get better. Thus, they offer numerous advantages for a gambling addict trying to turn his life around.
