Welcome to the Change Strategies Toolbox for anyone experiencing gambling harm - including people who gamble and their whānau and friends. This toolbox offers practical tips and advice for reducing gambling-related harm. It is for those who are looking for some motivation to change as well as those who are already on their way of getting back control of gambling.
A special feature of this toolbox is that it is not just about abstinence but about being in control. It is up to you to set your own goals, which means you can choose a goal of zero gambling or reduced gambling. The focus of the toolbox is about giving you more control over your day-to-day actions by using the suggested strategies.
The toolbox has nine modules, each containing various behaviour change strategies that take a slightly different focus in reducing gambling harm. Look around the various strategies in the nine modules to find what best meets your needs. The toolbox is very flexible. You may want to use only one strategy or a few different strategies at once.
Kia hihiri
We all know that feeling of wanting to do something but having no motivation. This is that experience of sitting on the couch and thinking how nice it would be to exercise but then nothing happens. Change can be difficult and sometimes people can get caught in a cycle of wishing and hoping for change. There is a way to move forward and you can do it.
Whakatakotoria taau ake whainga
Setting a goal is an important part of making a change that lasts. If you are the person who gambles, you may have decided that you want to change your gambling – gamble less often, gamble less money, or stop gambling altogether. If you are a family member of the person who gambles, your goal might be to address gambling harm or to help the person to take control over their gambling.
Kaipupuri aukati
Experiencing triggers to gamble, getting stuck in a rut, and losing motivation are common barriers to reducing and stopping gambling. This module has a collection of great strategies for managing triggers to gamble and getting out of the rut. These strategies might also be helpful if you’ve been stuck for a while and kick-starting momentum would help you reach your goals.
Mahi tango
Taking action means you are doing something that is taking you towards your goals. This can be anything from identifying people or places to avoid through to identifying healthy substitute activities or getting social support. It also includes ways to curb your gambling urges and release stress. Many people find it helpful to keep track of their gambling and have rewards for progress.
Hei tāngata tautoko
Most people who have succesfully stopped or cut back on their gambling have a support person. They say the support person made the journey a little bit easier and a bit less lonely. This module is for people who want to be a support person to someone on their journey of reducing gambling or gambling harms.
Āwhina mō ngā whānau e ngā hoa
Gambling harm impacts not just the person who gambles but also their family and friends. This harm can range from relationship problems and financial challenges to feelings of being overwhelmed, frustrated, and angry. There is no doubt this harm is stressful and can create strain in the family.
Trigger tackler can be helpful if you need to up the ante on your personal programme. It helps to address the high-risk situations. This module requires a bit more work than the other modules and will ask you to push yourself and think about why you really gamble. The answers you provide will help you to develop your own personal trigger tackler plan.
Most people who gamble want to be guilt-free and have fun at the pokies. You can too! Planning what to do before, during, and after a gambling session can help keep gambling risk low. People with a plan are more likely to stick to their limits over time.
Resilience is one of the strongest tools for building confidence. Resilience is the ability to cope with difficult situations and to recover from hardships. This does not mean that the problems disappear. Rather, it is the ability to cope with it and move past it faster. Everyone has some resilience, and everyone has the ability to build it up.
