02/09/2026
If you’re in gambling addiction recovery, you may be using tools like Gamban to stay on track. Having that accountability is really helpful, but you may be wondering how long you need to use them.
The honest answer is that everyone is different when it comes to using recovery tools, some use them for several years and then feel they are no longer needed.
Some have been free from gambling for 40 years yet still attend meetings and use blockers to have that peace of mind.
Only you can decide what tools you need and when, but it’s important to remember that there is no time limit when it comes to urges and having that protection in times of need is key.
Avoiding the pink cloud
The pink cloud was first used to describe those in Alcoholics Anonymous, but it's also a good metaphor when looking at gambling addiction.
When you’re in early recovery, you are often very excited and confident that you will be able to stay free from gambling. Your loved ones may be giving you lots of praise, and the feeling can be a similar high to that of addiction, dubbed the “pink cloud.”
There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling confident in your recovery - this is often what spurs you to keep going. The issue comes from being complacent. It might mean not putting blockers in place or attending meetings which were previously really helpful.
As you continue your recovery journey, things can start to feel stale and flat, and you may get that itch. A bad day at work or simply being bored and wanting some dopamine.
It might mean you convince yourself to place one bet, which eventually spirals. Because you haven’t got your blocker and your other tools which help keep you accountable, this is an easier slip.
Knowing you have your chosen tools in place gives you a layer of protection on the bad days. Some people in Gamblers Anonymous have been attending for 50 years. This doesn’t mean they aren’t doing well, it just helps them stay on track.
If you are in those early stages of recovery, absolutely celebrate every milestone! Just keep up with all those things you find helpful, so you can feel more confident in your recovery.
Gamban Subscription
Gamban is an app that blocks access to online gambling and apps, we have over 650k legal and illegal sites blocked.
With Gamban, after the 7-day free trial, you can choose a monthly rolling subscription or yearly.
When you're first putting recovery tools in place, it can be difficult to know how long you might need them for. But it's worth thinking about what happens when protection ends.
Of course, Gamban isn’t a guarantee that you won’t gamble, but it can be that much-needed friction which stops a relapse.
One of our users shared this on Reddit:
It’s better to get the one-year plan, so you're not tempted from month to month to unsubscribe.
Another commented:
Gamban is the reason I’m about to hit 2 weeks gamble-free. Keep fighting, my guy, I’m so happy I downloaded it
That’s why, if you’re in a position to do so, it may be worth committing to a longer subscription while you’re feeling motivated to put those protections in place. Rather than reassessing every month, choosing a year gives you one less decision to make during a difficult moment.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is an online or in-person meeting where those experiencing gambling harm can get together, talk, share or just listen.
How long someone should attend is totally personal to them. Some may only want to attend a few, whilst others continue to attend long after they last gambled.
Some find they have a regular meeting they attend, but also jump into other meetings if they are going through a challenging time and need someone to talk to.
Other tools
- If you have gambling debt, there are organisations that can help. Find out more here.
- The Gamban Discord is another free, anonymous platform where you can get together with others to chat, play games, or just read what others have to say.
