From my experience giving up from gambling is not a easy if you are addicted toward the gambling. You need a counslar to stop the gambling it just like the addicted towards the drugs and you just choice the other option to deviated your mind from the gambling
I wont oppose you. In fact I will suggest the same. It is good to consult some specialist as soon as possible. Addicts cannot recover all alone by themselves. They need some sort of support and guidance. A counselor is the best option for such a person. He must also be honest with himself and his doctor.
Yes an addict requires the help and support of others. It can be tough for an addicted person who may also be under depression and other problems to approach professional and accept the fact that they need treatment. Thus their family and friend support becomes bigger in importance. If they are seriously willing to get rid of the addiction then they should approach professional help which can really help them cope up with it.