When a gambler has reached this stage, it is better they’re taken to rehabilitation because they can engage themselves is some other worst things that may cause harm to their lives. This stage is a very serious one that needs to be taken note of because gambling can be very addictive and dangerous also when not managed well as it should be. When you’re at this stage, they just need to cut off their engagement in gambling totally and focus more on rehabilitation because that’s what will make them more unlikely to get back to gambling again.
They need to decide fast as it can really ruin their lives if not taken seriously. Also, if they feel, they are at early stage of addiction, better think of ways how to get out of the situation before it is too late for them.
I agree to that, better to find ways to keep your mind busy instead of keep allowing yourself to gamble and lose more money, if someone already notice that addiction may already showing on your actions if there's changes that shows on how you treat gambling best to listen and look for any alternative ways to avoid getting to deep.
There are many other things that you can deal with aside from gambling, it's on you if how will you execute your plans to avoid deeper involvement into it.