Gambling Support Groups: Find Help and Community

5 Support Groups for Gambling Addiction

There are several support groups available for people struggling with gambling addiction:

1. Gamblers Anonymous (GA): This is a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous that provides a supportive environment for compulsive gamblers to share their experiences and work towards recovery. GA offers both in-person and online meetings.
2. Online Support Groups: Some organizations, like Kindbridge Behavioral Health, offer online group therapy sessions for anyone seeking help for gambling addiction. These interactive sessions provide education and resources and encourage open dialogue.
3. GamTalk: This is a 24/7 moderated online peer support forum where individuals can connect with others struggling with problem gambling.
4. New York Council on Problem Gambling: The council offers support and resources for problem gamblers in New York, including the Problem Gambling Resource Centers, which provide one-on-one therapy, peer support groups, and clinician-led groups.
5. National Problem Gambling Helpline: This helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 referral and information service for individuals and families facing gambling problems.

These support groups, both in-person and online, can be crucial to a comprehensive treatment plan for gambling addiction.

They can provide a safe space for those struggling with gambling addiction to share, learn coping strategies, and find motivation for recovery. Professional treatment from mental health providers is also crucial for many dealing with this complex disorder.

Benefits of Joining a Gambling Support Group

Gambling addiction often leads to you feeling isolated and misunderstood. In a support group, you’ll meet others who’ve been through the same struggles. This shared experience helps you feel less isolated and more understood.

People in recovery can even offer advice and encouragement as you begin your own journey. Because they’ve been where you are, you can learn from their experiences, and they can help guide you on your path.

This helps you stay focused and motivated to reach your recovery goals, which can be instrumental in consistency and commitment to recovery. Fortunately, Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous (GA) are free to join and offer online and in-person meetings. They can be a powerful addition to your recovery plan, helping you stay strong and committed to recovery long-term.

What Happens in Gambling Addiction Support Groups?

Support groups offer a safe space to discuss the challenges of addiction and to encourage one another during recovery.

Here are some common topics explored in these meetings:

• Experiences: Members share their personal stories, struggles, and how gambling negatively affected them. This breaks down feelings of isolation and builds a community of understanding since you’re going through the same struggles, and you immediately know you’re not alone.
• Triggers and how to cope: Groups discuss what situations or feelings might lead to a gambling urge. Members then share healthy strategies they’ve used to manage those triggers without turning back to gambling, which you can learn from.
• Money management: Financial hardship is often a consequence of gambling addiction. Groups offer advice on budgeting, how to overcome debt, and how to start rebuilding financial security.
• Relationships: Addiction damages trust and relationships. These groups help members understand how to improve communication, take accountability, apologize for past actions, and begin rebuilding relationships with loved ones.
• Relapse: Preventing relapse is key to long-term recovery. Support groups teach their members how to spot warning signs, create a personal safety net, and have concrete plans in place in case of any urges.
• Mental health: Depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse often go hand-in-hand with gambling addiction. Groups discuss the importance of holistic healing and caring for your mental health to get the best chances of total recovery.
• Successes: Celebrating those milestones, big and small, can motivate you and everyone in the group.

Support groups offer a place to process these topics with guidance and understanding. This environment helps members gain clarity, develop healthy skills, and feel supported on their path to recovery.

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Is There Support for Families of Gambling Addicts?

Yes, there’s absolutely support available for family members and friends of those struggling with gambling addiction. Here are some key resources:

1. Gam-Anon: A 12-step fellowship designed specifically for loved ones of problem gamblers. Gam-Anon offers a safe place to share experiences, find emotional support, and learn how to cope with the fallout of addiction.
2. Online support forums: Platforms like GamTalk provide moderated online spaces for loved ones to connect with others facing similar situations.
3. Local support groups: Organizations like the New York Council on Problem Gambling often offer in-person support groups tailored to families and friends of those struggling with gambling addiction.

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