Gambling Problems and Where to Get Help
Gambling problems can affect anyone, and are often hard to detect. The symptoms are not obvious to the naked eye. Online Casino Gambling is often a solitary pastime, so it can be hard to notice signs of addiction in someone else—and dangerous to wait for others to notice them in yourself.While some gamblers can gamble as a form of entertainment, without feeling the compulsion to, we are aware that gambling can be a very addictive activity. As such, we’ve put together this guide to getting help and advice if you think you may have a problem.
The first port of call for most people addressing a gambling problem will be the Gamblers Anonymous website. But there are many additional sources of help and support available in different parts of the world, so please read on for more information about support groups based in Canada, the UK and Australia.One aspect of Gamblers Anonymous which many people have found helpful are the GA group sessions. Gamblers Anonymous holds group meetings all over the world, and anyone with a gambling problem, whether a local or a visitor, is more than welcome to attend. At meetings, GA members discuss their daily lives, how gambling has affected them and how they are overcoming their problems. Meetings are always completely free of charge and totally anonymous. Please do check out their website and find your nearest group meeting. While it takes a lot of courage to attend a meeting for the first time, you will be welcomed with open arms.
There are a number of organizations in the UK which are dedicated to supporting people who are dealing with any type of gambling-related problem, and to advise people who know someone who has a gambling problem.GamCare is one of the biggest nonprofits in the UK. GamCare offers round-the-clock support through a free telephone hotline; you can also contact their team of counselors via their website. Face to face counseling sessions with GamCare’s support workers, held at their network of offices, may also be arranged.
Having observed a growing number of people under the age of 18 suffering from some form of a gambling problem, GamCare has recently launched a brand new website that aimed at teenagers. The Big Deal offers a wide range of information and guidance for young adults aged 12 to 18, and which any parent, family member or teacher of a child who is showing signs of a gambling problem will also find useful.
The NHS has also recently launched the first treatment center dedicated to helping people overcome serious gambling problems. While this service is still in its infancy, people attending their clinics have experienced some promising positive results. For more information on the range of free NHS services, visit the website of the National Problem Gaming Clinic.
If you’re in Canada, and you or anyone you know requires help for any type of gambling problem, there are several different charities and organizations offering round-the-clock support and guidance.
The website of the Problem Gambling organization is well worth visiting. Their free hotline offers support in over 140 languages. Their website is also packed full of information to guide you towards the type of help that will prove most beneficial to you.Additionally, the Responsible Gambling Council features complete, very in-depth listings of all help and support groups located in each and every Canadian province.While everyone’s circumstances are different, either of these two organizations will be able to point you towards the organization that’s the best fit for you, offering free and completely confidential support at any time day or night.
Gambling Problem Help in Australia
In Australia, Gambling Help is one major organization providing anonymous, round-the-clock support for you or someone you know. Their website spotlights the personal stories narratives of former problem gamblers and offers a range of self-help tools and phone listings of various local organizations.Gambling Help has also launched a brand new mobile app that allows you to keep track of your budget and keeps you connected to sources of support. They also offer downloadable guides and feature a number of videos you may find useful.You may also wish to check out the Australian Salvation Army ‘s very helpful and information-packed packed problem gambling support website.
Do I Have a Gambling Problem?
Out-of-control gambling comes in many different forms and in many different gambling environments, from casino games to scratch cards, bingo or sports betting.
It often the case that problem gamblers will realize that their gambling is out of control only once they’ve reached “rock bottom.” That is, when they’ve gambled away everything they own, split-up with their spouse or partner over their gambling, or otherwise reached their lowest ebb. But you don’t have to hit rock bottom before seeking help.Many of the websites we’ve listed have some form of checklist or survey you can fill out if you think you may have a problem. However, there is no set-in-stone definition for what a gambling problem is. The truth is, if you’ve become concerned about your gambling habits, whether because of your losses or because of the way gambling makes you feel, that’s a sign that it may be time to take proactive steps.
Admitting to yourself that you have a gambling problem is the first step to getting help, but many people have found that the hardest step is talking to others about their problem. Feelings of shame and embarrassment are common. However, when you do seek help, it will feel as if a huge weight has been lifted from your shoulders, as you’ll know that you’re on the way to getting your life back on track.
Please do seek help if you feel you have any kind of gambling-related problem. There are people out there right now waiting to help you.
