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Problem Gambling Guide

directory of information available on the internet


An easy-to-navigate website aimed
to assist people who are searching
for help regarding problem gambling

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Taking The Steps Towards Recovery

Throughout this site, there are pages full of help, support and advice for problem and compulsive gambling and recovery from it. To perhaps better understand the impact gambling has/had on individuals that have been cought up in it, and families and friends that have been affected by it all - so a positive outcome can possibly be found in the process of such recovery. There are also pages filled with inspirations and motivations, news and research in the field of gambling addiction, and pages to just simply fill in time when needed - which is all available on the internet, as well as assistance that may be available near where anyone lives. There are many links within reach that could lead to a possible solution. Recovery is a determined choice - and it can work.

While every person is different - everyone's gambling problem will be at a different level. Financial situation and/or difficulties will be diverse, stress levels, family circumstances, self-esteem and confidence levels, degree of shame/guilt, employment situation and determination to stop will be all different - so each recovery requires an individual approach by the person wanting to recover from a gambling problem. What is important though, is that gambling does not run a person's life any longer. There are many ways to start recovery and continue with it to eventually find a way to a better life. From Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon meetings to group therapy meetings, one-on-one and family counselling, outpatient and inpatient treatment programs, self-help books, internet support groups and research facilities, etc. - there is a great deal of help available in many places around the world. However, even with all that help which is available, there is no guarantee, unless the individual makes the move and makes it happen. Support can be found even in the most difficult of situations - once those first steps are made and a person reaches out for it.

Warning Signs

If there is a suspicion of a gambling problem with a family member, a friend or with oneself, there are some warning signs that will stand out and may be observed:

Wanting to gamble more and more, especially after losses.

Having a need to go gambling to escape from stress, feeling depressed or facing problems.

Finding it hard to stop, even when promising not to gamble again - winning or losing.

Being restless, edgy or argumentative when trying to cut down on gambling or give
it up altogether.

Trying to use alternatives, such as alcohol to escape the feelings of irritability, restlessness or fear.

Hiding facts from family and friends about the amounts of money lost by gambling.

Unnecessarily losing patience with family members, friends
or work collegues.

Borrowing money (or even "temporarily" stealing) to feed the gambling habit.

Taking time of work or school to go gambling, to try and catch up with losses or win more.

Everything that is usually a leisure or responisibility at home or work, becomes an unwanted chore.

Putting many relationships into jeopardy or even eventually losing some of them.

Making excuses for time lost, for being at different places or not being contactable.

Thinking that when winning, it will just continue that way.

Planning for gambling, lying and deceiving, hiding bills, getting a secret mail box.

stages 1-4 (more here)

Getting Into Recovery

Making a choice not to gamble, admitting that there is a problem, acquiring a good support base and learning about problem gambling

stages 9-12 (more here)

Relapse Preventions

Being honest if and when a lapse happens, giving support back to others, finding new activities and taking focus away from gambling

stages 17-20 (more here)

Continued Recovery

Continuing with support groups, planning for life without gambling, keeping family united in recovery and moving along with new life

stages 5-8 (more here)

Working Recovery

Opening up to someone close, working out finances and gaining financial advice, finding pressure relief and connecting with family

stages 13-16 (more here)

Life Management

Maintaining honesty, learning to achieve serenity in life, avoiding temptations for gambling and affirming determination in recovery

family & friends (more here)

Help For Families

Methods for family members and friends to find assistance for their own recovery and learning how to give support to problem gamblers

All material which is not linked to other sites - © Problem Gambling Guide

DISCLAIMER: Any information presented on this site is primarily meant for research only. The purpose of this site is to provide a guide
for materials already available on the internet and elsewhere. Concerned individuals should always seek professional help when necessary.
No responsibility will be taken for anything that may occur as a result of anyone relying on information or opinions contained on this site.