SUPPORT GROUPS
Recovery happens together. Problem gambling can feel isolating, don't have to navigate it alone.
Connecting with people who understand what you're experiencing can be a powerful part of recovery. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or you're affected by the gambling of someone you love, support groups provide a place to share experiences, learn from others, build new skills, and find hope.
There is no single path to recovery. Some people find strength in a traditional 12-step program. Others prefer a practical, skills-based approach. Some want to sit in a room with people who understand, while others feel more comfortable beginning online.
What matters is finding the support that works for you.
Find the Support That's Right for You
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If gambling is creating problems in your life—or you're simply beginning to question your relationship with gambling—you don't have to wait for things to get worse before reaching out.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a fellowship of people who share their experiences and support one another in recovering from gambling problems. Based on a 12-step model, GA offers meetings for people who have a desire to stop gambling.
Meetings are available both in person and virtually.
Best for: People looking for peer support and a structured 12-step recovery community.
Find a Gamblers Anonymous Meeting Near You
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery offers a practical, evidence-informed approach to changing addictive behaviors, including problematic gambling.
Rather than using a 12-step model, SMART Recovery focuses on building skills to manage urges, change behaviors, cope with difficult thoughts and emotions, and create a more balanced life.
Meetings are available online and in person.
Best for: People interested in a practical, skills-based alternative to traditional 12-step recovery.
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Problem gambling doesn't only affect the person who gambles.
Partners, spouses, parents, children, friends, and other loved ones may experience financial stress, broken trust, uncertainty, anger, fear, and exhaustion.
You deserve support, too.
You don't have to wait for the person you love to enter recovery before seeking help for yourself.
Gam-Anon
Gam-Anon provides support for family members and friends affected by another person's gambling.
Through peer-support meetings, members can connect with others who understand what it is like to love someone experiencing gambling problems and learn healthier ways to cope with the impact gambling has had on their lives.
Best for: Spouses, partners, family members, and friends affected by another person's gambling.
SMART Recovery Family & Friends
SMART Recovery Family & Friends offers tools and support for people affected by the addictive behaviors of someone they care about.
The program focuses on communication, coping strategies, healthy boundaries, and taking care of your own well-being.
Best for: Loved ones looking for practical tools and a skills-based approach to support.
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Walking into a meeting isn't the right first step for everyone.
Virtual meetings and online recovery communities can offer a more comfortable and accessible way to connect with others, particularly if you live in an area where in-person support isn't readily available.
Online groups provide opportunities to connect with others, discuss challenges, explore recovery strategies, and receive support from anywhere with internet access.
Gambling Anonymous Virtual Meetings
Gamtalk
Gamtalk is an online peer-support community for people experiencing gambling problems and those affected by them. Its online format provides another way to connect with people who understand gambling-related harm and recovery.
PARTNERS IN RESPONSIBLE GAMING
Many of the Indiana casinos have an exclusion program that allows problem gamblers to exclude themselves from that company’s properties. Additionally, the casinos all have Responsible Gaming Committees to identify and assist problem gamblers.
GAMBLOCK
GamBlock® is a gambling blocking software used to quickly and easily block gambling websites and apps on a range of devices. Restrict online gambling now!
FINANCIAL COUNSELING
OTHER RESOURCES:
National Council on Problem Gambling www.ncpgambling.org National helpline 800-My Reset (800-697-3738)
The Louisiana Council on Compulsive Gambling has a residential treatment program for problem gamblers in Shreveport. Information about this program can be found at: www.helpforgambling.org
Residential treatment for problem gamblers is also available at Project Turnabout/Vanguard in Granite Falls Minnesota. Information about this program can be found at: www.projectturnabout.com.
Algamus Recovery Centers treat problem gamblers exclusively in a residential setting in Arizona. Information can be found at: www.algamus.org
Treating Complex PTSD During Rehab: Brooks Healing Center
If you are in a life threatening situation, please call 911 for Emergency Services or 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.