Self-help groups can assist by providing ongoing support from persons who have experienced similar circumstances and aid in knowing one is not alone. 

Self-help is an essential element for persons beginning and navigating their way back from the depths of a gambling problem. Often, when in despair, gamblers and loved ones feel isolated, desperate, and with no where to turn. Self-help groups can assist callers with the tools for recovery by providing support, direction, motivation, resources, and a sense that they are not dealing with the gambling problem alone. These groups, along with the FCCG, provide self-help materials that further aid gamblers and others in understanding a gambling addiction, associated issues, and strategies for learning to cope and resume a productive life.

Self-help support groups are comprised of individuals who have lived the experience, have walked the paths of recovery in varying stages, and offer strength, support, and hope to newcomers. An aspect of many self-help programs is sponsorship. Sponsors provide additional information, encouragement, fellowship and guidance to newcomers on a voluntary basis. They may also furnish assistance and offer suggestions to newcomers on a case-by-case basis.

It is also important to note that while self-help is frequently successful in combination with Professional Treatment supports, acknowledging the difference between the two services is essential.  For example, self-help in most instances is an ongoing lifelong process for committing to change, whereas professional treatment is for a limited period of time.

SELF-HELP GROUPS

The two primary support groups for compulsive gamblers, family members, and friends, are Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and Gam-Anon.

• Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is an anonymous and confidential fellowship of men and women of all ages, from diverse social and economic backgrounds, races and religions, who meet for the purpose of sharing their experience, strength and hope as it relates to maintaining abstinence from gambling while living a happy and productive life. There are no dues or fees, and the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling.


• Gamblers Anonymous is a self-supporting organization so while a basket is passed around for donations, contributions are not required. Again, membership is free.


• GA operates two types of meetings: open and closed.  An “open” meeting is open for all persons to attend regardless of their relationship to the gambler, whereas “closed” meetings are strictly for gamblers only.


• Gamblers Anonymous offers a Pressure Relief Group that assists the gambler and family members in addressing financial, legal, and other problems. Pressure relief is typically performed after a gambler has participated in GA for a specified period, at which time a budget is devised and repayment plan is recommended. Pressure relief requires special training and as such, not all GA fellowships within the State of Florida offer this service.  In instances where it is unavailable, persons can receive financial and other guidance via the FCCG 24-Hour HelpLine for referrals to trained credit counselors and a network of providers. For more information, visit the Financial/Legal Supports section.

• Gam-Anon is for persons adversely affected by the gambler, such as family members and friends. Members are provided opportunities for learning how to cope with the gambler and accompanying difficulties. It is similar in structure and function to GA. It is not necessary for the gambler to attend Gamblers Anonymous in order for a family member, friend or other loved one to participate in the Gam-Anon program.

Both GA and Gam-Anon (and other similar self-help groups) function based upon 12 guiding principles and 12 steps; hence the name 12-step programs. These self-help fellowships do not have “leaders” and members agreeing to “chair” a meeting or perform other functions do so as a “service,” which is voluntary. Furthermore, GA and Gam-Anon do not align themselves with outside organizations. As such, they do not become involved with political or other matters, and do not accept financial contributions from outside entities. 

For more information on meeting days, times and locations, as well as other local resources, call the FCCG HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT. 

SELF-HELP RESOURCES

•  Peer Connect
  The FCCG’s Peer Connect Program is a service that allows HelpLine callers to make a connection with a recovering compulsive gambler. The program objective is to provide callers with an opportunity to speak with a recovering compulsive gambler and to seek and obtain valuable insight about gambling addiction and the different paths of recovery based upon a person’s experience. 
  
  The Peer Connect service is available to any English speaking caller, whether the gambler or a concerned person.  (Note: Currently, the FCCG HelpLine service is multilingual but the Peer Connect service is limited to English.)


How Does Peer Connect Work?

Upon callers agreeing to a Peer Connect contact, an appointment will be scheduled for a 30-minute period, and the HelpLine contact will be required to call back at the designated time. Appointments may be made up to one week in advance.

In instances when a caller has agreed to receive materials, such as the FCCG’s self-help recovery workbooks, A Chance for Change, she or he may participate in up to two Peer Connect sessions, in which the second appointment will be scheduled for 15 minutes.

• Online Forums
  
  To accomodate the large number of Florida teens and young adults who gather information and supports via the computer, the FCCG has launched Online Forums that allow visitors to post messages as a way to share thoughts, concerns and experiences and receive responses from peers.
   
• Materials
  
  The FCCG HelpLine offers a series of other self-help options, including the FCCG’s recovery workbooks for gamblers, loved ones and older adult gamblers. A Chance for Change is a series of workbooks, each comprised of seven books in total, which assist gamblers, family members, older adult gamblers, and others, through the recovery process for a gambling problem. Each book within the series addresses different, yet vital elements of the recovery process related specifically to gambling and serves as an ongoing resource over an extended period. 
  
  The series may be used independently, in therapy with a counselor (see Professional Treatment) and assists callers in conducting a self-assessment, identifying triggers and relapse prevention strategies, devising a budget and repayment plan, determining appropriate legal avenues of recourse, and creating and plotting a course for staying on track. To learn more about the workbooks or other free materials, visit Resources. To order information, simply call the HelpLine or send us an email.