Celebrating a Newfound Independence – Healing One Day at a Time
“…the FCCG is embracing its new framework, “Healing One Day at a Time” because the truth is that healing is a process that takes time, so it is essential that we remind ourselves and others that it is never too late to start the path to recovery, one day at a time.”
On July 4th, we felt gratitude for those who fought for the freedoms Americans enjoy today. But it is also important to remember that there are those among us who are struggling every day with their internal battles and wars, trying to break free from the dependence of a gambling addiction.
The effects of “disordered gambling”, classified by the American Psychiatric Association as a behavioral addiction, are vast and typically take control over one’s mind, actions, finances, relationships, health, and ultimately can consume one’s life. While the disorder is treatable for those who seek help, the associated impacts often present short to long-term consequences. In particular, the magnitude of financial difficulties alone, presented in the lives of compulsive gamblers, frequently result in grave challenges, because unlike alcohol and substance abusers, there is no saturation point, so gamblers can continue to embrace the addiction until the money or credit runs out. Therefore, assuring there is adequate and ongoing support for problem gamblers enabling these individuals to regain a sense of independence in their lives.
Equally challenging, this year has been spent by most Americans in some form of recovery, primarily from the COVID-19 pandemic, many of whom were searching for outlets or forms of relief or entertainment to pass the time. While many people gained the benefits of spending more time with family, resulting from required quarantines, others were left to process in solitude and sought avenues to escape daily life, some of whom turned inward and to online forms of gambling. When people gamble online, in isolation, it often can become problematic over a short duration of time because there aren’t the usual breaks in play when wagering from home, for example, and time and money limits are easily ignored.
This fiscal year, the FCCG is embracing its new framework, “Healing One Day at a Time” because the truth is that healing is a process that takes time, so it is essential that we remind ourselves and others that it is never too late to start the path to recovery, one day at a time. Today, you can also serve as the saving grace in someone’s life if you are aware that they or a loved one are experiencing difficulties due to gambling. Help them to find and celebrate a newfound independence this year, free from the chains of a gambling addiction.
Our 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual Problem Gambling HelpLine may be reached by calling 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848), texting (321) 978-0555, emailing fccg@gamblinghelp.org, initiating a live chat at gamblinghelp.org, or by reaching out to us on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. The HelpLine offers help and hope for anyone suffering from the effects of gambling addiction.
