Tag: #AddictionRecovery

Every year on August 14, National Financial Awareness Day encourages individuals and families to take stock of their financial habits, budgets, and long‑term goals. At the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG), this observance carries particular importance. Our recent multi‑year analysis of gambling trends in Florida shows that financial distress is one of the most…
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March is Women’s History Month—and it’s also Problem Gambling Awareness Month. That powerful overlap gives us an important opportunity to examine a story that has too often gone untold: the rising and unique impact of gambling disorder on women. When most people picture a problem gambler, they picture a man. That outdated image has real…
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March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)—a national grassroots campaign observed each year to spark heightened awareness and action. Here in Florida, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) leads PGAM by bringing together voices across the community to spotlight the real impacts of problem gambling and the confidential help and hope available 24/7 through…
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If you have begun recovery from gambling, or are considering taking your first step towards a life without gambling, understanding what a relapse prevention plan is – and how to use it – can be a powerful tool. It helps support both you and those around you by recognizing early warning signs that you may…
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Whether you’re just beginning to think about quitting gambling or have already taken steps toward recovery, it’s important to understand what drives your gambling behavior. It often begins with an urge or thought—free time, the desire to escape, and easy access to money are some of the strongest triggers. Relapse is part of a cycle,…
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No matter where you are on the spectrum of a gambling problem – whether you’re just beginning to feel things slipping out of control, deeply caught in compulsive gambling behaviors, starting your recovery journey, or already maintaining recovery – there are always personal triggers and warning signs. Recognizing them can help you avoid returning to…
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As we honor and thank those who have served and sacrificed for our country this Veterans Day, it’s important to recognize the many layers of their experiences. When veterans return home and transition out of military service, they often find that while their surroundings may look the same, they themselves have changed. Supporting veterans means…
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When reflecting on your gambling habits and questioning whether they may be a problem, a good starting point is to notice if you’re spending increasing amounts of money or time on gambling. It’s also important to examine the reasons behind why you gamble. Disordered gambling may begin with a single big win or gradually take…
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As we know, gambling disorders require money to sustain. Overspending beyond our means can create serious issues in many areas of life. For those with families, it can severely damage relationships and strain household finances. The time and energy spent chasing the urge to gamble often come at the expense of quality time with loved…
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Defense mechanisms act like emotional armor – carefully crafted to shield us from the pain of confronting difficult truths. This protective layer keeps others at a distance, deflecting questions, concern, and even our own self-awareness. It spares us from the sting of shame and the vulnerability of admitting we might have a problem. But while…
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