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The National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) is a free helpline that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sponsored by the National Council on Problem Gambling, the helpline provides valuable information on problem gambling, and all callers remain anonymous. Friends, family and coworkers are also welcome to call on behalf of a problem gambler they know.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) is another resource. When feeling hopeless, problem gamblers may entertain thoughts of suicide. Like the National Problem Gambling Helpline, this hotline is free and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all callers remain anonymous. -
Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon both offer 12-step treatment programs. Gamblers Anonymous (gamblersanonymous.org) offers a program based on nondenominational spirituality and proven medical practices. Run by individuals who have themselves overcome problem gambling, the program helps individuals to recognize their addiction, accept responsibility and take personal inventory. Membership is free, and meetings are held in every U.S. state plus the District of Columbia and nearly 50 countries worldwide.
Gam-Anon (gam-anon.org) directs their efforts towards spouses, family, friends and others devastated by problem gamblers. As individuals in relationships with problem gamblers themselves, they offer a compassionate, understanding support system directed at creating and preserving serenity in affected lives. Gam-Anon holds meetings throughout the United States.
The Fellowship of Bettors Anonymous (bettorsanonymous.org) operates a much smaller program. With meeting locations in Massachusetts, New York and Canada, Bettors Anonymous offers services similar to Gamblers Anonymous. - Those struggling with problem gambling may benefit greatly from an International Certified Gambling Counselor, who undergo a rigorous certification process. The National Gambling Certification Board (NCGC) offers counselors two different national certifications that require a bachelor's degree in a behavioral health-related field and a license to work in a behavioral health-related field. Applicants must also log a specified number of hours in education and clinical experience specific to treating problem gambling. Finally, they must pass the certification test and agree to uphold all NCGC standards of ethical conduct. Although not all gambling counselors hold NCGC certification, these standards help to ensure that problem gamblers receive assistance from highly competent professionals. The National Council on Problem Gambling maintains a directory on their website.
- Problem gamblers may seek help from an impatient treatment center. Before deciding on a center, however, problem gamblers should ask themselves a number of questions. For example, does the center have experience handling problem gambling? Will the center accept my insurance? Does the center provide counseling and other ongoing services to prevent relapses? Does the center offer any services for family members? Careful questioning can help ensure that problem gamblers receive the most appropriate and effective treatment. Directories of inpatient and residential treatment centers are maintained by the National Council on Problem Gambling and the California Council on Problem Gambling websites.
- One useful online resource is a guide entitled "Your First Step to Change," written by the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling. The guide helps individuals concerned about their gambling habits to determine whether they need to change and how to cope with the process of change. Another resource is the Freedom from Problem Gambling self-help workbook. Sponsored by UCLA and the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, the workbook helps individuals understand their gambling behavior and how their gambling turned problematic. It contains information on how to stop, or at least reduce, problem gambling. It should be noted that no online resources are an adequate substitute for face-to-face consultations with a certified counselor.
