Support Groups for Gambling

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) - GA is a 12-step fellowship of men and women who have come together to help themselves and others recover from a gambling problem.  GA meetings provide a safe and confidential space for individuals to share their experiences.  Members support each other in their efforts to quit gambling and remain abstinent.  GA does not advocate any particular belief system. The steps suggest a belief in a power greater than ourselves. This can be human love, a force for good, the group, nature, the universe, God, or any entity a member chooses as a personal higher power.  There are people who attend GA groups who are atheists or agnostics and who choose to simply not choose a higher power but follow the other principles of the organization and attend in order to find social support to help them in managing their gambling.  GA will not replace individual therapy for a person who is struggling with significant depression.  However, it can be a useful support group for people to attend in addition to participating in regular individual counseling sessions.  GA has regularly scheduled meetings.  Here is a link to find a group meeting near you.

Gamtalk is an online support forum for people dealing with problematic gambling or gambling addiction  Gamtalk provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences, find support on how to overcome gambling issues, and offer support in return to others on the platform.  Here is a link for Gamtalk.

Debtors Anonymous (DA) - DA is a 12-step support group program designed to support people who are struggling with significant debt, overspending, and financial issues.  DA follows a similar format to other 12-step groups but focuses primarily on the emotional and practical aspects of debt and financial problems.  Here is a link to find a meeting.

Reading Material for Gambling Addiction:

1. Gamblers Anonymous - This book offers hope, support, and guidance for people struggling with a gambling addiction.  The book addresses the issues and fears facing compulsive gamblers in recovery and describes ways to successfully navigate recovery.  Here is a link for this book.

2. A Day at a Time Gamblers Anonymous: Gamblers Anonymous - This book offers daily reflections and prayers to offer hope, support, and guidance throughout the year.  It also addresses issues most commonly faced by people attempting to remain sober.  Here is a link for this book.