Places to Go for Gambling Help

Like any other addiction, gambling is a progressive illness that can cause problems in all areas of a gambler's life, from work to family to his physical and mental well-being. Signs of a problem can include becoming more and more focused on betting, betting more or more often than usual, growing angry or irritable without obvious cause, and going deeper into debt while continuing to gamble. Like any other addiction, there is help available.

Gamblers Anonymous

• Like other anti-addiction programs, Gamblers Anonymous is a national group that is based on a 12-step program to help the addicted gambler. There are group meetings held throughout the country, both "closed"--for the gambler only--and "open"--for the gambler and anyone else who may be suffering the effects of his addiction. Gamblers Anonymous has no requirements for joining except the desire to stop. There are no fees required for membership or to attend meetings.

  On the Gamblers Anonymous website (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org), you can find a link to meetings near you, as well as a 20-question test to help you evaluate whether you have a problem with gambling.

  Gamblers Anonymous
  P.O. Box 17173
  Los Angeles, CA 90017
  [phone].

National Council on Problem Gambling

• Gambling addiction information and referral services are available from the National Council on Problem Gambling. The council offers information and links to residential and inpatient treatment facilities, as well as guiding gamblers to counselors in their area who deal specifically with gambling addiction. It also promotes research and education to battle gambling addiction.

  National Council on Problem Gambling
  730 11th St, NW
  Ste 601
  Washington, DC 20001
  [phone].

Problem Gambling Guide

• The "Problem Gambling Guide" is available online at http://www.problemgamblingguide.com. The site offers links to state-by-state gambling addiction assistance, as well as support resources for families, information on warning signs, methods for quitting and other tools for those looking to stop gambling.

National Foundation For Credit Counseling

• Although this group is not specifically about gambling addiction, it is a source of help for one of the biggest problems affecting gamblers and former gamblers: debt. The problem is so prevalent that Gamblers Anonymous recommends the group to its members. The foundation promotes financially responsible behavior and also offers assistance with education and counseling.

  National Foundation for Credit Counseling
  801 Roeder Road
  Suite 900
  Silver Spring, MD 20910

Hotline

• If you need immediate assistance to combat a gambling addiction or an issue relating to the addiction, you can call the National Council on Problem Gambling at any time at 1 [phone].