Here are two organizations dedicated to helping individuals overcome gambling problems: GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous. We cover the importance of seeking help and how to contact each organization through various channels, such as helplines, local meetings, and online resources.
How to Contact Gamblers Anonymous
National helpline and local hotline numbers
Gamblers Anonymous needs a centralized hotline number for everyone to call. Instead, they have established local hotline numbers in various locations. The first step to contacting Gamblers Anonymous is to check their website and find the hotline number for your area.
Start by visiting the official Gamblers Anonymous website at www.gamblersanonymous.org. There, navigate to the ‘Telephone Conference Call’ section, which will list telephone numbers for different locations worldwide. Choosing a number corresponding to your region is essential to connect with experienced members who know about local GA resources, meetings, and events.
How can I find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting in my area?
To meet in your area, visit the Gamblers Anonymous website at www.gamblersanonymous.org, or www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk, then click ‘Find a meeting near you.’ This will send you to a page where you can select your country or region. From there, you will access a list of local meetings, their schedules, and locations.
In some regions, you may need to call the local hotline number rather than access the information online. These numbers may be available on the same website under the ‘Telephone Conference Call’ section.
Gamblers Anonymous online support and forums
Aside from the face-to-face meetings, Gamblers Anonymous also offers online support and forums for individuals who may be uncomfortable attending in-person events or need access.
Visit the Gamblers Anonymous online forum at the ‘Gamblers Anonymous ISOROOM’ webpage (www.gaisor.org). The forum provides a platform for posting questions or thoughts on the gambling issue and offers supportive responses from other members.
GA also hosts online meetings for individuals who need help to attend in person. You can find information on these virtual meetings in their website’s ‘GAM-ANON-E’ section (www.gam-anon-e.org). These online conferences follow the same format as the face-to-face meetings.
Email and postal contacts
If you prefer to contact Gamblers Anonymous via email, head to their website and click on the ‘Contact Us’ section. You will find an online form to fill in with your name, email address, and message. Be sure to provide a means for them to contact you back. Once submitted, someone from Gamblers Anonymous will respond to your query.
For postal communication, you can send mail to Gamblers Anonymous International Service Office (GAISO) P.O. Box 17173, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA.
How to contact GamCare for support
To seek help from GamCare, contact their National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133. If you prefer mobile, you can call GamCare’s short code number 85258. If you are calling from outside the UK, you can call +44 (0)20 7801 700. Alternatively, reach out using their live chat feature on the official website: www.gamcare.org.uk. The helpline is confidential and available 24/7.
Or via email
If you have questions or need support but prefer email communication, contact GamCare’s advisors by emailing [email protected]. They typically respond within 24 hours, offering guidance and support concerning gambling-related concerns.
What is the most common helpline for gambling?
The most common helpline for gambling is 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537). Call this toll-free number for free and confidential assistance with problem gambling 24/7. Seek help for yourself or someone you know who may be struggling with gambling addiction.
More On GamCare
GamCare is a UK-based organization that aims to provide support, advice, and practical help to people affected by gambling problems. Established in 1997, GamCare is a leading authority on the social impact of gambling and collaborates with a range of stakeholder groups to create awareness and promote responsible gambling behavior.
GamCare offers services to those in need, including a National Gambling Helpline, where individuals can seek immediate advice and emotional support. The helpline is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to midnight and is staffed by trained advisors who can help guide callers to the right resources for them.
Additionally, GamCare offers an online chat service, which allows individuals to converse with a trained advisor in real time. A moderated online forum and chat room allows people to share their personal experiences and get support in a safe environment.
GamCare’s free support services include face-to-face counseling, online group therapy, and self-help resources such as workbooks, self-assessments, and diaries. These tools can help individuals explore the triggers behind their gambling, develop coping strategies, and set achievable goals toward recovery.
Finding local GamCare treatment centers
GamCare operates a network of treatment centers across the UK that provide face-to-face counseling and group support. To find out if there is a treatment center near you, you can visit the GamCare website, enter your postcode on the “Find Treatment” page, and search for the nearest center. Alternatively, you can call the helpline for information on your local treatment options. The trained advisors can help you to locate and access the right support service for your needs.
GamCare resources and education materials
GamCare’s website provides a wealth of additional resources, educational materials, and forums to help individuals and their families understand and manage problem gambling. Users can access expert articles, videos, webinars, online forums, and more. These resources help you gain valuable insights into the causes and consequences of problem gambling and practical tips for recovery and support. Visit GamCare.org.uk and navigate to the “Get Support” and “Learning” sections of the website to access these materials.
More On Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is an international organization that offers support and fellowship to individuals affected by gambling addiction. Founded in Los Angeles in 1957, GA follows a 12-step program similar that used by Alcoholics Anonymous, which emphasizes personal responsibility and growth through mutual support.
GA meetings provide a safe and supportive space for people to discuss their experiences and struggles with gambling addiction. These meetings are held regularly in various locations worldwide and allow participants to share their stories, learn from one another, and gain strength in overcoming their addiction. GA’s primary purpose is to help individuals stop gambling and maintain abstinence through mutual encouragement and support.
In addition to its group meetings, Gamblers Anonymous also provides literature and resources for members, including the GA “Combo Book,” which combines the basic text, personal stories, and the 12-step workbook in one publication. This book guides members to work through the program, maintain their recovery, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Why it’s important to seek help
Recognizing and seeking help for gambling addiction are crucial steps toward recovery. Addiction can devastate every area of one’s life, including financial stability, relationships, and mental health. Problem gambling can spiral out of control without appropriate support, leading to long-term negative effects.
Gamblers Anonymous
Accessing Gamblers Anonymous resources and literature
Gamblers Anonymous provides various resources and literature to help individuals understand and overcome their gambling addiction. To access these resources, visit their website’s ‘GA Literature’ section (www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/literature).
You will find downloadable documents, such as the ’12-step program,’ which form the core of the Gamblers Anonymous framework. This literature is also available in their online store, offering a range of books, pamphlets, and other resources for compulsive gamblers and their loved ones.
Reaching out to Gamblers Anonymous is a critical step in overcoming gambling addiction. With their meetings, online forums, and readily available resources, individuals can seek help from a supportive community while following the 12-step program to end their compulsive gambling habits.
Additional Support and Resources
Support for friends and family of problem gamblers
- Gam-Anon: This international organization has been created for people affected by a loved one’s gambling problem. Gam-Anon provides self-help support groups and meetings where family members and friends can share experiences, learn how to cope with the emotional and financial stress related to the addiction, and gain knowledge about the problem gambling recovery process.
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): The NCPG offers a variety of resources for families of gambling addicts, including the ability to search for treatment providers and counselors who specialize in problem gambling.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy sessions can benefit the affected individual and their family members. Therapy sessions can help improve communication, strengthen relationships, and provide support during the recovery process.
Contact number for family members
GamCare offers support for family and friends through their National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133).
Other organizations that offer help for gambling addiction
- National Problem Gambling Clinic (NPGC) – United Kingdom: NPGC offers free treatment services for individuals with gambling addiction, including assessment, individual and group therapy, and aftercare support.
- National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG): The NCRG supports research and public education initiatives regarding responsible gambling and gambling disorder, as well as resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Crisis helplines and emergency support
Crisis helplines and emergency support services are available 24/7 for those who are in immediate need of assistance or a state of crisis:
- National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700): This is a confidential, 24-hour helpline providing support, resources, and referrals for problem gamblers and their loved ones in the United States.
- Samaritans (116 123 – UK and Ireland): Samaritans offer confidential, non-judgmental emotional support for people experiencing distress or despair, including anyone feeling suicidal due to their gambling problem.
- Befrienders Worldwide: This global network provides emotional support to people in crisis or at risk of suicide, including those suffering from problem gambling.
Self-help books and materials
- “The Easy Way to Stop Gambling: Take Control of Your Life” by Allen Carr: This book provides effective methods for overcoming problem gambling using Carr’s unique quit method.
- “Gambling on Love: Helping Someone Stop Gambling” by Nancy Petry: This book offers insights and practical tips for family members or friends of individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- “Freedom from Problem Gambling” Workbook by Jim Leitzel: This workbook offers a comprehensive, self-guided program to overcome problem gambling, including exercises, self-assessments, and specific strategies for addressing various aspects of addiction.
How confidential are the services offered by GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous?
Services provided by GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous are strictly confidential. Both organizations adhere to strict data protection policies, ensuring your information is secure, and interactions remain private.
Are the support services offered by GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous free of charge?
GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous’s support services are free, including helpline calls, live chat support, and meeting attendance. They aim to provide accessible, quality support to individuals struggling with gambling issues.