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We are the State of Georgia gambling help leaders on anything related to resources, public awareness, advocacy, education, research consulting, and gambling addiction training and workshops.
We are proud to be the only entity with experience delivering Georgia gambling help services, helping gamblers stop gambling, and proven success in connecting callers throughout the state with resources to help Georgia families recover from gambling addiction. Don’t know any problem gamblers? It is likely you do.
Problem Gambling is devastating our families and burdening the State’s healthcare, criminal and civil justice systems–an estimated 380,000 problem gamblers and $336 million dollars per year in economic costs (Georgia State University publication, 2010 Fact Sheet).
The first step toward recovery is saying to one’s self, “I’ve tried to stop gambling and I can’t. It’s out of control.”
Try to attend even one while you are reaching out for professional help from a counselor. You can locate face to face and video meetings worldwide at gamblersinrecovery.com. The meetings are very welcoming and for the first time in your addiction process, you will feel normal and that others understand.
Locate a counselor who specializes in the treatment of gambling addiction. Even though it is similar to other addictions, there are many unique factors in understanding gambling disorder.
If you have family available, involve them in your recovery. They can also attend GAM-ANON meetings. They provide support to family and significant others. It is very helpful if they gain a better understanding of gambling addiction. They will receive support from others. If you don’t have family available, you will benefit from the support and brotherhood of gamblers anonymous.
Your counselor’s role is critical as they are “at the center of the wheel” of your recovery program. In addition to psychotherapy, they will coordinate care with your family, financial interventions, explain and support your program of Gamblers Anonymous, medical care and many other supportive interventions.
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Recovery takes time. Try not to place a time limit on it. Otherwise, you may feel more frustrated and not have the opportunity to understand and deal with the triggers for your gambling behavior. As you learn to give to others at the meetings, you will feel better about yourself. 12-step program’s foundation is “Keep coming back ‘cuz it works if you work it.”
Sports betting is illegal in Georgia. There have been many legislative efforts to pass sports betting legislation. Up until now, legislation legalizing sports gambling in Georgia has not been passed.
We don’t know when Georgia will get a casino. Presently, casino gambling in Georgia is illegal.
Take the 20-question problem gambling survey. A score of 7 or greater indicates you probably have a gambling problem or addiction.
Believe it or not, a gambling problem can often be diagnosed by asking two simple questions:
“Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?”
“Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?”
But don’t become discouraged: “the truth will make you free.”
info@georgiagamblinghelp.org
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