Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems
Fold em offers straight talk about dealing with the fallout from gambling. Whether you are looking to stop or scale back your own gambling or helping a family member with a problem, this podcast will help you take back control. Hear from gamblers who have been through it and tips from counsellors. There is a way out from the hold gambling has on your life.
Episodes
92. High Stakes: Why Youth Are at Risk For Gambling Problems and How to Help
Youth gambling is a growing but often overlooked issue with potentially serious consequences. With easy online access, gambling-like features in video games, and an explosion of advertisements for sports betting, young people are exposed to and getting involved with gambling - often without realizing the risks. Listen to this episode of Fold em to hear: How youth are gambling - even when they are
91. The Hidden Toll of Gambling Addiction on Families
Gambling addiction is often seen as an individual problem, but its effects ripple far beyond the person placing the bets. For families, it can lead to financial instability, emotional distress, and fractured relationships. In this episode, Katie shares her personal journey of discovering her husband's gambling problem and how she and her children moved forward. Speaking as a parent and a teacher
90. Are you Having Fun? Maintaining Control When Gambling
Most of the Fold em episodes have been for those of you who decided to stop gambling. We've been helping you stop and stay stopped. This episode is different. It's for those of you are currently gambling or know someone who is. We explore the fine line between recreational gambling and losing control. Our hope is that you better understand the risks when gambling and that some of us are more vul
89. The Untangle Project: Women Helping Women With Gambling Problems
There are an increasing number of people speaking up about gambling related harm and the need to better address this. One of these people is Anna Martin from Australia. In this episode of Fold em, hear Anna's inspiring journey from gambling addiction to recovery. She tells us how she has been speaking up in the media and to politicians about the negative impacts of gambling, the need to better
88. Acceptance: A Crucial Step in Overcoming Gambling Problems
When gambling gets out of control it is a challenging and deeply isolating struggle. However, it is absolutely possible to get through this with shifting your mindset and accessing support and tools. One of the most crucial steps in overcoming this challenge is acceptance - acknowledging the realities of your situation and taking responsibility for change. In this episode of Fold em, we provide
87. Sports Betting is Taking More Than It's Giving
With easy access to sports betting, many people are finding it has become a daily habit. Over time, it can take up more time, focus and money and stall your life. In this episode of Fold em, hear from James, a passionate traveller and podcaster, who was swept into this world but has since reclaimed his life. We delve into the impact of sports betting on him, his decision to step back from it,
86. Someone I Care About is Struggling With Gambling: Now What?
In this insightful episode, Regina, a seasoned member of Gam-Anon with nearly 50 years of experience, discusses three vital themes for those impacted by a loved one's gambling problem. Regina talks about the difference between support and enabling, and how to detach with love. She also helps listeners recognize common emotional games that show up with gambling problems. Listen to episode 86 and
85. I'm Sick and Tired of Gambling: Now What?
Has gambling got you down? You're not the only one. Tune in to this episode and learn what you can do about it. Hear from Chris about how gambling was the norm with his group of friends during their twenties. When he started online gambling, it became more and more consuming. He started gambling by himself, the bets came faster, and he gambled for longer periods of time. Chris talks about
84. Sharing the Responsibility to Limit Gambling Harms: Industry, Government and Gamblers
With cigarettes and alcohol, we take steps to protect those who use these products AND society in general from related harms. For example, there are age requirements to buy alcohol. We also see images and warnings of disease caused by smoking on a pack of cigarettes. Many say that more needs to be done to limit gambling-related harms, particularly for people who are most vulnerable to this. In t
83. Twelve Steps to Freedom: How the 12 Steps Can Help With Gambling Problems
Hear a personal story of working through the Twelve Steps of Recovery and how it helped Georgete break free of a recurring and destructive gambling problem. Learn what's involved with each step and how you can access this recovery program. Georgete shares how working through the Twelve Steps with a sponsor and attending online meetings through Recovery Road Online helped her to reach one year g
82. It Can be Done: A Beautiful Life After Gambling
It can be done. You can admit to yourself and others that gambling is causing problems for you. You can stop gambling, deal with the financial impact, and rebuild trust with important people. You can also put things in place to prevent a relapse. Laura joins us in this episode and shares how she did all of this. Listen to episode 82 and hear about: Why it can be hard to admit to yourself that
81. Feeling Better: Managing Chronic Pain and Gambling
If you live with chronic pain and gamble, you're more at risk for developing a gambling problem. If you've had a gambling problem and live with chronic pain and/or health conditions, it's important to get help for both issues to prevent a relapse. In this episode of Fold em, hear Patty's personal story. She tells us that when she was gambling, both physical pain as well as stress and worry decre
80. Check it Out: GFFR and RRO
Many people deal with gambling problems on their own. They think, "I'm not as bad as others. I can fix this." For some, they just want to move on and avoid or delay getting help. Others can't stop thinking about the harms gambling has brought into their life, but feel too embarrassed to open up about it. This is our 80th episode of Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems. The one suggestion we'v
79. Is it Time to Make a Change?
Making changes isn't easy. When gambling gets out of control, change is often more challenging. It can be hard to get to that place where you're ready to pull back from gambling. When you do stop, there are so many other issues to address (finances, relationships, your health) that it can feel overwhelming. It's not unusual to find that gambling hooks you in again. In this episode, we offer gu
78. Watch Out for Problem Gambling's Mind Traps
As you get pulled into gambling, your thinking changes. Your mind finds ways of convincing you to keep gambling, even when there are signs to stop. To an outsider, ideas such as "a win is just around the corner" or "I have a system that's guaranteed to win" seem irrational. But when you're in it, it feels real and true. In this episode, I'm joined by John Woods. After struggling with gambling
77. Good Grief: Don't Let Gambling Take You Out
Experiencing grief and loss is hard enough. But, when grief leads to gambling problems, it gets harder. Grief (like other big stressors) can create risk for gambling getting out of control. It can also set the stage for a relapse if you previously stopped gambling. In this episode of Fold em, we hear from Sam about her experiences with grief and problem gambling and what has helped her with bot
76. Learning to Trust Again
One of the most distressing effects of problem gambling is the way is breaks down trust in relationships. In this episode, we offer guidance on how to rebuild that trust- emotionally and financially. You hear from Regina, who brings much experience on this topic. Seven years into her marriage, Regina's husband revealed he had a gambling addiction. She shares how they rebuilt emotional and finan
75. Answers to Common Questions About Problem Gambling
In this episode, you hear from someone whose career has focused on better understanding gambling problems. Dr. Marc Potenza is a psychiatrist and professor at Yale University and Director of the Centre of Excellence in Gambling Research. Since he's very familiar with the research on gambling addiction, I asked him questions that I commonly hear in the counselling room and from listeners. List
74. Gambling Urges: What's Going on in the Brain
When you gamble, it affects your brain and body. It's common to experience an urge to gamble. This involves thinking a lot about gambling or winning, having a strong desire to gamble, and feeling restless, anxious, excited and/or irritable. Urges can also continue after you stop gambling and create risk for relapse. In this episode of Fold em, we return to the topic of urges. This time, with a f
73. Finding Freedom Through Connection
You may have heard this before ... gambling problems lead to isolation and the way forward is through connection. Maybe you're thinking, "That sounds nice, but connection is not on my agenda because I'm working all the time to pay off debt and the people in my life don't trust me." Well hang in with us, keep an open mind, and listen to this episode. Bryce reflects upon the past three years since
72. "Free" Online Gambling Games
There are lots of options for free slots, poker and sports betting online. Seems innocent enough at first glance. However, there can be unexpected risks and costs of "free" online play, particularly if you've previously struggled with keeping gambling in check. In this episode, hear from two people who continued to play free online gambling games after stopping gambling. They talk about their r
71. What it Takes to Stop Gambling: Making Your Recovery Plan
When you've already taken those hard steps to pull back from gambling and face the fall out, you want to keep the momentum going, right? This is the final episode of four that provides guidance on how to stop gambling and stay on track long-term. In this one, we walk you through how to make a Recovery Plan for yourself. This plan outlines what is needed to keep gambling and other addictions out
70. What it Takes to Stop Gambling: Accountability Partners
There's an important step that often gets missed when stopping gambling. This involves asking someone who knows about gambling issues or addiction to help watch out for signs that you're at risk to gamble again. Why is this important? Because you may not be aware it's happening or will downplay it in your own mind. This is our third of four episodes that focus on how to stop gambling and have i
69. What it Takes to Stop Gambling: Predict and Prepare for Trip Ups
Want to make sure that you or a loved one doesn't get pulled back into a gambling problem? Then know what to watch out for. In this episode, learn about common and predictable ways that people get pulled into a relapse. And, how to identify signs that you are at risk to gamble again. Be prepared in order to protect yourself. We hear from Shane who started gambling again after one year away.
68. What it Takes to Stop Gambling: Honesty and Willingness
What does it take to stop gambling and stay stopped? We're answering this question for you over the next four episodes. In this first one, we focus on the importance of being honest with yourself about the impact of gambling - on you and your life, as well as on those around you. If what you have been doing to address a gambling problem hasn't been working, we encourage you to take a risk and t
67. Let's Talk About Gambling In Our Communities
Most of us encounter gambling daily in our communities. There's scratch and lottery tickets at the gas station, sports pools at work, and bingo down the road. In addition, there's all the gambling we encounter in fundraising - the 50/50 draws at local sporting events as well as raffles and community bingo. Do you think of all of these as gambling? Do you ever have conversations with family, fr
66. For Spouses: Feeling Grounded Again
After finding out that your spouse has a gambling problem or has had a relapse, it's understandable that you feel like your life has been turned upside down. You likely are feeling shock, anger and hurt because of the secrecy that typically comes with gambling problems. Stress and anxiety are also high because your financial security and trust with your spouse is on shaky ground. In this episode
65. Taking Charge of Tough Conversations About Gambling
When you have concerns about someone's gambling, it's not easy to talk about. It's often challenging to prevent these conversations from going off the rails. In this episode, we offer guidance for these tricky conversations. Spouses, family members and friends will hear strategies to use when first talking about gambling or if you suspect there has been a relapse. If you are someone who gambles
64. Will I Switch to Another Bad Habit or Addiction?
When dealing with gambling problems, many people worry about switching to another bad habit or addiction. It's important to pay attention to this because switching or substituting addictions (also called cross addiction) can be frustrating, de-moralizing and really dammaging to a person's life. In this episode of Fold em, we tell you what you need to know about switching addictions so you are mor
63. Sports Betting: A Hidden Problem on Campuses
Saul grew up betting on fantasy baseball. He says it was "a part of my life" and "what tied my group of friends together." In college, when a friend suggested they bet on sports with a bookie he didn't think much about it before saying "I'm in." Saul's experience is pretty typical. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, about 67% of college students bet on sports. They also t
62. Getting Your Time Back From Daily Fantasy Sports
Lots of people are playing fantasy sports. For some, particularly when you play daily or with multiple lineups, it can take up increasing amounts of time, focus and money. Steve Delaney joins us to share his experiences with this and how, for him, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) turned into something that was stressful, costly and all-consuming. Listen now to this episode and hear about: The trick
61. For Spouses and Family: Taking Back Your Power With Gambling Debt
When spouses and family members learn about a loved one's gambling problem, money issues come into the open. Usually this involves debt and it feels overwhelming and emotional. Typically, people don't know what to do. There is often a reflex to step in and pay things off quickly. In this episode of Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems, we offer guidance for spouses, family members and the person
60. Coming Out of the Shadows: Connections Between Gambling, Mental Health and Substance Addiction
It's not easy to talk openly about gambling issues. Nor is it easy to talk about living with mental health issues. In this episode, hear an open, thoughtful and inspiring conversation about one man's experiences with Bipolar Disorder and how this contributed to drinking, gambling and gaming getting out of hand for him. Hear how he is now free of gambling and living well. He teaches us about ho
59. Stop Yourself From Sliding Into a Relapse With Problem Gambling
It can be frustrating if you've promised yourself to pull back from gambling and then find you're back at it again. Sometimes this happens the next day. Sometimes after a month, year or more. It's not easy or simple to stay away from gambling when you're really hooked in to it. But as difficult as setbacks are, it's an opportunity to see more clearly what you need to do differently going forw
58. Delusions of Control: John Woods Talks About Gambling Addiction
John Woods knows a lot about gambling addiction. He gambled for 30 years and tried it all - slots, horse races, online poker and sports betting. John knows about hitting rock bottom because of gambling, the promises you make to yourself to stop, and the tricky ways it pulls you back in. But most importantly, he has first hand experience with overcoming a gambling addiction and is six years from
57. Our Relationship and Finances Survived a Gambling Problem
Gambling problems put a huge strain on relationships and finances. It's hard to know what to do and where to turn for help. Listen to this episode to hear from someone who gets it and got through it. Jane talks openly about how her marriage and family were impacted by her husband's gambling, what she learned from relapses, and what helped to stabilize their finances and rebuild the relationship
56. How to Recognize and Feel More in Control of Gambling Urges and Cravings
When gambling becomes a habit, you likely are not even aware of having urges and cravings to gamble. You just do it automatically. When you decide to pull back or stop gambling, then you might notice that it's hard to resist urges to gamble. In this episode, we help you to slow things down and notice gambling triggers, urges and cravings. We also offer strategies for riding through these, so yo
55. Surfing Gambling Urges and Cravings
As you gamble more, it's common to notice more urges and impulses to gamble. These cravings can lead to gambling becoming a habit. They also can make it hard to decrease or stop gambling. In this episode, I'm joined by Kari Olson, who is a counsellor with Gambling Support BC who specializing in gambling problems, substance addiction and trauma. She helps us to understand why cravings happen and
54. Is it Time to Retire From Sports Betting?
The expansion of sports betting in North America had a headstart in the United Kingdom. In this episode, hear from James who lived through this in Britain. He talks about the impact on him of increased online access to sports betting and betting groups. And how what was once a Saturday afternoon trip to the betting shop to wager on a football game shifted into a daily habit on his phone. Listen
53. Podcasts for Gambling Problems: Meet the Hosts
I'm joined by SIX people who host and produce podcasts about gambling problems. They all have personal experience with this issue and have done a lot of work to address it, so don't miss this conversation. Hear about all of their podcasts and what each can offer you. For those making New Year's resolutions listen to a great discussion about how to kick start doing things differently with gambli
52. Betting During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can bring more exposure to gambling - through gifting scratch and lottery products, invitations to meet at the casino, or family and friends placing a bet on a card game or sporting event. In this episode, Tracy Tsui, who provides gambling outreach support joins me. We talk about why it is important to pay attention to gambling over the holidays, especially with young people.
51. Getting Your Spark Back as You Face Gambling Problems
As people face gambling problems, it's common to feel low, stressed and anxious. You may feel relief from opening up about this issue but find that feelings of shame and guilt are hard to shake. As you return to activities that used to be enjoyable, or do things to help yourself feel better, it feels flat. In this episode of Fold em, our brain experts return to help us make sense of this. Deird
50. Can Gambling Problems Have a Silver Lining?
There is no question that gambling problems are stressful and difficult. But, can good things emerge from these problems for you and your life? In this episode, hear from Julie who recently marked three years without gambling. She is joined by her counsellor, Allison Rice. They talk about all the ways that life has changed for the better for Julie and what has contributed to this, as well as to
49. When Gambling Problems Lead to Crime: Moving Forward
Problem gambling leads people to do things they wouldn't normally do. For some, this includes committing a financial crime, such as forgery, embezzlement and theft. These crimes come about as a way to deal with debt and to get money to gamble. Facing a gambling problem is hard enough, but when it also involves dealing with charges and the court system, it is really hard. Hear from Brian who s
48. Taking Charge of Your Money
In this episode, hear from Marcia about how she not only stopped gambling, but also made changes to how she and her partner handle money. Almost two-years in, she tell us "It feels amazing to not be worried about money. Having that security also helps my gambling recovery." Amanda Martin, from the Credit Counselling Society, also returns to Fold em and offers tips for taking charge of your money
47. Gambling Debt Help: Consumer Proposals and Bankruptcy
For some, gambling leads to a situation where you can't pay your bills and debts when they are due. This is incredibly stressful. Listen now to hear about two options for addressing insolvency: a consumer proposal and personal bankruptcy. Blair Mantin, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee and President of Sands and Associates, joins me in this episode. He answers common questions about insolvency proc
46. Gambling Debt Help: Dealing With Creditors and Collection Agencies
With gambling debt, it can feel like you're backed into a corner. But, there are options for moving forward besides hoping for a big win. In this episode, hear Adrian share his story of stopping gambling and getting out of a tough cycle with payday loan companies and living pay cheque to pay cheque. Amanda Martin, a Financial Educator with the Credit Counselling Society, shares essential tips fo
45. Sports Betting: The Downside of Getting Into the Action
The ads with celebrity endorsements and incentives to give sports betting a try are everywhere. Hear from Joel Soper, a compulsive gambler who knows the industry well, about the risks and downsides of sports betting. Listen now to this episode and learn about: Joel's personal experience with sports gambling Why it's hard to pull away from sports betting once you're in action Ideas for decreasing
44. Thinking Straight About Gambling: Myths and Facts
It's common to get caught up in the emotions of gambling. Who hasn't had thoughts such as, "I'm on a lucky streak!" or "I'm due for a win anytime." In this episode, we share examples of how our thinking gets off track because of the emotions of gambling. We present some facts to help you think straight and keep gambling in control. Learn about: how the random number generators in slot machines
43. Warning Signs of a Gambling Problem
How do you know if gambling is a problem? In this episode we help you to recognize the warning signs of a gambling problem. We also offer guidance on next steps to take if you or a loved one have concerns about gambling. Listen now to learn about: seven warning signs of a gambling problem what to do if you notice signs of a gambling problem in yourself or someone you care about where to get sup
42. If You Gamble - Guidelines for Lowering the Risks and Harms of Gambling
Most of us gamble. In British Columbia, nearly 75% of adults gambled at least once in the past year. For some (about 3-4% of adults), it gets out of hand and causes problems. If you gamble, how do you keep it in check? What limits should you set for yourself? How do you stick to these limits? In this episode, we tell you about guidelines that have recently been developed in Canada to help you r
41. Gambling Help, Support and Treatment: Finding What Works For You
There are many options for help, support and treatment for gambling concerns. Everyone is different so it's important to find what works best for you. In this episode, hear Brian's personal experiences with various recovery programs. He is now a Certified Gambling Recovery Peer Mentor and shares tips for moving forward. Listen now to learn: what's available to help with gambling concerns how to
40. Why Can't I Stop Gambling? Let's Look at the Brain for Answers
A common question with gambling problems is, "Why Can't I Stop?" In this episode we hear from Deirdre Querney, MSW, and Dr. Iris Balodis who answer this question by telling us about the brain and gambling addiction. Tune in to learn about: how gambling addiction changes the brain why people with gambling addiction have a hard time pulling back from positive rewards how changes to the brain ar
39. I'm a Parent of Someone With a Gambling Problem: How Do I Help?
It's hard on parents and families when an adult son or daughter have a gambling problem. In this episode of Fold em, a mother shares what she has learned as her son dealt with gambling addiction for the past seven years. Irene Tang, who has counselled families through gambling problems for twenty-five years, share strategies for moving forward. Listen to learn: how to respond to requests for fin
38. Supporting Children When a Parent Has a Gambling Problem
Gambling problems can create a lot of stress in families. Children and young people may not know that a parent or caregiver is struggling with gambling, but they feel the impact. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Toula Kourgiantakis about: how parental gambling problems affect families and children signs that a young person is impacted by a parent's gambling problem how to support young people a
37. Sports Betting Got the Best of Me: Here's What I Did About It
In this episode, hear my conversation with a former sports better about: how sports betting took over his life what happened when family got involved how he solved a debt problem what helped him to get to 10-months without a bet his suggestions for others who have had sports betting take over their life Learn more about why it's hard to step back from sports betting and strategies that can help.
36. Keeping the Momentum Going: Preventing Relapse and Rebuilding Your Life
Gambling problems can return, and addiction may show up again in different ways. To keep your momentum going, take steps to prevent a relapse and rebuild your life and relationships. Allison Rice, a counsellor specializing in gambling problems, offers guidance learned from 20-years of working with people to overcome addiction Learn more about preventing relapse and rebuilding your life in the blo
35. Gambling Addiction Recovery: First Steps
As you begin to face gambling problems, it's hard to know if you're on track. To keep things moving in a positive direction, it's helpful to get guidance from people who have been through it. Allison Rice, a counsellor specializing in addiction, shares her learnings about what works in the beginning. This episode offers guidance for those struggling with gambling as well as their family, spouse
34. Tuning in to Your Permission Giving Thoughts
Permission giving thoughts come up to justify, rationalize and allow gambling to happen - even when part of you isn't so sure about it. In this episode, learn how to notice your permission giving thoughts so you can slow things down and have more control of gambling choices. A former gambler gives examples of her permission giving thoughts. Jackie Jankovic, a counsellor specializing in gambling p
33. Sports Betting: When the Losses Pile Up
There has been a dramatic increase in advertising for sports betting as well opportunities to place a bet. However, the public conversation has been pretty silent about gambling problems associated with sports betting. John Simmons shares his personal story about an addiction with poker and sports betting. He's a former casino worker and talks openly about the challenges of dealing with a gambli
32. Adult ADHD: Living Well and Managing Risk For Gambling Addiction
Listen in for information and first hand experience with managing adult ADHD. We explain why adults with ADHD are at increased risk for gambling problems. Hear about strategies specifically for adults with ADHD - how to keep gambling in check and how to prevent a relapse if you struggle with compulsive gambling. I'm joined by Darryl Anderson, a counsellor who works in mental health settings and
31. ADHD and Gambling Addiction: Understanding the Connection
If you gamble and have ADHD there is a greater risk that gambling will become a severe problem. In this episode, learn about the symptoms of ADHD and challenges of living with it as an adult. Darryl Anderson, a Clinical Counsellor specializing in mental health and gambling concerns, explains why ADHD increases the risk for gambling problems. He also shares about his process of recognizing ADHD in
30. How Do We Move Forward Together? Rebuilding Trust and Preventing Relapse
After gambling gets out of hand, both the gambler and their family want to know ... How do we make sure this doesn't happen again? How do we rebuild trust between us? Not all relationships survive gambling addiction. But, if you're committed to working together, this episode offers guidance and inspiration. Hear Sam's story of opening up to her husband early in their relationship about a gamblin
29. The First Nine Months After Stopping: Christina's Story
As part of her recovery, Christina reached out to find others who had been pulled into compulsive gambling. She wanted to create more opportunities for those dealing with gambling problems - particularly women - to connect and know they are not alone. What emerged is that Christina founded The Broke Girl Society as a thriving group on Facebook and a popular podcast. Listen to my conversation wit
28. Gambling Addiction Recovery: Opening Up and Finding Your Voice
It often takes a number of tries to break free from a gambling problem. Like peeling back the layers of an onion, each time gambling gets out of control, it tells you that something more or different is needed for you to better manage this issue. Often what is needed is a willingness to look a little deeper within yourself and open up. Hear a powerful and inspiring conversation with an Indigenou
27. How Do I Talk About a Gambling Problem? Who, When and How Much To Tell?
Dealing with a gambling problem involves difficult decisions about who and when to tell and how much to share. Hear one woman's experiences with family finding out about her gambling and the dilemma that emerged about whether to tell extended family. She shares lessons learned from opening up to friends and surprising outcomes from being honest with new acquaintances. Listen now for helpful gu
26. How to Stop Online Gambling? Can Blocking Apps Help?
Online gambling can be tricky to control. Our devices are nearby. Deposits happen so quickly. Hear first-hand experience and a long list of helpful strategies from someone who gambled online for ten years and has now shut it down. Learn about options for blocking gambling websites and apps. Benjamin Wong, who has helped many people chose and install blocking software, provides guidance on th
25. Do I Need to Stop? Can't I Control My Gambling?
Even after gambling gets out of hand, it's common to want to keep it going. Or, to keep a door open to gambling in the future. Some typical thoughts are, "I learned my lesson, now I'll control it," "It's not such a big deal," OR "I can't just turn my back on all the money that was lost." Listen to this episode and hear an honest conversation with a gambler who continued gambling while in a deb
24. How Do I Let Go of Regret, Anger and Guilt From Gambling?
When gambling has gotten out of hand, it can leave you heavy with regret, anger and guilt. Both gamblers and their family members feel this way. It's common to wonder if you'll ever shake these feelings. Hear my conversation with two former gamblers about what helped them to reach a place where they can look at themselves in the mirror again. Learn steps you can take to start moving in that dir
23. Gambling Help: Online Chat Rooms
Online chat rooms are a great way to get support and information for gambling problems. You can stay anonymous, share at your own pace, connect 24/7 and get inspired by people around the world who are also tackling this issue. Listen to my conversation with Ken who has participated with online chat communities for much of his 19-years of recovery. He says that chat continues to provide him with
22. Gambling Help: Online and In-Person Support Groups
Many people are reluctant to attend a gambling support group. However, there is something about connecting with people who are addressing the same issues that not only brings so much relief, but more importantly, is really helpful. Hear from a poker player about why he decided to try groups and then has kept going for the past four years. My colleague, Matt McLean, shares how online groups are
21. Cross Addiction: How To Prevent It
There is increasing awareness that not only substances (alcohol and drugs) can be addictive, but also that some of the activities we do for enjoyment can become excessive and cause problems. This can happen with gambling, gaming, social media, sex, shopping and eating. Sometimes people can develop problems with more than one substance or behaviour. If you or someone you care about has struggled
20. Cross Addiction: How to Move Forward if You Fall in Again
Breaking free from an alcohol or drug problem is a major achievement. But addiction is tricky and can show up in other ways without you being initially aware. Maybe you find yourself in some of the same patterns of isolating and keeping secrets, but this time with gambling, gaming, eating or sex. Listen to my conversation with someone who was twenty years alcohol free when he found himself with
19. Gambling Addiction Recovery: Breaking Free from the Addicted Mind
When you are in the midst of a gambling addiction, your mind tells you the most dubious things to keep it all going. Just because you stop, these thoughts don't immediately disappear. Listen to a conversation with on online poker player about his process of breaking free from an addiction mindset. Hear how initially he had one foot in recovery and one foot out. Learn how he reached eleven months
18. Gambling Addiction Relapse Prevention: When Casinos Reopen
As casinos reopen around the world, many are excited and others are nervous. If you gamble or know someone who does, take a moment and listen to this episode. Hear two people in recovery share their experiences with relapse and what they are doing to stay gambling free. Learn from Margaret Sigsworth, who has worked with gamblers on the casino floor and in the community for 13 years about sticking
17. Gambling Addiction Recovery: It's So Worth It
If you're knee deep in gambling problems but don't know what to do, listen in. Our guest reached out for gambling addiction help just eight months ago. Hear the conversation between her and her counsellor, Allison Rice, about how online gambling got out of hand so quickly and her process of regaining control. Learn how she got her finances, relationships and integrity back on track. Allison shares
16. Gambling Addiction Recovery: There is a Light at the End of the Tunnel
When you've been captured by gambling addiction, it's hard to believe you'll ever get your life back. But you definitely can and it likely won't take as long as you think. Our guest shares his story of recovery from a 20-year gambling problem. Hear how counselling and groups helped with making discoveries about himself, his relationships, and the role of gambling in his life. And how he was able t
15. Gambling and Gaming
The average age of a gamer in Canada is 39. Not what we expect. Our stereotype is of the teenage gamer. Many of us are spending increasing time with games on our devices. And, for those who have pulled back from gambling, gaming sometimes fills the void. What is the impact – on us? For recovery? In this episode, listen to our guest speak candidly about his experiences with gambling and gaming and
14. Gambling and Day Trading
You've probably heard about GameStop, shorted stocks and cryptocurrencies. There is growing interest in day trading and the action has moved from the exchange floor to our devices and online forums. You may know someone who has jumped into the action. Or, maybe you have. If so, this episode is essential listening. Learn about the risks of speculative investments and how to protect your hard-earned
13. Gambling Problems and the Family: Boundaries and Self Care
After finding out about a gambling problem, many family members take control – of finances and fixing things. It's an understandable and sometimes needed reaction. However, recovery usually looks more like a marathon than a sprint. Spouses and family often approach the start line already exhausted and stressed. It can help for family to step back and take care of themselves. There is a place for w
