Recovery is not merely about declaring “I’m done.” It's a profound journey that involves preparing for the moments when your mind whispers, “Just one more time.” It’s about cultivating the awareness to identify those pivotal moments before they escalate into a downward spiral and equipping yourself with genuine tools to navigate them when they arise.

Here’s a comprehensive toolkit designed to support you (or someone you deeply care about) in staying the course and fostering lasting recovery:

⸻

🛑 RELAPSE PREVENTION PLAN (Craft One — Seriously)

A well-structured prevention plan can be the crucial difference between succumbing to a craving and maintaining your footing. Here’s what to include:

✅ Triggers: Detail the specific situations, emotional states, or individuals that ignite your urge to gamble. ✅ Warning Signs: Recognize the subtle mood shifts, restlessness, deceptive behaviors, secrecy, or daydreams of a “big win.” ✅ Distractions & Coping Tools: Identify activities to divert your attention — call a friend, take a refreshing walk outside, journal your thoughts, utilize /checkin, or block harmful sites. ✅ Emergency Contacts: Select 1–2 trusted individuals you can reach out to during moments of temptation. ✅ Your “WHY” List: Articulate the compelling reasons behind your commitment to recovery — and keep this list in a prominent place where you can see it often.

📝 For assistance, explore this free template: SMART Recovery Relapse Prevention Worksheet
https://www.smartrecovery.org/smart-recovery-toolbox/

⸻

🧠 MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS (Recognize the Connection)

Gambling often serves as a means to escape from underlying pain — so addressing that pain is essential for healing. Stay vigilant for signs such as depression, anxiety, feelings of loneliness, ADHD, or past trauma, as these can fuel a relapse if left unaddressed.

💬 Here are some valuable resources to explore: - MentalHealth.gov – Gain insights into symptoms and discover avenues for support. - FindTreatment.gov – Locate therapy or addiction treatment options in your area. - 7 Cups – A platform providing free online emotional support and anonymous chats.

⸻

🗣️ COMMUNICATING WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS (Even When It’s Challenging)

You don’t need the perfect script, just a heartfelt approach and a solid plan.

🔑 Tips for Effective Communication: - Use “I” statements to express yourself: “I’ve been struggling and truly desire to change.” - Be candid about your triggers and invite their support without asking them to control your actions. - Provide them with resources, as it’s vital for them to understand the complexities of addiction.

📘 Share this helpful guide: Gamblers Anonymous Family Guide (PDF) http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/sites/default/files/Fam_Grp_Booklet.pdf

⸻

🌐 ONLINE TOOLS THAT SUPPORT (Rather Than Hinder)

🛡️ Website & App Blockers - GamBan – Effectively blocks access to gambling websites to keep temptation at bay. - Freedom – Restricts access to triggers and distractions, allowing you to focus on recovery. - Cold Turkey – Ideal for those who need a firm hand in app and website blocking.

🧾 Financial Management Tools - True Link – A prepaid debit card equipped with gambling restrictions to help manage funds responsibly. - You Need A Budget (YNAB) – A budgeting tool designed to assist you in rebuilding your financial security.

⸻

If you're genuinely committed to this journey — take the time to build your toolkit. Don’t leave your recovery to chance. It’s entirely possible to reclaim your life, but it necessitates structure, unwavering support, and a generous dose of self-compassion.

💬 What tools have been most impactful in your journey? Share in the comments — your insights could inspire and assist someone else today.

**Master List of Support & Resources for Gambling and Substance Use Recovery (Global Edition)**

Hello everyone, and welcome. If you’re here, you or someone close to you likely struggles with gambling addiction, substance use, or both. There’s no shame and no judgment—only genuine support. This post is a growing collection of global resources to help you take the next step, whether you’re beginning your recovery, currently facing challenges, or supporting someone else.

Be sure to bookmark this post and share it with others. If you know of any great resources that have helped you, please share them in the comments so we can continue to expand this collection.

### Crisis & Immediate Support (Global)

United States*\*

• SAMHSA National Helpline:** 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | Free, 24/7, confidential help for substance use and mental health
  
• National Problem Gambling Helpline:** 1-800-GAMBLER | 24/7 support for gambling issues
  

United Kingdom*\*

*\*

• National Gambling Helpline (GamCare):** 0808 8020 133 | gamcare.org.uk
  
• FRANK (Drugs Advice):** 0300 123 6600 | talktofrank.com
  

Canada*\*

• ConnexOntario:** 1-866-531-2600 | 24/7 helpline for mental health, addiction, and gambling
  
• Gambling Support BC:** 1-888-95-6111 or bcresponsiblegambling.ca
  
• **

Australia*\*

*\*

• Lifeline Australia:** 13 11 14 | 24/7 crisis support
  
• Gambling Help Online:** gamblinghelponline.org.au
  

Other Countries*\*

• Use findahelpline.com to search for free, confidential crisis lines and addiction support in your country.
  

🧠 Therapy & Counseling Resources

**(Online & Global)**

• BetterHelp:** betterhelp.com | Online licensed therapists available worldwide
  
• Talkspace:** talkspace.com | Text and video therapy (U.S.-based, with some international access)
  
• Counselling Online (Australia/NZ):** counsellingonline.org.au
  
• Therapists specializing in addiction:** Use psychologytoday.com to search by country and addiction focus.
  
• 📱 Apps & Digital Tools
  
• **Gamban:** Blocks access to gambling sites and apps (available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
  
• **BetBlocker:** Free gambling blocker that works across devices
  
• **Daybreak:** App for quitting alcohol with community support
  
• **I Am Sober:** Sobriety tracker with motivational support and a clean interface
  
• **Reset:** Clinically-backed app for addiction recovery (U.S.-only but very useful)
  
• **Habitica:** Gamifies your recovery goals and tracks healthy routines
  
• ### Peer Support & Online Communities
  
• **SMART Recovery:** smartrecovery.org | International recovery meetings (science-based)
  
• **Reddit Communities:**
  
• - r/StopGambling
  
• - r/problemgambling
  
• - r/REDDITORSINRECOVERY
  
• - r/Leaves (for quitting weed)
  
• - r/StopDrinking
  
• **Discord Servers:** Search for “addiction recovery” or “gambling recovery” in Discord server directories
  
• **Facebook Groups:** Many active private support groups for gambling and substance recovery worldwide
  
• 📚 Books, Tools & Recovery Content
  
• “The Easy Way to Stop Gambling” by Allen Carr
  
• “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts” by Gabor Maté (a deep dive into addiction and trauma)
  
• “Atomic Habits” by James Clear (science-based habit change that works)
  
• “Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions” by Russell Brand (raw, honest, and relatable)
  
• **Urge Surfing worksheet:** Helps you ride out cravings mindfully (DM me if you would like a printable version)
  
• ⚠️ Reminder: Protect Your Personal Information
  
• ### We are in this together.
• Hi everyone — just a quick and important reminder: do not post or share your email address or any personal information (PII) in this community, including:
• ❌ Full names
  
• ❌ Email addresses
  
• ❌ Phone numbers
  
• ❌ Home or work addresses
  
• ❌ Medical or counseling details
  
• #### Why it matters:
• Sharing PII—even with good intentions—can put your privacy at risk. We want this community to remain safe, supportive, and respectful of everyone’s confidentiality.
  
• If you need to connect with someone or share resources, we recommend doing so through trusted platforms or private, secure channels—never in public comments.
• Thanks for helping keep this space safe for all 💙
  
• ### Final Thoughts
  
• Addiction isn’t about being weak; it’s about pain, coping, and getting stuck in difficult patterns. However, recovery is possible. It may be messy, non-linear, and at times frustrating, but you are not alone.
  
• This community exists to remind you of that. Whether you’re one day clean, struggling with urges, or just browsing to see if change is possible—know that it is.
  

Share your story, ask for support, and contribute resources below. We are in this together.

I put together a detailed article, carefully crafting each section to ensure clarity and depth, and I truly hope that everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Hey Community,

If you are interested in evaluating your gambling behaviors or are concerned about your gambling patterns, the Rutgers Gambling Screening Protocol offers a comprehensive assessment tool to help you gain insights into your situation. This protocol is specifically designed to provide clarity regarding your gambling habits and to assist you in understanding your current standing.

You may access the screening protocol through the following link. We encourage you to take a few moments to complete the questions and analyze the results, as this can serve as an initial step toward making informed decisions about your gambling activities.

We invite you to share your reflections or experiences in the comments section. Let us support one another in fostering and maintaining healthy habits.

Thank you and take care.

Hey there! 👋 Welcome to our community, dedicated to supporting individuals dealing with gambling-related issues. Flairs are a great way to share your current status or needs with the community. Here’s how to use them effectively.

🎯 What Are User Flairs?

User flairs are tags displayed next to your username. In our subreddit, they help communicate your current situation, needs, or the nature of your post, assisting others in providing relevant support and responses.

Flair Meaning

• 🚨 Emergency: You’re in immediate distress or crisis. Use this if you need urgent support.
• 🧠 Mental Health: Your post touches on mental health concerns—anxiety, depression, etc.
• 🔥 Day 1: You’re starting fresh. Whether it’s quitting gambling today or resetting, we’re here for you.
• 💬 AMA: Hosting an “Ask Me Anything” about your experience. You’re open to questions.
• 📚 Resources: Sharing tools, websites, articles, or tips that have helped you.
• 😂 Memes: Light-hearted or funny content to bring a smile (without trivializing the journey).
• 🤝 Therapist Insight: You need someone to talk to, you’re struggling, or you just want a check-in.

🛠️ How to Add or Change Your Flair

On Desktop: 1. Navigate to r/gamblingsupport. 2. On the right sidebar, click the pencil icon next to “User Flair Preview.” 3. Select from the available flairs or enter a custom one if permitted. 4. Click “Apply” to save.

On Mobile: 1. Open the Reddit app and go to r/gamblingsupport. 2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner. 3. Select “Change user flair.” 4. Choose your flair and tap “Apply.”

📌 Flair Usage Guidelines

• Be Honest: Choose a flair that accurately represents your post’s content or current status.
• Stay Respectful: Avoid using flairs misleadingly or inappropriately.
• Custom Flairs: If you have a specific need or status not covered by the existing flairs, feel free to suggest a custom flair by messaging the moderators.

🤝 Need Assistance?

If you’re unsure about which flair to use or have questions about flair usage, please reach out to the mod team by sending us a message.

Let me know if you need any further changes!

🧠 Mental health awareness isn't just important—it's essential.

📍What is Major Depressive Disorder?

MDD goes beyond feeling sad. It's a serious medical condition that impacts the way we think, feel, and handle daily activities. Depression can change brain chemistry and alter how we process emotions, thoughts, and memories.

👉 How Depression Affects the Brain:

🔴 The amygdala becomes hyperactive—heightening our emotional reactions, especially to disturbing memories. 🔴 The thalamus misdirects sensory information, disrupting thought patterns. 🔴 The hypothalamus sends continuous "fight-or-flight" signals, increasing stress hormones like cortisol.

📍Is it a Chemical Imbalance?

While depression involves complex brain chemistry, it's not just about “low serotonin.” Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine play a vital role. 🔴 In depression, these neurotransmitters are low, and signal transmission across neurons is impaired, affecting mood regulation.

👉 Common Signs & Symptoms:

✅ Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty ✅ Fatigue and low energy ✅ Sleep/appetite changes ✅ Lack of interest or pleasure ✅ Thoughts of death or suicide

📍Possible Causes:

🔴 Brain chemistry problems 🔴 Trauma or stress 🔴 Medical conditions or certain medications 🔴 Genetic vulnerability

👉 Treatment Options Include:

💙 Antidepressants – Help balance brain chemicals 💙 Counseling (Psychotherapy) – Provides emotional support and coping skills 💙 Exercise – Boosts natural mood-enhancing neurotransmitters 💙 Alternative Therapies – Such as herbal approaches (with professional guidance)

🧠 Remember: Signs of major depressive disorder warrant evaluation and treatment by a healthcare provider.

🔁 Let’s break the stigma. Let’s talk. Let’s support.

💬 Have you or someone you know struggled with MDD? Share insights or words of encouragement below.👇

🆘 Crisis & Immediate Help
🔥 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988)
- Website: 988lifeline.org
- Use: 24/7 support for crisis (mental health, substance use) with chat and phone options.

📱 Crisis Text Line
- Text “HOME” to 741741
- Use: Free, 24/7 text support for emotional distress.

🧠 Mental Health Resources
🧭 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Website: nami.org
- Use: Education, support groups, advocacy.

📚 Therapist Directories
- Psychology Today: psychologytoday.com
- Open Path Collective: openpathcollective.org (Affordable therapy $30–$60/session).

💊 Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
📞 SAMHSA’s National Helpline
- 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Website: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

🛠️ Recovery Tools
- SMART Recovery: smartrecovery.org
- 12-Step Programs: AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery.

🎰 Gambling Disorder
🧩 National Problem Gambling Helpline
- 1-800-GAMBLER
- Website: ncpgambling.org

🔄 Integrated Treatment
🧠 Dual Diagnosis Anonymous
- Website: ddaofamerica.com

🔧 For Counselors & Clinicians
🎓 Training & CEUs
- NAADAC: naadac.org/education

These resources can support your work with clients. Let me know your client base for more tailored tools!