Group and Peer Support

There are free services for anyone with a gambling concern throughout Australia. Often services have groups facilitated by a gambling counsellor. This is a person who is qualified and experienced in talking through gambling concerns.

By contacting your nearest professional service you can find out about support groups in your area.

Gamblers Anonymous is a self-help program open to anyone with a gambling problem.  It is an abstinence-based group program based on the principles and 12 step recovery goals of Alcoholics Anonymous.

 Gamblers anonymous

• Is based on group meetings, which are run in locations across Australia
• Meetings are held in local community centers and church halls and go for 1 ½ hours
• Offer a safe and confidential environment where you can feel part of a group
• Is based on the principles of peer support and the power of relating to people whose gambling left them with feelings of emptiness, isolation, guilt and shame for what they were doing
• Has no compulsory fees or charges

Gamblers Anonymous is a good place to meet and learn from people who have had a gambling problem.

Gam-Anon is a self-help group providing support to partners, families or significant others of a problem gambler.

Gam-Anon works on the premise of three main principles:

• To learn to accept and understand the nature of gambling addiction
• To utilise the program's problem solving ideas to help to rebuild lives
• When recovery is complete, to help and give assistance to others in need.

At weekly meetings, people can educate themselves and learn new ways of dealing with the gambler.  In the process, they can learn a better way of life for themselves.

Across Australia there are a number of innovative peer support programs. In Victoria, the Peer Connection Program offers support to people with a gambling problem and those affected by a gambling problem. The program:

• matches people with trained volunteers who have had experience of dealing successfully with a gambling problem OR who have worked through the impact of someone else's gambling problem
• offers support over the phone
• offers calls on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis
• offers support for as long as you and the support person feel it is necessary
• is free and confidential
• is based on the principles of peer support and the power of relating to people who have experienced similiar issues and concerns.