GETTING HELP
Gambling is a diagnosable, treatable disease similar to alcohol and drug addiction. Treatment for seniors may include one or more of the following:
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
If you live in the Greater Phoenix, Arizona area, there are great resources and meetings for escape gamblers. Women in their 60's are leading groups and succeeding in the program. Even in Phoenix, meetings vary and it maximizes the likelihood of staying in recovery if they are prepared for their first meeting. Otherwise, they may not identify with certain portions of the GA Combo book (a small booklet that is the core of the Gamblers Anonymous meeting) and may not know how to react to the Action gamblers they may encounter.Gamblers Anonymous was started over nearly fifty years ago by Action gambling men. Only in recent times has a different type of gambler appeared. The GA literature does not yet reflect that there may be differences in why and how people gamble. Many Escape gamblers do not identify with parts of page 10-11 of the Combo book which describes the characteristics and dreamworld of the compulsive gambler. The Escape gambler needs to know that the program can and will work for them anyway and that most of the book and the program will be just what they need. They should be encouraged to "take what they need and leave the rest.".
If women’s meetings are available (three in the Phoenix area), women will find them helpful as an introduction to the program and should be encouraged to make a women’s meeting one of their regular meetings.
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING from a certified compulsive gambling counselor. Prior to or in conjunction with GA, many find their recovery accelerated by professional counseling. However, it is very important that the counselor not only have a background in addiction, but have recent training in gambling addiction. Little good, and even damage can be done by a counselor who is not qualified.
INPATIENT TREATMENT/OUTPATIENT TREATMENT Be sure a treatment center or counselor has experience and training in gambling addiction treatment. Some say they treat gamblers, but have no one on staff with specific gambling training.
CoDa, or Codependence Anonymous is a 12 step self-help program that helps people deal with their codependency issues. If you want to know more about codependency, go to the CoDa www.
REPLACING GAMBLING Those seniors who successfully stop gambling are those who choose to make their legacy one of dignity and integrity. They reclaim old interests and pursue new ones. They grow and heal as they join other elders of excellence in recovery from gambling addiction.
TO ARRANGE FOR A SPEAKER FOR A GROUP OF SENIORS OR THOSE WHO WORK WITH SENIORS, CALL 1-800-777-720 STATEWIDE OR 602-212-0278
TO ARRANGE IN-SERVICE TRAINING OR INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO
WORK WITH SENIORS, CALL 1-800-777-7207 OR 602-212-0278BE RESPONSIBLE : IF YOU SPONSOR GROUP TRIPS TO GAMBLING SITES,
OR CHARITY FUND RAISERS, EDUCATE YOUR GROUP!SENIORS AND SWEEPSTAKES: CONTACT THE ARIZONA ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE FOR INFORMATION
