Mary M got addicted to slot machines after playing them to numb the emotional pain in her life. Calling a help-line and using Internet support sites was a turning point. Whilst no single treatment or support service was the answer, all of them helped to set her on the path towards recovery. Gambling Credential (PCGC) Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) CRSS – Employment Endorsement (CRSS-E) Registered Dual Disorder Professional (RDDP) Veterans Support Specialist (CVSS) Women’s Competent Endorsement (GCE) Training Center. Continuing Education Bulletin; Accredited Training Programs. Support Groups and Self-Help. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, are very helpful for many people. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous that uses peer support to help others stop gambling. Some research has shown physical activity/exercise to be beneficial for those with gambling disorder. Peer Aid is designed, developed and delivered by individuals with lived experience of gambling harms. The service will be able to provide both one to one and group support to complement the support and treatment you receive with GamCare.

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Members of our online peer support community have collated a list of strategies they recommend to help you take control of your gambling. We've collected a selection of their tips below.

Our community is made up of almost 9500 Australians. The My Story area is a space for those concerned about their own gambling to share stories, experiences and support. It’s made up of people with different personal goals, from cutting down, completing 100 days gamble-free, to quitting gambling altogether. Our members are all at different stages of their journey — from people who feel strong after years of not gambling to those who are beginning to recognise an issue, and everywhere in between.

Together, they have created the following list of their own tried and tested tips to make change.

Forgive yourself

Take it a day a time.

Getting through an urge

Count backwards from 300. “It sounds really simple and probably a bit unlikely... But it really worked... It's surprising.”

Protect your money

• Open up another bank account and only put a limited amount in it; or
• Give someone control of your money: “Having someone manage ALL my money has been my saving grace. There have been lots of times I've wanted to gamble but with super strict access to money it was not an option.

Try new hobbies

“It doesn’t sound like much and really takes a lot of effort to get motivated till it becomes second nature”, “definitely taking up new or old hobbies is a must.”

Peer Support Gambling Addiction

Get in the kitchen

Buy ingredients you’ve never bought before and try new recipes.

Spend time in the garden

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Buy yourself some plants and keep busy with them.

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Read

“I read and read and read in my first 8-9 months gamble free. I think I read something like 40 books or more.”

Spend time with your loved ones

“I robbed my family of time spent gambling so I've been paying them back by spending much more valuable time with them”.

Know your triggers

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For example, if you're into sports betting, be cautious of visiting websites ‘just to look at odds’, and consider cutting back on watching sports.

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If you're thinking about making steps to change your gambling, you can read more about Change strategies or join the community today.