Offer information about services and support groups. Most help lines are toll-free, anonymous and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Offered by trained, well-informed professionals, it can provide:

an environment to learn about gambling, get support and motivation to change

a safe place to talk about difficult emotions

increased self-awareness and an understanding of the relationship between gambling and other personal issues

new ways to think about and cope with stress

referrals to other supports such as debt counsellors

Drop-in meetings, such as Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon, where people have the choice to discuss their situations, can provide:

a sense of belonging, friendship and a break from isolation

feedback, encouragement, and support from peers in a non-judgmental atmosphere

A more intensive treatment for people who have an overpowering compulsion to gamble. They can provide:

a controlled environment with no opportunity to gamble

individual counselling

intensive therapeutic support to understand the consequences of problem gambling, as well as strategies for personal change

a break from the pressures of day-to-day life, an opportunity to figure out what needs to change, and support for making real changes that reduce the pressures to gamble.

Talking to friends, family members, clergy or any other social groups can provide:

encouragement to seek treatment

emotional support

an understanding of just how significant the gambling problem is

Self-help handbook for problem gambling.

Where to get help.

Resources.

Gamblers Anonymous.