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Peer Support & Accountability: Peers share their lived experiences, creating a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. This may be powerful for clients who feel alone in their addiction.

Accessibility & Cost: There are free and widely available options for support groups, including online formats, which reduce barriers to entry.

Structure & Routine: The 12-step framework provides a structured approach, consistency, and a clear path toward recovery.

Reduction of Stigma: Being around peers reduces shame and normalizes the struggles of addiction.

Empowerment: GA encourages members to take personal responsibility for their recovery, fostering self-efficacy.

Support for Providers: Counselors may view GA as a helpful service as it supplements therapy with social support outside clinical sessions.

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Abstinence-Only Model: GA requires total abstinence, which might not align with all clients’ treatment goals (e.g., those interested in harm-reduction approaches).

Not Professionally Led: Meetings are peer-run, so clients with co-occurring disorders (like depression or anxiety) may not receive adequate clinical support.

Group Fit Issues: Some clients may feel uncomfortable with group sharing, religious undertones of the 12-step model, or lack of cultural tailoring.

Dropout Risk: Attendance relies on motivation and self-discipline—clients with severe addiction (like Howard) may struggle with consistency.

Limited Integration with Therapy: GA may not always align seamlessly with evidence-based clinical approaches, requiring careful coordination from providers.

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APA (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) – Gambling Disorder classification

Grant, J. E., & Potenza, M. N. (2012). Pathological Gambling: A Clinical Guide to Treatment

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Stigma & Help-Seeking

Gambling addiction carries stigma across many communities

Stigma may prevent individuals like Howard from admitting problems or seeking professional help until the situation is severe.

Socioeconomic Context

Many clients with gambling addiction face issues like debt, eviction, or unemployment.

Social Justice Considerations

Many self-help groups (like GA) are based on a 12-step, faith-oriented model that may not resonate with all cultural identities.

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How Do Gamblers Anonymous (GA) Meetings Work To Support Individuals With Gambling Addiction?

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“Much of the reward comes not from winning, but from the possibility of winning.” — Dr. David Sack

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“Gambling is a family disease. One person may be addicted, but the whole family suffers.” — Anonymous

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“You don’t gamble to win. You gamble so you can gamble the next day.” – Bert Ambrose

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Even though Howard has made terrible choices, I couldn’t stop rooting for him. This made me think about how we sometimes care about people struggling with addiction while feeling powerless to stop them from self-destruction.

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I noticed that Howard was never truly satisfied with his wins. He would immediately reinvest his winnings in another bet. Which was a good example of gambling addiction being less about winning and more about the endless cycle of chasing the next big win.

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The movie showed that addiction can make someone believe that one more big risk will solve everything. In reality, it pushes them deeper into crisis.

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1. Build Trust Through Empathy

Many clients, like Howard, live in denial about the severity of their addiction. Begin by establishing a strong therapeutic alliance through empathy and active listening.

2. Screen for Co-Occurring Disorders

Conduct thorough assessments to identify any co-occurring disorders. Untreated co-occurring disorders can worsen gambling behaviors.

3. Encourage Use of Support Groups

Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous can provide accountability and community.

4. Promote Relapse Prevention

Work with them to develop alternative coping strategies such as exercise, finding hobbies, and mindfulness.

5. Address Family Dynamics

Involving family in therapy can improve outcomes. Gambling addiction deeply affects immediate and extended family members

Family therapy helps rebuild trust and sets healthier boundaries.