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  • When gambling gets out of control it is a challenging and deeply isolating struggle. However, it is absolutely possible to get through this with shifting your mindset and accessing support and tools. One of the most crucial steps in overcoming this challenge is acceptance - acknowledging the realities of your situation and taking responsibility for change.

    In this episode of Fold em, we provide practical tips and an inspiring personal story about how acceptance can help you get unstuck from problem gambling.

    You get to benefit from the experience and wisdom of two guests. Jen Gregg has been a counsellor with Gambling Support BC for more than twenty years and has great insight into what is needed to overcome gambling problems. She's joined by Adam, a former poker player, who knows first hand how gambling can get out of hand when you least expect it to happen to you. He tells us about the bumpy road of fully accepting he had a gambling problem and how he was able to rebuild his life after being honest with himself and others.

    Listen now and hear:

    That it's common to be struggling with gambling, and despite this, not want to let it go That facing the facts about your gambling is a crucial steps towards changing it Practical tips for getting unstuck from gambling problems through acceptance

    To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog for episode 88 at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram. Find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also send us an email to [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • With easy access to sports betting, many people are finding it has become a daily habit. Over time, it can take up more time, focus and money and stall your life.

    In this episode of Fold em, hear from James, a passionate traveller and podcaster, who was swept into this world but has since reclaimed his life. We delve into the impact of sports betting on him, his decision to step back from it, and how he has rediscovered other passions.

    Listen to episode 87 and hear about:

    Taking an honest look at the time, energy and money going into sports betting Strategies for pulling back What to say to friends, when you decrease or stop betting How to handle free time and boredom when you're gambling less

    To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog for episode 87 at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca. Reach out to James at the Winging it Travel Podcast.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram. Find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also send us an email to [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

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  • In this insightful episode, Regina, a seasoned member of Gam-Anon with nearly 50 years of experience, discusses three vital themes for those impacted by a loved one's gambling problem. Regina talks about the difference between support and enabling, and how to detach with love. She also helps listeners recognize common emotional games that show up with gambling problems.

    Listen to episode 86 and learn:

    How gambling problems impact those closest to the gambler How to support rather than enable How to pull away from the emotional games that come up in relationships impacted by gambling problems How to keep yourself grounded, even if the gambler isn't ready to stop

    To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. You can also learn more from reading the literature written by members of Gam-Anon. It is available in print or e-book format and can be purchased on the Gam-Anon website or through Amazon.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram. Find us at Foldem Podcast. You can send us an email to [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • Has gambling got you down? You're not the only one. Tune in to this episode and learn what you can do about it.

    Hear from Chris about how gambling was the norm with his group of friends during their twenties. When he started online gambling, it became more and more consuming. He started gambling by himself, the bets came faster, and he gambled for longer periods of time.

    Chris talks about the bumpy road of stopping gambling. He had been able to stop drinking and drugs cold turkey and on his own. This didn't work with gambling. He shares what helped him to stop and turn his life around. Chris brings a lot of wisdom to this conversation - from his four years of being bet free, as a long-time participant and host of online meetings, and from doing his own research and studies on addiction and the brain.

    Listen now and learn:

    Why gambling gets out of control What helped Chris to pull back from gambling and stay away How to connect with Chris and others who understand gambling problems and are willing to help

    To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.

    Chris says he has connected with many compulsive gamblers around the world via email. He shared his email address for anyone who would like to write him - [email protected]

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • With cigarettes and alcohol, we take steps to protect those who use these products AND society in general from related harms. For example, there are age requirements to buy alcohol. We also see images and warnings of disease caused by smoking on a pack of cigarettes.

    Many say that more needs to be done to limit gambling-related harms, particularly for people who are most vulnerable to this.

    In this episode, you get to hear from Dr. Nigel Turner, a Scientist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the University of Toronto. He has a talent for speaking in a really simple, clear and engaging way about gambling issues. It's a great interview.

    Listen now to hear about:

    What do we know about gambling harms? Who is most vulnerable? To protect myself from gambling harms, what do I need to know about the house edge and gambling odds? What is being done around the world to reduce gambling harms? What more could be done by the gambling industry, public health and individual gamblers to reduce gambling harms?

    To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog for episode 84 at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca You can also read the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's recent Gambling Policy Framework.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country

    To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    Reach out to us through Facebook or Instagram Find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also email at [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • Hear a personal story of working through the Twelve Steps of Recovery and how it helped Georgete break free of a recurring and destructive gambling problem. Learn what's involved with each step and how you can access this recovery program.

    Georgete shares how working through the Twelve Steps with a sponsor and attending online meetings through Recovery Road Online helped her to reach one year gambling free. She shares how the Twelve Steps taught her important skills for living a better life.

    Listen now and get answers to these questions:

    What are the Twelve Steps? How can this program help someone who has struggled with gambling? What's involved with each of the Twelve Steps? Will working through the Twelve Steps benefit me if I'm unsure about connecting with a Higher Power?

    Share this episode with someone who will find it helpful. Our hope at Fold em is to help people struggling with gambling to connect with support.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    To connect with a Twelve Step Recovery program, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery

    To connect with other supports for gambling problems, here's more options:

    The Broke Girl Society

    GamTalk

    SMART Recovery

    To read a summary of this podcast, check out the blog at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

    To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also email us at [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

  • It can be done. You can admit to yourself and others that gambling is causing problems for you. You can stop gambling, deal with the financial impact, and rebuild trust with important people. You can also put things in place to prevent a relapse. Laura joins us in this episode and shares how she did all of this.

    Listen to episode 82 and hear about:

    Why it can be hard to admit to yourself that your gambling is out of control Laura's story of getting help, facing hard stuff, and getting through it How Laura stopped gambling and has stayed away for more than year

    Laura dedicates this episode to her doctor, Catherine Textor - "An amazing human who showed me compassion and zero judgment and provided a safe place to admit I needed help."

    To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog at gamblingproblemhelp.ca

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • If you live with chronic pain and gamble, you're more at risk for developing a gambling problem. If you've had a gambling problem and live with chronic pain and/or health conditions, it's important to get help for both issues to prevent a relapse.

    In this episode of Fold em, hear Patty's personal story. She tells us that when she was gambling, both physical pain as well as stress and worry decreased. However, over time as gambling got out of control, it made life much more difficult for her. Patty shares how recovery provided her with the patience and support needed to steadily pursue treatment for her health conditions. And, although these haven't gone away, she's feeling much better.

    You also hear from Kuldip Gill, a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Vancouver who is a clinician with Gambling Support BC. She explains why chronic pain creates risk for gambling addiction and offers guidance on how to address both pain and gambling issues successfully.

    Listen to episode 81 and hear:

    Why it is important to be cautious if you gamble and experience chronic pain or health issues A personal story of stopping gambling and getting help for pain and health issues How to help yourself feel better as you pull back from gambling

    If you want to learn more, read the blog for this episode at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca

    To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • Many people deal with gambling problems on their own. They think, "I'm not as bad as others. I can fix this." For some, they just want to move on and avoid or delay getting help. Others can't stop thinking about the harms gambling has brought into their life, but feel too embarrassed to open up about it.

    This is our 80th episode of Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems. The one suggestion we've heard from every guest is - don't deal with it on your own. Open up and connect with people who know about gambling issues.

    In this episode, we tell you how easy it is to get help, support and guidance from people who have been through it. You hear from Frank, with Gamblers, Family and Friends in Recovery (GFFR) - an international notice board for people seeking recovery from a gambling problem. You also hear from Bruce with Recovery Road Online (RRO) - an online fellowship that aims to connect individuals struggling with gambling with others in recovery.

    You'll learn how to find hundreds of meetings each week from around the world as well as a library of recorded speakers. There's also help for spouses, family and friends. Check out RRO and GFFR!

    Listen to episode 80 and hear:

    What you will find at Recovery Road Online and Gamblers, Family and Friends in Recovery The variety of meetings available and how to access these How online meetings can help you

    If you would like to learn more about RRO and GFFR as well as other online resources for gambling issues, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • Making changes isn't easy. When gambling gets out of control, change is often more challenging. It can be hard to get to that place where you're ready to pull back from gambling. When you do stop, there are so many other issues to address (finances, relationships, your health) that it can feel overwhelming. It's not unusual to find that gambling hooks you in again.

    In this episode, we offer guidance on how to get a good start with making whatever changes you want to tackle. We'll offer tips for staying on track and handling setbacks. You hear Shane tell his personal story about stopping gambling and getting his life in balance. Dr. Taslim Alani-Verjee, a Clinical Psychologist from Toronto, shares practical suggestions for being successful with change.

    Listen to episode 79 to hear:

    A personal story of taking action to stop gambling and get life back in balance Strategies for getting a good start when making changes for yourself How to avoid setbacks and get back on track when they happen

    To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. To hear an earlier conversation with Shane about preventing relapse, listen to episode 69 (Sept 22, 2023). To connect with Dr. Taslim Alani-Verjee, visit her website at drtaslim.com.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

    Thanks for listening!

  • As you get pulled into gambling, your thinking changes. Your mind finds ways of convincing you to keep gambling, even when there are signs to stop. To an outsider, ideas such as "a win is just around the corner" or "I have a system that's guaranteed to win" seem irrational. But when you're in it, it feels real and true.

    In this episode, I'm joined by John Woods. After struggling with gambling for over thirty years, he placed his last bet in January 2017 and went on to write a book called Gambling Addiction Explained: How to Stop Gambling and Regain Control of Your Life.

    Listen in and learn about:

    Five common mind traps of problem gambling How to recognize and resist gambling's mind traps Why seeking help and guidance can free your mind from problem gambling

    To find out more about problem gambling's mind traps, read the blog for this episode at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca. You can also download John's free report on Mind Traps at www.gamblingaddictionexplained.com. Purchase his book Gambling Addiction Explained on Amazon or through his website.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • Experiencing grief and loss is hard enough. But, when grief leads to gambling problems, it gets harder.

    Grief (like other big stressors) can create risk for gambling getting out of control. It can also set the stage for a relapse if you previously stopped gambling.

    In this episode of Fold em, we hear from Sam about her experiences with grief and problem gambling and what has helped her with both issues. Heidi Furrer, a counsellor with Gambling Support BC who facilitates a workshop on grief and gambling, offers ideas for getting on solid footing again.

    Listen to episode 77 and hear about:

    Why grief and loss can trigger gambling problems How to cope with both grief and problem gambling The benefits of continuing to stay connected to a loved one who has died

    To learn more, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. Inspiration for this episode came from Lorraine Hedtke's work on Re-membering Practices. Find out more at www.rememberingpractices.com.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    Connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • One of the most distressing effects of problem gambling is the way is breaks down trust in relationships. In this episode, we offer guidance on how to rebuild that trust- emotionally and financially.

    You hear from Regina, who brings much experience on this topic. Seven years into her marriage, Regina's husband revealed he had a gambling addiction. She shares how they rebuilt emotional and financial trust. Regina has also been an active member of Gam-Anon for 48 years and shares what she and others have learned and guidance that is offered in meetings and through their literature. Spouses, parents and family as well as those who have had a gambling problem will all find this episode helpful.

    Listen now to episode 76 and learn:

    How to rebuild emotional and financial trust in relationships impacted by gambling What to do if the person you care about isn't ready to stop gambling or get help How spouses and family can decrease their own guilt and anxiety as well as learn to trust themselves again

    If you would like to learn more about rebuilding trust, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. You can purchase Gam-Anon's literature at www.gam-anon.org or find an e-format on Amazon.

    Gam-Anon meetings are available in person and virtually throughout the world. Visit their meeting directory at www.gam-anon.org.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Our outreach and counselling services are available to anyone struggling with their own or a loved one's gambling.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • In this episode, you hear from someone whose career has focused on better understanding gambling problems. Dr. Marc Potenza is a psychiatrist and professor at Yale University and Director of the Centre of Excellence in Gambling Research.

    Since he's very familiar with the research on gambling addiction, I asked him questions that I commonly hear in the counselling room and from listeners.

    Listen in and hear about:

    Why is it that some people become compulsive gamblers and others don't? What's happening in the brain when gambling gets out of control? Are there medications that can help with cravings? Does treatment work?

    We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, so if you would like to read a summary, visit the blog at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • When you gamble, it affects your brain and body. It's common to experience an urge to gamble. This involves thinking a lot about gambling or winning, having a strong desire to gamble, and feeling restless, anxious, excited and/or irritable. Urges can also continue after you stop gambling and create risk for relapse.

    In this episode of Fold em, we return to the topic of urges. This time, with a focus on what brain science tells us about urges and how to handle them. I'm joined again by the team from Brain Connections - Dr. Iris Balodis from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University and Deirdre Querney, MSW, a counsellor specializing in gambling problems for the past twenty three years. Brain Connections is an online resource about gambling addiction and the brain.

    Listen to episode 74 and hear about:

    How to recognize triggers and urges What is going on in the brain with gambling urges What to THINK and DO when experiencing urges to gamble

    To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. You can also learn more about urges at www.brainconnections.ca.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • You may have heard this before ... gambling problems lead to isolation and the way forward is through connection. Maybe you're thinking, "That sounds nice, but connection is not on my agenda because I'm working all the time to pay off debt and the people in my life don't trust me." Well hang in with us, keep an open mind, and listen to this episode.

    Bryce reflects upon the past three years since his last bet. He shares about how attending a residential treatment program was an important turning point for him and how the friendships made there have been crucial to his recovery. You also hear him talk about making amends with his wife and family and the bumpy road of re-building trust. And, what has helped him to let go of the heavy guilt and regret due to gambling.

    Whether you are a gambler or have someone in your life with a gambling problem, you'll find inspiration in this conversation.

    Listen to hear about:

    What helped Bryce to stay away from gambling for more than three years How he has been reconnecting with his wife and family and rebuilding trust Tips for letting go of guilt and regret arising from problem gambling

    If you would like to read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. To hear an earlier conversation with Bryce when he was eleven months away from his last bet, listen to episode 19 of Fold em.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • There are lots of options for free slots, poker and sports betting online. Seems innocent enough at first glance. However, there can be unexpected risks and costs of "free" online play, particularly if you've previously struggled with keeping gambling in check.

    In this episode, hear from two people who continued to play free online gambling games after stopping gambling. They talk about their reasons for doing so, the challenges this created, and why they ultimately decided to stop.

    Listen now and hear about:

    Why free online gambling games can be risky to play, particularly if gambling has previously created problems for you. How to figure out where to draw a line in the sand for yourself with free gambling games. What to do if free gambling games are taking up too much of your money and time and/or creating tension with your support people.

    To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • When you've already taken those hard steps to pull back from gambling and face the fall out, you want to keep the momentum going, right? This is the final episode of four that provides guidance on how to stop gambling and stay on track long-term. In this one, we walk you through how to make a Recovery Plan for yourself. This plan outlines what is needed to keep gambling and other addictions out of your life and (most importantly) to keep growing the best version of yourself.

    Our Recovery Plan has four parts, which were introduced in the previous three episodes. In the blog for this episode, we describe these four parts and provide questions to help you build your personal plan and keep revising it over time. Find the blog at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca.

    Allison Rice, who works as a counsellor with Gambling Support BC and brings twenty years of experience with helping people overcome addiction, guides you through making a Recovery Plan. You also hear from Georgete, Shane and Abe who joined us in the previous three episodes.

    Listen now and learn:

    How to put together your personal Recovery Plan Why having a personal Recovery Plan will make staying away from gambling easier That there is a path out from gambling problems

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • There's an important step that often gets missed when stopping gambling. This involves asking someone who knows about gambling issues or addiction to help watch out for signs that you're at risk to gamble again. Why is this important? Because you may not be aware it's happening or will downplay it in your own mind.

    This is our third of four episodes that focus on how to stop gambling and have it stick long-term. Hear how Abe got really honest with a friend about what triggers him to gamble. They have been working together to come up with plans to protect him from relapse. You also get guidance from Allison Rice who works as a counsellor with Gambling Support BC and brings twenty years of experience with helping people overcome addiction.

    Listen now and learn about:

    Key ingredients for staying away from gambling for good The importance of having an accountability partner and how to arrange this for yourself Why having a personal recovery plan will make staying away from gambling easier

    To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options:

    Gamblers Anonymous

    Gam-Anon

    GamTalk (online chat forum)

    Recovery Road Online

    Gamblers in Recovery

    The Broke Girl Society

    If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

  • Want to make sure that you or a loved one doesn't get pulled back into a gambling problem? Then know what to watch out for. In this episode, learn about common and predictable ways that people get pulled into a relapse. And, how to identify signs that you are at risk to gamble again. Be prepared in order to protect yourself.

    We hear from Shane who started gambling again after one year away. This led to him struggling with gambling for the next twelve years. He is now eight months gambling free and shares what he now knows and is doing differently to make it stick long-term.

    We also hear from Allison Rice, who works as a counsellor with Gambling Support BC and brings twenty years of experience with helping people overcome addiction.

    Listen now to episode 69 and learn about:

    Common and predictable ways people get pulled back into gambling again after deciding to stop How to identify the particular signs that you are vulnerable to relapse How to notice all the tricky thoughts that keep you hooked into gambling, even after you stop

    To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.

    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

    To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

    Canada: click here

    United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

    United Kingdom: GamCare

    Australia: Gamblers' Help

    If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

    If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [email protected]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

    Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.