Useful books and podcasts on the topic
1. Recommended books
1. 1 "Easy Way to Quit Playing" - Allen Carr
What's inside: a method of "reprogramming" beliefs, parsing myths about "shaking" and "winning" as a source of happiness.
How to use: read one chapter a day, note key points in your diary and develop alternative beliefs.
1. 2 "Coping With Gambling" - John Turner
What's inside: A hands-on guide based on cognitive behavioral therapy: exercises to recognize automatic thoughts and a plan to "stop the rush."
How to use: Perform each exercise immediately after reading and enter the results into the failure tracker.
1. 3 "The Psychology of Addiction" - Glen Wilson
What's inside: An in-depth analysis of the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms of addiction, including gambling.
How to use: Focus on the parts about the "reward system" and implement the self-regulation techniques described (breathing, mindfulnes).
1. 4 "12 steps of anonymous players" (translation of the GA program)
What's inside: A twelve-step structure for working consistently on addiction in mutual aid groups.
How to use: in parallel with visiting GA, work out each step in your personal diary, recording insights and plans.
1. 5 "Overcoming Your Gambling" - Kevin Brazelton
What's inside: British CBT practice for game addiction, short practice drills and former players' cases.
How to use: Tailor recommended homework to your situation and track performance through a tracker.
2. Useful podcasts
2. 1 «The Addicted Mind» (Duane Osterlind)
Format: 30-45 min, interviews with professionals and recovery stories.
Episode to start: "Gambling Addiction: Breaking the Cycle" - analysis of triggers and relapse prevention techniques.
2. 2 «Gambling Therapy Podcast»
Format: weekly issues of 20 minutes, advice from online therapy consultants.
Episode to start: "Managing Urges" - specific techniques of conscious breathing and quick reboot.
2. 3 «Recovery Elevator»
Format: Talk of recovering from any addictions, including excitement.
Episode to start: "From Casino to Clarity" is a real story with recommendations for finding support in family and friends.
2. 4 «SMART Recovery Podcast»
Format: 15-30 min, practical classes on the SMART model (Self-Management and Recovery Training).
Start episode: "Building a Coping Toolbox" - instructions for creating a set of coping techniques.
2. 5 «Gamblers’ Guide to Recovery» (англ.)
Format: 20-25 min, focus on financial strategies and restoring credit history.
Episode to start: "Rebuilding Trust" - tips for honest accounting and transparent communication with loved ones.
3. How to Integrate Reading and Listening
1. Plan for the week:
1. 1 "Easy Way to Quit Playing" - Allen Carr
What's inside: a method of "reprogramming" beliefs, parsing myths about "shaking" and "winning" as a source of happiness.
How to use: read one chapter a day, note key points in your diary and develop alternative beliefs.
1. 2 "Coping With Gambling" - John Turner
What's inside: A hands-on guide based on cognitive behavioral therapy: exercises to recognize automatic thoughts and a plan to "stop the rush."
How to use: Perform each exercise immediately after reading and enter the results into the failure tracker.
1. 3 "The Psychology of Addiction" - Glen Wilson
What's inside: An in-depth analysis of the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms of addiction, including gambling.
How to use: Focus on the parts about the "reward system" and implement the self-regulation techniques described (breathing, mindfulnes).
1. 4 "12 steps of anonymous players" (translation of the GA program)
What's inside: A twelve-step structure for working consistently on addiction in mutual aid groups.
How to use: in parallel with visiting GA, work out each step in your personal diary, recording insights and plans.
1. 5 "Overcoming Your Gambling" - Kevin Brazelton
What's inside: British CBT practice for game addiction, short practice drills and former players' cases.
How to use: Tailor recommended homework to your situation and track performance through a tracker.
2. Useful podcasts
2. 1 «The Addicted Mind» (Duane Osterlind)
Format: 30-45 min, interviews with professionals and recovery stories.
Episode to start: "Gambling Addiction: Breaking the Cycle" - analysis of triggers and relapse prevention techniques.
2. 2 «Gambling Therapy Podcast»
Format: weekly issues of 20 minutes, advice from online therapy consultants.
Episode to start: "Managing Urges" - specific techniques of conscious breathing and quick reboot.
2. 3 «Recovery Elevator»
Format: Talk of recovering from any addictions, including excitement.
Episode to start: "From Casino to Clarity" is a real story with recommendations for finding support in family and friends.
2. 4 «SMART Recovery Podcast»
Format: 15-30 min, practical classes on the SMART model (Self-Management and Recovery Training).
Start episode: "Building a Coping Toolbox" - instructions for creating a set of coping techniques.
2. 5 «Gamblers’ Guide to Recovery» (англ.)
Format: 20-25 min, focus on financial strategies and restoring credit history.
Episode to start: "Rebuilding Trust" - tips for honest accounting and transparent communication with loved ones.
3. How to Integrate Reading and Listening
1. Plan for the week:
- Set aside 2 evenings for reading a book (20-30 pages each) and a morning route or commute for a podcast (20-30 minutes). 2. Active listening:
- Make notes by voice or manually about key ideas and formulate a specific task the next day. 3. Homework from sources:
- Perform exercises from books and podcasts immediately after mastering them; record the results in the fault tracker. 4. Group discussion:
- Share your impressions of what you read/listened to at GA meetings or in a mutual assistance chat - this enhances motivation and consolidates knowledge.
A comprehensive study of high-quality materials will help not only understand the nature of addiction and get an arsenal of techniques, but also inspire real examples, create a clear plan of action and speed up your exit from the game circle.
