Support groups: how to find and join

Introduction

Support groups are one of the most effective recovery components for problem gambling. Communicating with people who have gone through or are going through the same thing as you gives a sense of belonging, specific advice and motivation. In Australia, both face-to-face meetings of Gamblers Anonymous and state Peer-support programs at Gambler's Help are available, as well as online communities. Below is a clear plan for their search and connection.

1. Gamblers Anonymous (GA): 12 Step Band Classics

1. What are these:

• - Anonymous, free 12-step meetings focused on mutual support and personal experience of participants.
2. Format:
• - Once a week, usually 60-90 minutes, without registration. Everyone can speak out, but participation in the discussion is voluntary.
3. How to find:
• 1. Go to the gaaustralia website. org. au → «Find a Meeting».
• 2. Enter your state or ZIP code to get nearby group addresses and schedules.
• 3. Come to any meeting in a format convenient for you (male, female, mixed).
4. Participation tips:
• - Come 10-15 minutes early to meet the coordinator.
• - Take paper and pen - write down insights and supporting phrases that will help in a difficult moment.
• - Don't be afraid to say "it's hard for me" - this experience is appreciated in the group.

2. Peer-support via Gambler's Help (regional services)

1. Descriptive
- Full-time funded programs (VRGF at VIC, OLGR at QLD, etc.) where former mentor players help newcomers develop control skills.
2. Formats:
• - Small groups (4-8 people) under the guidance of a qualified social worker.
• - Telemedicine sessions for remote and rural areas.
3. Search and record:
• 1. Call the 1800 858 858 hotline and ask for Peer-support.
• 2. Through your state's Gambler's Help site, select Peer Support → complete a short questionnaire.
• 3. You will be invited to an introductory meeting, after which they will offer a schedule of regular groups.
4. What to expect:
• - The mentor will share his way to get himself out of addiction.
• - Programs usually last 6-8 weeks with weekly meetings of 1-1.5 hours.

3. Online communities and chats

1. Gambling Help Online Chat:
• - Anonymous chat 24/7 on gamblinghelponline. org. au.
• - Support from volunteers and consultants - a quick "switch" in moments of crisis.
2. Reddit – r/responsiblegambling и r/stopgaming:
• - English-speaking but with active Australian members.
• - Threads "I'm X days clean," tips on techniques for keeping from the game, resource collections.
3. Facebook Groups (Closed):
• - "Responsible Gambling Australia," "Gambling Recovery Support" - require administrator approval.
• - Allow you to publish short reports and get advice throughout the day.

4. How to prepare for the first meeting

1. Mood and expectations:
• - You go not for advice "how to win," but for control strategies and motivation.
2. What to take with you:
• - Mini Diary: A couple of lines about the latest gaming sessions and triggers.
• - Emergency contact (if it is hard after the meeting).
3. Group behavior:
• - Listen without interrupting, share at will.
• - Observe the anonymity of other members - do not disclose their names outside the group.

5. Fixing the result

1. Regularity:
• - Try not to miss more than 1-2 meetings in a row, otherwise the effect of support is lost.
2. Reporting:
• - After each session, write down: a key idea, a new technique, your well-being.
3. Beginner support:
• - When you feel stable, become "buddy" for new participants - this will strengthen your own recovery resource.

Conclusion

Self-help groups are not just a collection of people, but a working support system: experienced mentors, professional presenters and like-minded people. GA face-to-face meetings, Gambler's Help regional peer-support programs and online communities cover all formats and time opportunities. Choose the one that suits your schedule and format, and take the first step - after a few meetings you will feel supported and motivated to sustainably stop gambling.