Taking Steps for Self-Care: A Problem Gambling Resource for Affected Others

Gambling problems affect more than just the individual who gambles. You might be affected by gambling done by your child, your parent, your partner, or your friend. If someone’s gambling is affecting you, resources can help. By reading this guide, you’ve already taken an important step to help yourself.

Read the guide

The Taking Steps for Self-Care: A Resource for Affected Others (Problem Gambling) guide will help you understand at least three things:

1. The ways that gambling problems impact people who gamble and others.
2. How you might be impacted by another’s gambling problems.
3. Steps you can take to protect your health and well-being from another’s gambling problems.

If someone’s gambling is affecting you, this guide is for you.

Download the guide (PDF) 

Resources

Critical support

Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline: If you or a loved one is seeking help with problem gambling, call or text: “GAMB” to 1-800-327-5050 or visit MAProblemGamblingHelpline.org to speak with a trained Specialist. Specialists are available 24/7 and services are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.

Other helplines

• Domestic Violence: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
• Parental Stress: 800-632-8188
• Substance Use (Massachusetts): 800-327-5050

Need credit counseling for debt management? Read about choosing a credit counselor (PDF).

Self-help support

• Your First Step to Change: Download Your First Step to Change workbook
• MassMen: Learn about the MassMen initiative

Mutual support

• Bettors Anonymous: Learn about Bettors Anonymous
• Debtors Anonymous: Learn about Debtors Anonymous
• Gam-Anon: Learn about Gam-Anon
• Gamblers Anonymous: Learn about Gamblers Anonymous
• SMART Recovery: Learn about SMART Recovery
• Dual Recovery: Learn about Dual Recovery

Informational support

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling Services: Learn about the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling Services
• Massachusetts Office of Economic Empowerment: Learn about the Massachusetts Office of Economic Empowerment
• The Brief Addiction Science Information Source: Learn about The Brief Addiction Science Information Source

Informational lived experience podcasts

• The After Gambling Podcast: Listen to The After Gambling Podcast
• FALL IN: The Problem Gambling Podcast for Military Service Members and Veterans: Listen to FALL IN: The Problem Gambling Podcast for Military Service Members and Veterans
• ALL IN: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast: Listen to the Addicted Gambler’s Podcast