Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems

Fold em offers straight talk about dealing with the fall-out from gambling. Whether you are looking at stopping or scaling back your own gambling or helping a family member with a problem, this podcast will help you take back control. Hear from gamblers who have been through it. Tips from counsellors. There is a way out from the hold gambling has on your life. Learn more about how to address gambling problems and find resources and support at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca

80. Check it Out: GFFR and RRO 05/03/2024

80. Check it Out: GFFR and RRO 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 (GFFR) - an international notice board for people seeking recovery from a gambling problem. You also hear from Bruce with (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 . 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 or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada: click United States: United Kingdom: Australia: 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: (online chat forum) To connect with Fold em through or , 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. /episode/index/show/foldem/id/31091193

79. Is it Time to Make a Change? 04/05/2024

78. Watch Out for Problem Gambling's Mind Traps 03/08/2024

77. Good Grief: Don't Let Gambling Take You Out 02/09/2024

76. Learning to Trust Again 01/12/2024

76. Learning to Trust Again 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 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 . You can purchase Gam-Anon's literature at or find an e-format on Amazon. meetings are available in person and virtually throughout the world. Visit their at . 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 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 United States: United Kingdom: Australia: 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: (online chat forum) If you would like to connect with Fold em through or , 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. /episode/index/show/foldem/id/29445648

75. Answers to Common Questions About Problem Gambling 12/15/2023

74. Gambling Urges: What's Going on in the Brain 12/01/2023

73. Finding Freedom Through Connection 11/17/2023

73. Finding Freedom Through Connection 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 . To hear an earlier conversation with Bryce when he was eleven months away from his last bet, listen to 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 or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada: click United States: United Kingdom: Australia: 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: (online chat forum) If you would like to connect with Fold em through or , 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. /episode/index/show/foldem/id/28675003

72. "Free" Online Gambling Games 11/03/2023

71. What it Takes to Stop Gambling: Making Your Recovery Plan 10/20/2023

71. What it Takes to Stop Gambling: Making Your Recovery Plan 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 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 . , who works as a counsellor with 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 or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada: click United States: United Kingdom: Australia: 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: (online chat forum) If you would like to connect with Fold em through or , 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. /episode/index/show/foldem/id/28367639

70. What it Takes to Stop Gambling: Accountability Partners 10/06/2023

69. What it Takes to Stop Gambling: Predict and Prepare for Trip Ups 09/22/2023

68. What it Takes to Stop Gambling: Honesty and Willingness 09/08/2023

67. Let's Talk About Gambling In Our Communities 08/04/2023

67. Let's Talk About Gambling In Our Communities Most of us encounter gambling daily in our communities. There's scratch and lottery tickets at the gas station, sports pools at work, and bingo down the road. In addition, there's all the gambling we encounter in fundraising - the 50/50 draws at local sporting events as well as raffles and community bingo. Do you think of all of these as gambling? Do you ever have conversations with family, friends or the groups you're involved with about the risks of gambling or how to support people in your community who have been impacted negatively by gambling? In this episode, we hear from who works with and IS regularly out in the community talking about gambling. She's passionate about the issue. Her message is for all of us to give gambling the same attention as we do to alcohol, drugs and smoking. Tune in and hear about: How gambling is normalized in our day-to-day lives and communities (despite it causing harm for some of us) How to talk about gambling, including the risks and how to keep it in balance How organization and groups that use gambling to fundraise can be more attentive to community members who have been negatively impacted by gambling If you would like to read a summary of this episode, find the blog at . We're taking a holiday break in August 2023 and the next episode will be released in early September 2023. However, we are busy planning for the fall. If there is a question or topic that you would like us to address, please reach out through . You can also connect through or , find us at Foldem 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 or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada: click United States: United Kingdom: Australia: If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC. /episode/index/show/foldem/id/27649965

66. For Spouses: Feeling Grounded Again 07/21/2023

66. For Spouses: Feeling Grounded Again After finding out that your spouse has a gambling problem or has had a relapse, it's understandable that you feel like your life has been turned upside down. You likely are feeling shock, anger and hurt because of the secrecy that typically comes with gambling problems. Stress and anxiety are also high because your financial security and trust with your spouse is on shaky ground. In this episode, I'm joined by , a counsellor with who specializes in helping spouses, families and couples with gambling concerns. She tells us that discovering a spouse's gambling problem is a "betrayal trauma." She encourages spouses and family to get help for themselves - even if you think it's not your problem to fix. It helps to have space for you, to assist with making sense of it all and coping with the impacts. This episode is geared to spouses and family members impacted by gambling issues, but is also helpful for those who gamble. Listening will help you to better understand what your loved ones are going through. Listen now and learn about: Common reactions after learning a loved one has a gambling problem Why coping and moving on can feel so difficult How to feel grounded again - for your own benefit but also to move forward with addressing the gambling issue If you would like to read a summary of the conversation, go to the blog for this episode at 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 or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada: click United States: United Kingdom: Australia: 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 or , 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. /episode/index/show/foldem/id/27515544

65. Taking Charge of Tough Conversations About Gambling 07/07/2023

65. Taking Charge of Tough Conversations About Gambling When you have concerns about someone's gambling, it's not easy to talk about. It's often challenging to prevent these conversations from going off the rails. In this episode, we offer guidance for these tricky conversations. Spouses, family members and friends will hear strategies to use when first talking about gambling or if you suspect there has been a relapse. If you are someone who gambles, there is lots in this episode you'll find helpful too. I'm joined by who is four-years away from his last bet. From the perspective of someone who gambled, he shares ideas for parents and spouses on how to reach out and talk about gambling problems. You also hear from who is a counsellor specializing in working with couples when addiction shows up in a relationship. Listen in and hear about: How to talk to a loved one about their gambling, even when they don't think it is a problem OR want to do anything about it How to approach someone when you suspect they have relapsed How to encourage someone to get help, but not take over with managing the problem and "fixing" things How family members and spouses can cope when feeling overwhelmed and stressed by gambling problems To read a summary of the tips and strategies covered in this episode, read the blog at To reach out to Saul Malek, go to his website at . If you live in British Columbia and would like to connect with Neena Keram's services through Gambling Support BC, visit 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 or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada: click United States: United Kingdom: Australia: 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 or , 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. /episode/index/show/foldem/id/27393864

64. Will I Switch to Another Bad Habit or Addiction? 06/23/2023

63. Sports Betting: A Hidden Problem on Campuses 06/09/2023

62. Getting Your Time Back From Daily Fantasy Sports 05/26/2023

61. For Spouses and Family: Taking Back Your Power With Gambling Debt 05/12/2023

61. For Spouses and Family: Taking Back Your Power With Gambling Debt When spouses and family members learn about a loved one's gambling problem, money issues come into the open. Usually this involves debt and it feels overwhelming and emotional. Typically, people don't know what to do. There is often a reflex to step in and pay things off quickly. In this episode of Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems, we offer guidance for spouses, family members and the person who has gambled. I'm joined by , who has thirty years experience helping people overcome debt. She is the President of Listen in and hear about: First steps spouses and family can take after finding out about gambling debt How to move forward, whether you intend to stay in the relationship or separate How to get a clear picture of the financial situation, regain control of household finances and protect your financial security What to consider if you are thinking of using family finances to pay off gambling debt If you would like to read a summary of Margaret's key recommendations from this episode and learn more about addressing gambling debt, read the blog for this episode at If you would like to connect with , reach out to her at If you live in Canada and would like to access help with gambling debt: Find a credit counselling service near you in Canada. Click . Find a Licensed Insolvency Trustees near you in Canada. Click . Find free legal services near you in Canada. Click . If you live outside of Canada, search online for "credit counselling services," licensed solvency trustee," and "pro bono legal services" in your region. 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 or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada: click United States: United Kingdom: Australia: 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 or , 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. /episode/index/show/foldem/id/26814420

60. Coming Out of the Shadows: Connections Between Gambling, Mental Health and Substance Addiction 04/28/2023

59. Stop Yourself From Sliding Into a Relapse With Problem Gambling 03/31/2023

58. Delusions of Control: John Woods Talks About Gambling Addiction 03/17/2023

57. Our Relationship and Finances Survived a Gambling Problem 03/03/2023

57. Our Relationship and Finances Survived a Gambling Problem Gambling problems put a huge strain on relationships and finances. It's hard to know what to do and where to turn for help. Listen to this episode to hear from someone who gets it and got through it. Jane talks openly about how her marriage and family were impacted by her husband's gambling, what she learned from relapses, and what helped to stabilize their finances and rebuild the relationship after he stopped gambling. Jane brings much wisdom to this conversation - not only from her personal experience, but also from seventeen years of active involvement with . Tune in and hear: What didn't work in their early attempts to address the gambling problem What helped to stop the gambling and bring more stability to their family Ideas for handling money issues when a loved one has a gambling problem Suggestions and encouragement for spouses, family and friends impacted by someone's gambling What is Gam-Anon and how to get connected to meetings For more information about how to address gambling concerns and their financial impact, go to the blog for this episode at . If you would like to connect with Gam-Anon, wherever you are in the world, here's how: Website: Email: Phone: (US#) 718-352-1671 Reach out and learn about the Gam-Anon and find out about in-person, virtual and phone meetings in the US, Canada and internationally. You can see the literature Gam-Anon has available for purchase. For those of you living in British Columbia, here's how to connect with Gam-Anon and find out about meetings: Website: Email: Phone: 1-855-222-5542 (24/7 Gamblers Anonymous hotline with a live person answering each call. Callers who have been impacted by someone else's gambling have the option of being referred to a Gam-Anon member). To connect with free outreach and counselling services in British Columbia: If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada: click United States: United Kingdom: Australia: 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 or , find us at Foldem Podcast. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC. /episode/index/show/foldem/id/26107956

56. How to Recognize and Feel More in Control of Gambling Urges and Cravings 02/17/2023

55. Surfing Gambling Urges and Cravings 02/03/2023

54. Is it Time to Retire From Sports Betting? 01/20/2023

53. Podcasts for Gambling Problems: Meet the Hosts 01/03/2023

52. Betting During the Holiday Season 12/16/2022

51. Getting Your Spark Back as Your Face Gambling Problems 12/02/2022

Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems

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