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.