**Building A Life We Don't Want To Escape From**

In this episode of The Broke Girl Society Podcast, guest host Terra from the Ambitious Addicts Podcast talks with Annelise, a woman in recovery from gambling harm. Annelise shares how gambling escalated quickly during a period of intense financial stress and major life changes, and how an early win on a gambling app reinforced the belief that she could win again and fix everything. When fear and consequences grew, she took steps to interrupt the cycle, including using bet blocking tools, seeking support, and attending Gamblers Anonymous.

The conversation focuses on Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapy model Annelise uses both professionally and in her own recovery. She explains IFS as a way of understanding that we all have different internal parts, including protective parts and parts that hold pain. Annelise describes how addiction can function as a protective response when the system feels overwhelmed, and how healing begins when we approach these parts with curiosity and compassion rather than shame. She also emphasizes the importance of working with a therapist who is trained in IFS and trauma-informed care.

Warning and Disclaimer: DisclaimerThis episode discusses gambling harm, addiction, shame, and trauma. The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. Internal Family Systems is a clinical therapy model. If you are struggling, please consider seeking support from a qualified licensed professional. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

**If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self harm, please seek the help of professionals. We only speak from our own perspective and experience. This recording should not be used as a replacement for professional help but as encouragement in your recovery journey.  

~ This episode is sponsored by The Better Institute - Where people go to get better!

 https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/'

~ Gamfin -  Financial Counseling with counselors who understand the impacts of gambling on financial health and individual goals. (For those in the US only). 

https://www.gamfin.org/ 

~ Evive - An app that can help you better understand your relationship with gambling and help you navigate recovery in a new way! Use code BGS for ONE year free!! 

https://www.getevive.com/

~ Birches Health - Find a Gambling Certified Therapist through telehealth that allows you to have a session in the comfort of your own home. 

https://bircheshealth.com/brokegirlsociety

Resource Book: https://bgs-media.com/resources/

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If you’d like to support the work I do please rate this episode (Please be Kind!)

#gamblingaddiction

#recovery

#gamblersanonymous

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Helpful links:

https://www.ncpgambling.org/ You can find State and International Resources Here

https://800gambler.org/

https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

https://gamblersinrecovery.com/ - 24/7 meetings all over the world

https://recoveryroadonline.com/ - meetings throughout the day

Christina Cook: https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/ / [email protected]

UK Help:

https://gordonmoody.org.uk/

https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/services/new-beginnings

Australia Help:

https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

Canada Help:

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling