The staff of Problem Gambling Services is proud to work within an agency that is family and friend centered. Many family members who access our counselling services report feelings of hopelessness and helplessness as factors that may destroy their family units. While financial stress is often presented as the predominant problem it is also notable that communication, intimacy and the general quality of a family’s existence is greatly affected when living with a problem gambler. Unfortunately many loved ones come to our office thinking that somehow they are to blame for the gambling problem, i.e. “if only I were a better wife..., if only I were better in school..., if only I made more money.”
The above notion is very common. Educating loved ones is an essential first step when family members seek help. Problem Gambling Services provides individual as well as group counselling. Our structured outpatient services include a 2-day Family and Friend Workshop to assist in promoting education, self-care and a balanced approach to life. “You didn’t cause it; you can’t control it; and you can’t cure it”. “It” of course being a gambling addiction. The 2-day workshop promotes a reality-based spectrum of coping mechanisms. All people are encouraged to learn about the disorder while becoming aware of the toll gambling has taken on their physical, social, emotional and spiritual selves. It is important to know that communication breakdown, depression, headaches, digestive problems and erratic sleep are but a few of the reported consequences of living with and/or caring about a problem gambler. Our counselling services are geared to assess all areas of a person’s life through education and the development of healthy coping strategies. Gambling addiction is not only a family problem but is surely a public health concern. We at Problem Gambling Services strive to not only assist those directly affected by gambling addiction but to offer community based services. The services include public education or services and the promotion of research in the field of compulsive gambling. Problem Gambling Services offers assistance which is free and confidential. Suffering in silence is not the answer. Talk to us...... |
 On May 27, 2002, Windsor City Council adopted a resolution that will see Problem Gambling Services participate in the development of an awareness program amongst employees, organizations and patrons on the issue of problem gambling in the bingo industry. Congratulations to all the charities, hall owners and the City of Windsor.  Internet gambling which is mostly unregulated and located off shore has seen rapid growth in recent years. Gambling web sites have more than doubled from 300 in 1998 to 650 in 2000, while revenue has jumped from 769 million in 1999 to 5.5 billion expected next year. |
