Contacts & Resources
When Helping Yourself isn't Enough
Sometimes people need more than the information given to them. Guidance, clarification, and motivation are common reasons for seeking extra help. A visitor or even a telephone call to a counsellor who is trained to help problem gamblers may make all the difference.
If you are experiencing thoughts of self harm or suicide it is important to seek immediate help.
In Australia contact either Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Help Line (if you are under 18 years old) on 1800 55 1800. Both of these services can help you or, if necessary, refer you on to appropriate mental health support networks. Other crisis line numbers will be found in the front section of public telephone books.
Healthinsite, an Australian government initiative is a useful resource providing information and other links about suicide prevention.
http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Suicide_Prevention
Other possible problems may hamper change, see if any of these apply to you:
Alcohol and/or drug dependence.
Thinking disorders.
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
Mood disorders. (eg. depression)
Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress and social phobia.
Antisocial personality disorder.
If you are aware of such a personal problem, be sure to inform a health professional, gambling counsellor, or any other person who is directly involved with your recovery. This will allow them to take the problem into consideration and to formulate a more appropriate, helpful strategy.
Northern Rivers Gambling Service (NRGS)
A free and confidential service for people and families with gambling problems. The service offers individual counselling for gamblers and those affected by problem gambling. It also offers:
Relationship counselling for gamblers and families.
Referral information to appropriate other services
An outreach service to Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads and Casino.
Location: Bangalow Road, Binna Burra, via Bangalow. NSW. Australia. 2479
Postal Address: PO. Box 42, Bangalow. NSW. 2479
Ph: (02) 6687-2520 - appointments and all enquiries
Fax: (02) 6687-2518
Email: info@nrgs.org.au
The Northern Rivers Gambling Service is a free service to the community provided by the Buttery and funded by the NSW Casino Community Benefit Fund.
G-Line
For confidential gambling help. A 24 hour telephone service.
Ph. 1800-633-635 or 1800-622-112.
Gamblers Anonymous, Sydney Office NSW
They will divert you to a local branch in your area.
Ph. (02) 9564-1574 Mon-Wed (10 - 12 am)
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.au/index.htm
Your First Step to Change - Free Interactive Self Help Program
Your First Step To Change was developed as a public service project by the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders at Harvard University.
This is an excellent resource that can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat Reader format or can be used interactively on this link: Your First Step to Change.
More Australian and International Web Based Resources
New Zealand Self Help Resources
http://www.gamblingproblem.co.nz/resources/index.htm
Managing Your Gambling: Amity Community Services
http://www.data.amity.org.au/
12 Steps of Recovery: Gamblers Anonymous
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.au/recovery.htm
