Recovery Month Posted On

September is Recovery Month! Every September we celebrate the strides made by those in recovery from substance use, mental health and gambling. Recovery Month works to promote and support new treatment and recovery practices. In addition, it is the time to celebrate the strong and proud recovery community and the dedication or service providers and community members who make recovery possible.

Multiple Pathways  

One way we support recovery is through multiple pathways. Recovery is not a singular path. Each individual is unique and has their own specific goals, needs, strengths, culture and background. For that reason recovery looks different for everyone.  

There are many different paths that you can take on your journey to recovery.  

One on One Counseling

For some, one on one counseling with a licensed clinical therapist is the best choice. In counseling you get to explore your goals and have individualized care and support as you work towards them. In particular, for gambling NYS has a network of licensed clinicians who are trained specifically in problem gambling treatment. Visit NYProblemGamblingHELP.org to find the resource center near you.  

GA/GAM-ANON 

Gamblers anonymous and Gam-Anon are both 12-step programs. Gamblers Anonymous (will link website) is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. Similarly, Gam-Anon is a 12 Step self-help fellowship of people who have been affected by the gambling problem of another. 

SMART RECOVERY  

SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. SMART Recovery offers mutual support meetings, both online and in-person. In these meetings participants design and implement their own recovery plan to create a more balanced, purposeful, fulfilling, and meaningful life. SMART provides specialized meetings and resources for a variety of communities, including Family & Friends, veterans, and more. 

PEER SUPPORT – PEER LED Trainings  

A Peer is someone who has lived experience who can guide you in your path to recovery. Peer supporters often offer emotional support, share knowledge, teach skills, provide practical assistance, and connect people with resources, opportunities, communities of support.  At the Problem Gambling Resource Centers, they offer a Peer-Led Training Group: Navigating The Challenge-Problem Gambling-Come Learn With Us. This training happens once per month on the third Tuesday of each month from 7:30-8:30 pm. If you want to learn more, you can sign up HERE.  

Podcasts  

Podcasts are a great tool for recovery as they are the voices behind recovery. We have connected with a number of podcasters who all share their experiences. We recommend checking out the following podcasts as an additional tool:  

All In: The Addicted Gamblers Podcast  

The Broke Girl Society  

Fall In: The Problem Gambling Podcast for Military Service Members and Veterans  

Bet Free Life  

Recovery Community & Outreach Centers  

Recovery Community & Outreach Centers (RCOCs) exist to provide information, non-clinical support, and education to individuals in Recovery, their families, friends and other allies. They’re committed to supporting efforts to prevent relapse and, if relapse occurs, supporting a quick return to recovery. 

There are multiple pathways to recovery and RCOC’s can help you connect you with whatever pathway works for you. This can include, spirituality, art, music, and nature. Your recovery is your own journey.

Help Available  

Whatever your pathway, know that there are supports to help you on your road to recovery, whatever your goals are. If you want to learn more about what resources are available, visit NYProblemGamblingHELP.org to get connected to your local Problem Gambling Resource Center