National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or addictive disorders, like gambling addiction, to live a healthy and rewarding life. Just as we celebrate health improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, Recovery Month is the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover!
What is recovery?
Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Being in recovery is when those positive changes and values become part of a lifestyle. Not just the achievement of abstinence, handling negative feelings without resorting to negative coping measures as well as living a contributive life are important parts of the recovery process.
Recovery is for everyone because it benefits everyone.
Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.
How does someone find recovery?
Recovery is a process, not an event! The first step in the recovery process is recognizing and quitting the action, behavior, or substance that is causing problems in your life. This is just the beginning, however, because recovery is the process of change over time. Self-determination and self-direction are foundations for recovery as people define their own life goals and design their unique path toward these goals. Recovery pathways are highly personalized and may include professional clinical treatment; 12 step programs; use of medications; support from families and in schools; faith-based approaches; peer support; and other approaches. Recovery is characterized by continual growth and improved functioning and may involve setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural part of the recovery process, it is essential to maintain a peer network of likeminded people to help foster resilience for all individuals and families going through the recovery process.
Each person’s recovery is their own!
What if I’m worried about my Gambling or someone else’s?
Informing yourself about problem gambling as well as being aware of the resources available for help is a good place to start. Ask yourself.
- Do I know what problem gambling is? Understanding Problem Gambling
- Am I familiar with the warning signs of a gambling problem? Know the Signs
- Have I heard anyone else’s problem gambling experience? The Hidden Addiction
Problem gambling can become an addiction just like drugs or alcohol and can lead to many impacts and consequences ranging from financial to emotional impacts to substance use and an increased risk of suicide.
But…. Help is available and, if needed, Treatment works!
There are many professional treatment and recovery support options available for anyone suffering with a gambling problem or suffering due to someone else’s. In Nevada, we maintain an online resource locator database with a list of up-to-date Certified Problem Gambling Counselors as well as Gamblers Anonymous meeting times and locations.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline, operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. The National helpline consists of 28 contact centers that provide resources and referrals for all 50 states and US territories.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network includes text and chat services. These features enable those who are gambling online or on their mobile phone to access help the same way they play. One call, text, or chat will get you to problem gambling help anywhere in the U.S. 24/7/365.
Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.
Nevada Council on Problem Gambling is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization and an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling. The Council does not take a position for or against legal gambling.
