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Gambling problems can create a lot of stress in families.  Children and young people may not know that a parent or caregiver is struggling with gambling, but they feel the impact. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Toula Kourgiantakis about: how parental gambling problems affect families and children signs that a young person is impacted by a parent's gambling problem how to support young people and families in this situation how to include children and families in the recovery process Find out more about supporting children of a parent who has a gambling problem in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

In this episode, hear my conversation with a former sports better about: how sports betting took over his life what happened when family got involved how he solved a debt problem what helped him to get to 10-months without a bet his suggestions for others who have had sports betting take over their life Learn more about why it's hard to step back from sports betting and strategies that can help.  As well as tips for family and friends that want to support someone consumed by online sports betting.  Read the blog for this episode at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

Gambling problems can return, and addiction may show up again in different ways.  To keep your momentum going, take steps to prevent a relapse and rebuild your life and relationships. Allison Rice, a counsellor specializing in gambling problems, offers guidance learned from 20-years of working with people to overcome addiction Learn more about preventing relapse and rebuilding your life in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

As you begin to face gambling problems, it's hard to know if you're on track.  To keep things moving in a positive direction, it's helpful to get guidance from people who have been through it.  Allison Rice, a counsellor specializing in addiction, shares her learnings about what works in the beginning.  This episode offers guidance for those struggling with gambling as well as their family, spouses and friends. Find out more about first steps in overcoming gambling problems in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Permission giving thoughts come up to justify, rationalize and allow gambling to happen - even when part of you isn't so sure about it. In this episode, learn how to notice your permission giving thoughts so you can slow things down and have more control of gambling choices. A former gambler gives examples of her permission giving thoughts.  Jackie Jankovic, a counsellor specializing in gambling problems, shares tips to help you notice and manage these thoughts. Find out more about permission giving thoughts in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca The Centre for Gambling Research at the University of British Columbia is launching research on permission giving thoughts.  To find out more, contact Raymond Wu at rwu@psych.ubc.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

There has been a dramatic increase in advertising for sports betting as well opportunities to place a bet.  However, the public conversation has been pretty silent about gambling problems associated with sports betting. John Simmons shares his personal story about an addiction with poker and sports betting.  He's a former casino worker and talks openly about the challenges of dealing with a gambling problem when everyone around you is gambling.  John describes what helped him to stop. John is working on a film called Betting Your Life that takes a critical look at the legalization of sports betting in the United States and the growing industry around this.  Learn more about what to do if sports betting is getting out of hand for you or someone you care about in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Listen in for information and first hand experience with managing adult ADHD.  We explain why adults with ADHD are at increased risk for gambling problems.  Hear about strategies specifically for adults with ADHD - how to keep gambling in check and how to prevent a relapse if you struggle with compulsive gambling. I'm joined by Darryl Anderson, a counsellor who works in mental health settings and helps people with gambling problems.  He also lives with ADHD himself. For more information on adult ADHD: - Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance - Centre for ADHD Awareness - Additude - International Consensus on ADHD - read Gina Pera, Gabor Mate, Russell Barcley Learn more about ADHD and gambling problems in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.    

If you gamble and have ADHD there is a greater risk that gambling will become a severe problem. In this episode, learn about the symptoms of ADHD and challenges of living with it as an adult. Darryl Anderson, a Clinical Counsellor specializing in mental health and gambling concerns, explains why ADHD increases the risk for gambling problems.  He also shares about his process of recognizing ADHD in himself and having it diagnosed in adulthood. For more information on ADHD: - take the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale - visit the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance - OR the Centre for ADHD Awareness - check out How to ADHD on YouTube Learn more about ADHD and gambling addiction in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

After gambling gets out of hand, both the gambler and their family want to know ... How do we make sure this doesn't happen again? How do we rebuild trust between us?  Not all relationships survive gambling addiction.  But, if you're committed to working together, this episode offers guidance and inspiration. Hear Sam's story of opening up to her husband early in their relationship about a gambling problem.  She shares how they tackled this together, kept communication open and adjusted strategies when there were relapses.  Kuldip Gill, a counsellor with expertise in helping couples and families overcome gambling problems shares tips for doing recovery together. Learn more tips for rebuilding trust in your relationships and working with a spouse or family to prevent relapse in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online through Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

As part of her recovery, Christina reached out to find others who had been pulled into compulsive gambling.  She wanted to create more opportunities for those dealing with gambling problems - particularly women - to connect and know they are not alone.  What emerged is that Christina founded The Broke Girl Society as a thriving group on Facebook and a popular podcast. Listen to my conversation with Christina to hear her reflections on the first nine months of her recovery.  Learn how she moved through cravings and a tidal wave of emotions in the first ninety days.  Hear how she has worked on keeping life in balance and recovery in the forefront.  Together, we share ideas about how to fill the gap left when gambling stops and to keep moving towards greater peace in your life.  Learn more tips for pulling back from compulsive gambling in our blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. To connect with Christina and The Broke Girl Society: Facebook Instagram and Twitter:  @thebrokegirlsociety Email: brokegirl.cr@gmail.com To listen and follow The Broke Girl Society podcast: Apple Spotify YouTube To watch the Bet Free Life With Brian & Christina: YouTube If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online through Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.   Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.         

It often takes a number of tries to break free from a gambling problem.  Like peeling back the layers of an onion, each time gambling gets out of control, it tells you that something more or different is needed for you to better manage this issue.  Often what is needed is a willingness to look a little deeper within yourself and open up. Hear a powerful and inspiring conversation with an Indigenous man who found his way through the impact of abuse, colonization and the dark days of drinking, drugs and gambling addiction.  He shares how finding his voice, trusting his gut and opening up helped him to get to a place where he is standing tall and proud.  Listen now and get some hope and guidance for your recovery path. Learn more about opening up as part of your gambling addiction recovery and find resources specifically for Indigenous people in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca We would love to hear your story of opening up and finding your voice as you have moved away from gambling problems.  Comment below the post for this episode on Facebook.  Or get a dialogue going and share this episode with others. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online through Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.  We have Indigneous counsellors and outreach providers to help with concerns about your own or a loved one's gambling. Other resources for Indigneous people looking for counselling and recovery support in Canada: The Residential School Crisis Line is 1-800-721-0066.  For residents of BC, the KUU-US crisis line is 1-800-588-8717.  Counselling is available through the First Nations Health Authority and addictions services can be accessed through most Friendship Centres and Band Offices in Canada.  Another option is Wellbriety.  Find an in person Wellbriety Circle near you or join a Wellbriety Online Meeting. Thanks for listening to Fold em.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Dealing with a gambling problem involves difficult decisions about who and when to tell and how much to share.   Hear one woman's experiences with family finding out about her gambling and the dilemma that emerged about whether to tell extended family.  She shares lessons learned from opening up to friends and surprising outcomes from being honest with new acquaintances.  Listen now for helpful guidance to help you sort out who to tell and how to do this so it goes well. Learn more about how to talk about gambling concerns with a spouse or family in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. We would love to hear what YOU have learned from talking about gambling issues.  Comment below the post for this episode on Facebook.  Or, get a dialogue going and share this episode with others. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online through Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Thanks for listening to Fold em- the podcast where you hear guidance from people who have learned from experience with gambling issues.  Subscribe or follow on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

Online gambling can be tricky to control.  Our devices are nearby.  Deposits happen so quickly.   Hear first-hand experience and a long list of helpful strategies from someone who gambled online for ten years and has now shut it down.  Learn about options for blocking gambling websites and apps.  Benjamin Wong, who has helped many people chose and install blocking software, provides guidance on these tools. Learn more about overcoming online gambling problems in the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  Find out what gambling blocker apps are available and other strategies to slow down online betting. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online through Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Thanks for listening to Fold em -  the podcast where you hear real stories and expert guidance on managing gambling problems.  Subscribe or follow on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

Even after gambling gets out of hand, it's common to want to keep it going.  Or, to keep a door open to gambling in the future.  Some typical thoughts are, "I learned my lesson, now I'll control it," "It's not such a big deal," OR "I can't just turn my back on all the money that was lost."   Listen to this episode and hear an honest conversation with a gambler who continued gambling while in a debt repayment program.  Hear about his experiences with trying to control gambling and how he sorted through the question about whether to stop. If gambling has gotten out of control for you or a loved one, read the blog for this podcast at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  We share important tips, especially if you are thinking about returning to gambling. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online through Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Thanks for listening to Fold em - the podcast where you hear real stories and expert guidance on managing gambling problems.  Subscribe or follow on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

When gambling has gotten out of hand, it can leave you heavy with regret, anger and guilt.  Both gamblers and their family members feel this way.  It's common to wonder if you'll ever shake these feelings. Hear my conversation with two former gamblers about what helped them to reach a place where they can look at themselves in the mirror again.  Learn steps you can take to start moving in that direction. To find out more about overcoming regret, anger and guilt from gambling problems, visit the blog for this podcast at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online through Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Thanks for listening to Fold em - the podcast where you hear real stories and expert guidance on managing gambling problems.  Subscribe or follow on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC. For more information on gambling concerns and to find resources and support, visit our website at gamblingproblemhelp.ca or reach out through Facebook at Foldempodcast.

Online chat rooms are a great way to get support and information for gambling problems.  You can stay anonymous, share at your own pace, connect 24/7 and get inspired by people around the world who are also tackling this issue. Listen to my conversation with Ken who has participated with online chat communities for much of his 19-years of recovery.  He says that chat continues to provide him with hope and strength.  You will also hear from Michelle Shewell who, like Ken, moderates a chat for GamTalk.  You'll be convinced to give it a try! To find out more about chat rooms for gambling problems, visit the blog for this podcast at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online through Gambling Support BC or call the Gambling Support Line at 1-888-795-6111. Thanks for listening to Fold em - the podcast where you hear real stories and expert guidance on managing gambling problems.  Subscribe or follow on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC. For more information on gambling concerns and to find resources and support, visit our website at gamblingproblemhelp.ca or reach out through Facebook at Foldempodcast. 

Many people are reluctant to attend a gambling support group.  However, there is something about connecting with people who are addressing the same issues that not only brings so much relief, but more importantly, is really helpful.   Hear from a poker player about why he decided to try groups and then has kept going for the past four years.  My colleague, Matt McLean, shares how online groups are way better than he first imagined. To find out more about support groups for gambling problems, visit the blog for this podcast at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call the Gambling Support Line at 1-888-795-6111. Thank you for listening to Fold em - the podcast where you hear real stories and expert guidance on managing gambling problems.  Subscribe or follow on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.  For more information on gambling concerns and to find resources and support, visit our website at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca or reach out through Facebook at Foldempodcast.

There is increasing awareness that not only substances (alcohol and drugs) can be addictive, but also that some of the activities we do for enjoyment can become excessive and cause problems.  This can happen with gambling, gaming, social media, sex, shopping and eating.  Sometimes people can develop problems with more than one substance or behaviour.  If you or someone you care about has struggled with this, tune in to learn about how to manage and prevent cross addiction.   Listen to my conversation with Doug Hilton, a counsellor specializing in gambling problems and addiction.  Hear how many people successfully break free.  Learn how paying attention to balance and wellness can keep you on track and addiction free. Thank you for listening to Fold em - the podcast where you hear real stories and expert guidance on managing gambling problems.  Subscribe or follow on your podcast app so you never miss an episode. For more information on gambling concerns and to find resources and support, visit our website at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca or reach out through Facebook at Foldempodcast. Fold em is taking a break for the month of August 2021, but we are busy planning episodes for the fall.  If there is a question or topic you would like us to address in an upcoming episode, email us as foldempodcast@gmail.com.  

Breaking free from an alcohol or drug problem is a major achievement.  But addiction is tricky and can show up in other ways without you being initially aware.  Maybe you find yourself in some of the same patterns of isolating and keeping secrets, but this time with gambling, gaming, eating or sex. Listen to my conversation with someone who was twenty years alcohol free when he found himself with a gambling problem.  Learn how to watch out for and face cross-addiction.  Hear how stepping into recovery for gambling brought my guest to a better place with himself and his life. Thanks for listening to Fold em - the podcast where you hear real stories and expert guidance on managing gambling problems.  Subscribe or follow on your podcast app so you never miss an episode. For more information on gambling concerns and to find resources and support, visit our website at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca or reach out through Facebook at Foldempodcast.  

When you are in the midst of a gambling addiction, your mind tells you the most dubious things to keep it all going. Just because you stop, these thoughts don’t immediately disappear. Listen to a conversation with on online poker player about his process of breaking free from an addiction mindset.  Hear how initially he had one foot in recovery and one foot out. Learn how he reached eleven months of gambling abstinence and a more solid place with himself and his relationships. Thanks for listening to Fold em - the podcast where you hear real stories and expert guidance on managing gambling problems.  Subscribe or follow on your podcast app so you never miss an episode. For more information on gambling concerns and to find resources and support, visit our website at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca or reach out through Facebook at Foldempodcast.