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WHAT'S NEW
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Conquer a gambling addiction
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If you or someone you know is a problem gambler, find help here.
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By Diana Swift
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A $13-billion-a-year gambling industry is flourishing in Canada, providing millions with entertainment and thousands with jobs. But it has a big downside: more than 1.5 million players may be problem gamblers, according to Statistics Canada. For these people, gambling is no longer a game, but a compulsion. They can't stop, and they can't control when and how long they play or how much they spend.
In the grip of an addiction every bit as powerful as drugs or alcohol, many women and men are lying, forcing their families into bankruptcy, destroying their relationships and careers, harming their health, and even stealing to maintain their habit. In despair, some contemplate and, worse, end up committing suicide.
But like other addictions, compulsive gambling can be conquered. Whether you're a gambler or someone close to a gambler, help is out there, from round-the-clock telephone counselling to self-help meetings and in-patient treatment programs sponsored by provincial addiction services. Here's how to find help in your province or territory. Many of those who've called one of the numbers below have beaten their gambling problem for good, so pick up the phone and get on-the-spot telephone counselling and/or information about self-help groups and treatment programs in your area.
Cities and towns
For municipal help lines and self-help meetings, visit Gamblers Anonymous.
City hotlines
Brandon, Man.: 204-571-3685
Calgary: 403-237-0654
Edmonton: 780-463-0892
Moncton: 506-387-4067
Montreal: 514-484-6666
Niagara Falls, Ont.: 905-351-1616
Ottawa: 613-567-3271
Regina: 306-781-9522
St. John's: 709-752-4919
Toronto: 416-366-7613
Vancouver: 604-878-6535
Windsor: 519-971-5215
Winnipeg: 204-944-6382
Gam-Anon
If you are a spouse, family member or friend of a problem gambler whose addiction is affecting your life, Gam-Anon may be able to help you.
Visit www.gam-anon.org.
For more information on gambling and treatment services in Canada, check out these websites:
Responsible Gambling Council:
www.responsiblegambling.ca
Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling:
www.cprg.ca
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse:
www.ccsa.ca
What are your thoughts on problem gambling? Share them with other readers in our forums.
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