Giving Back to the Problem Gambling Community

Giving Back to the Problem Gambling Community

We hope that you are feeling strong and confident in your commitment to living a life free of gambling harm. However, there are millions of people in the US and around the world who are still suffering gambling harm, either caused by their own gambling behavior, or that of a loved one.

As someone who has taken the time to deeply explore their own relationship with gambling, and decided to make significant changes to their lives, you have an incredible opportunity.

Not only do you have the opportunity to profoundly help others by sharing your own experience, you have the opportunity to help yourself at the same time.

In this lesson we’ll explore how giving back to the community can help you in your own journey, as well as practical tips on how to get involved.

Exploring the Emotional and Psychological Rewards of Helping Others

The research is very clear: helping others makes us feel happier, more connected, and more fulfilled.

• Contributing to the well-being of others brings a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose to your life.

• Helping others cultivates feelings of happiness and gratitude, enhancing your overall emotional well-being.

• Engaging with the problem gambling community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation.

Not only does it make us feel better, it actively empowers us and the people we help.

• Sharing your experiences and insights empowers others to face their challenges and seek recovery.  This is even more vital for a struggle like problem gambling in which so many people are suffering in silence.

• Supporting others in their journey enhances your resilience and ability to cope with life's difficulties.

• Providing support validates your own journey and the progress you've made.

Creating a Supportive Community

At Evive, we believe that we are all part of the same community, and we have a responsibility to help each other.  By building a supportive community, we can:

• Provide strength, unity, and encouragement during the difficult process of change.

• Foster open dialogue, leading to a better understanding of problem gambling. This in turn can help the community develop more effective tools to reach more people and end gambling harm.

• Actively break the stigma surrounding problem gambling, creating an inclusive environment.

So we invite you to engage with the Evive Community.  Share your story, respond to questions, engage with others.

Giving Back, Outside of Evive

There are plenty of different avenues and platforms where you can give back and support others within the problem gambling community outside of Evive:

Supporting Helplines

Volunteer with problem gambling helplines to provide support and guidance to individuals seeking help.

Nonprofit Organizations

Collaborate with problem gambling-focused nonprofit organizations to contribute your time and expertise.  Most states have a Council on Problem Gambling, and there is the National Council on Problem Gambling as well.

Peer Support

If you feel you are ready for a bigger commitment, you can explore becoming a mentor or peer supporter.  This is a great way to directly connect with other impacted individuals.

You can find a list of helpful organizations in your location in the Resources section of your Toolkit.

Let's Reflect

What motivates you to give back to the problem gambling community, and how does your own experience with gambling-related challenges influence your desire to support others?

What unique skills, talents, or experiences do you possess that enable you to contribute meaningfully to the problem gambling community, whether through peer support, education, advocacy, or awareness-raising initiatives?

Closing Thought

Giving back to the problem gambling community brings a myriad of benefits, ranging from emotional fulfillment to personal growth and empowerment. By supporting others in their journey, you not only positively impact their lives but also gain empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of your own journey.

As you help build a supportive and compassionate community, you contribute to breaking the stigma surrounding problem gambling and inspire positive change within the lives of those seeking help.

Embrace the opportunity to connect with others, share your experiences, and celebrate progress, knowing that your contribution plays a significant role in the collective well-being and transformation of the problem gambling community.