The following text is from this website: http://www.evergreencpg.org/pages/treatment.php
Help is Available for Problem Gamblers
Problem gambling (addiction) is a complex health issue that often requires treatment, counseling and support. If you cannot walk away when you’ve reached your limit, or if you find yourself pre-occupied with thoughts of gambling or in conflict with others because of your compulsive gambling activity, call Washington State’s Problem Gambling Helpline for assistance: 1.800.547.6133. You are not alone. Treatment is available and effective. If you are a family member, friend, or employer of a Problem Gambler, help is available for you, too.
- Gamble only if it’s fun
- Set a dollar limit and stick to it
- Accept losing as part of the game
- Don’t borrow money to gamble
- Don’t let gambling interfere with family, friends, or work
- Don’t gamble to pay back losses
- Don’t gamble as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain
If gambling becomes a source of stress, take a break. STOP playing. If you cannot stop, seek help. Call the 24-hour Helpline for assistance in finding treatment for your gambling problem. Other resources:
Gamblers Anonymous / GA
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and Gam-Anon are privately organized groups designed to meet the needs of Problem Gamblers (GA) and family members, friends, and others (Gam-Anon). They make conscientious efforts to meet regularly and respect confidentiality. A list of GA and Gam-Anon meetings for Washington State is maintained by the national organization.
Gambling Addiction Treatment Providers
Two Kinds of Treatment
In most cases, counseling while the Problem Gambler lives in his or her community provides the support and help needed to address the gambling problem. This is called "outpatient" treatment. In severe cases, treatment at a residential facility may be needed. This is called "inpatient" treatment. Click on the links below to see updated lists of outpatient Counseling Services and inpatient Residential Services:
