Problem Gambling
If you have a problem or fear that you do, help is at hand. Click on any of the links below or pick up the phone and dial the number of one of the professional resources below.
Hear real-life stories from recovered problem gamblers:
When you contact any of these services, please remember that no one will judge you. They understand that bad things can happen to good people and their only wish is to help you.
The Problem Gambling Help Line has highly trained counselors ready to provide immediate support, advice, information, assessment and telephone counseling.
Your call will be answered only by counselors who are specialists in problem gambling. If the counselors are busy helping someone else, you can hold, leave a message or call back. If you hold, your call will be answered as soon as a counselor is available. If you leave a number, your call will be returned as soon as possible.
You don't have to give your name or address, and you can talk as long as you want to discuss your problem. If you need ongoing counseling, it will be provided for as long as you need it through telephone appointments.
The counselors are also aware of the many services available in your community and can give you the information you need to make contact.
The information you provide is kept in confidence. The only exceptions are if you tell a counselor you're about to commit a crime, or that you intend to hurt yourself. Then we are required by law to notify authorities with or without your consent.
Addiction Services offices are staffed with professional counselors who conduct face-to-face assessments and provide counseling to those negatively impacted by gambling. Almost all counseling can be successfully conducted on an outpatient basis without interfering too much with the daily lives of problem gamblers and their families.
Some people, however, do best if they can get away from the disruptive environment that is contributing to the problem and temporarily stay in a dedicated residence. Throughout the province there is short-term residential care available to help people with very serious gambling problems.
It is very important to remember that no one at Addiction Services will judge you, they only want to use their experience and expertise to help you and your loved ones.
In several Addiction Services offices, treatment for problem gambling is also provided for individuals, couples, families or groups, depending upon your needs.
Go to www.addictionservices.ns.ca for more information about the office in your area.