BGS Group Podcast: What I Wish Someone Had Told Me

Christina is joined by women from the BGS community as they share what they wish someone had told them in the early days of recovery from gambling harm.Together, the women talk about the fear of beginning, the weight of shame, the belief that they were alone, and the relief of finally hearing someone else say, “Me too.” They also share how gambling became an escape from stress, caregiving, loneliness, grief, trauma, motherhood, hormones, relationships, and the pressure to hold everything together.With voices ranging from one day bet free to nearly ten years in recovery, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and connection for anyone who is still gambling, newly stopping, or wondering if recovery is really possible.Connect with Christina Cook and The Broke Girl SocietyChristina Cook is the founder of The Broke Girl Society, a recovery-focused community and platform supporting women impacted by gambling harm.Website: https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/Facebook Group: Https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebrokegirlsocietyEmail: [email protected] Better Institute (PA residents): Where people go to get better.https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/Evive: An app designed to help you better understand your relationship with gambling and support your recovery journey.https://GetEvive.comNicasa Behavioral Health Services (Illinois residents): Since 2002, Nicasa has been helping individuals in Illinois address gambling behaviors through awareness, outreach, and treatment services.https://nicasa.org/Adult Gambling Treatment: https://nicasa.org/program/adult-gambling-treatment/Youth Gambling Treatmenthttps://nicasa.org/program/youth-gambling-treatment/If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self-harm, please seek the help of trained professionals. We speak only from our own experiences. This podcast is meant to encourage and support your recovery journey, not replace professional care.BGS Resource Bookhttps://bgs-media.com/resources/GamFinFinancial counseling with professionals who understand the impact gambling can have on your financial health and goals. (U.S. residents only)https://www.gamfin.org/Birches HealthFind a certified gambling therapist through telehealth and attend sessions from the comfort of your home.https://bircheshealth.com/brokegirlsocietyIPGGC DirectoryFind a gambling-certified therapist.https://ipggc.org/directory/Gamblers Anonymoushttps://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/24/7 Meetings Worldwidehttps://gamblersinrecovery.com/Recovery Road Online Meetingshttps://recoveryroadonline.com/UKBetknowmore UK – New Beginningshttps://www.betknowmoreuk.org/support-information/new-beginningsGambleAware / Breakeven – WINGShttps://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/support-in-your-area/service-finder-results/wings-women-in-need-of-gambling-support/GamCare – Women’s Pathwayhttps://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/womens-pathway/Thrivin’ Togetherhttps://www.thrivintogether.org.uk/IrelandExtern – Women’s Gambling Support Networkhttps://www.extern.org/our-services/problem-gambling/women-s-gambling-support-networkAustraliaThe Untangle Projecthttps://www.theuntangleprojectaus.net/Gambling Help Online – Peer Support Communityhttps://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/tools-resources/join-communityCanadaResponsible Gambling Council – Help for Canadianshttps://responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/problem-gambling-help/help-for-canadians/CAMH – Problem Gambling Supporthttps://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gamblingPodcast SponsorsImportant NoteResourcesWomen’s Gambling Recovery Support Outside the U.S.