Organizations that offer support to compulsive gamblers in Brazil

Organizations Offering Support to Compulsive Gamblers in Brazil

Gambling addiction, also known as pathological gambling or gambling disorder, is a growing problem in Brazil and worldwide. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds, causing severe consequences for the mental, physical, financial, and social health of gamblers and their families. Fortunately, there are organizations in Brazil dedicated to providing support and treatment to compulsive gamblers and their loved ones.

Main Organizations

• Gamblers Anonymous (GA): Inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous, GA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strengths, and hopes to recover from gambling addiction. GA offers in-person and online meetings, as well as literature and resources to help gamblers maintain abstinence and rebuild their lives.
• Amor Exigente (AE): AE is a support program for family and friends of people with chemical dependency, including gambling addiction. AE offers weekly support groups where participants share their difficulties, learn to cope with the situation, and strengthen each other. AE also promotes lectures, workshops, and events to raise awareness about the problem of addiction and the importance of family support.
• Center for Information on Health and Alcohol (CISA): CISA is a non-governmental organization that works in the prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse and other drugs, including gambling addiction. CISA offers individual and group outpatient care, in addition to conducting research, developing educational materials, and training professionals in the field.
• Universities and University Hospitals: Several universities and university hospitals in Brazil have specialized clinics for the treatment of gambling addiction, such as the Integrated Ambulatory of Impulse Disorders (AMITI) at the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Program for Assistance and Research in Technological Dependencies (PRO-AMITI) at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). These clinics offer diagnostic assessment, individual and group therapy, in addition to conducting research and training professionals in the field.

Types of Treatment Offered

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most effective therapeutic approaches for the treatment of gambling addiction. It helps the gambler identify and modify the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to the addiction. CBT also teaches strategies for coping with stress, anxiety, and other triggers that can lead to relapse.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is a therapeutic approach that helps the gambler accept their thoughts and feelings, instead of fighting against them. ACT also encourages the gambler to commit to their values and goals, even when facing difficulties.
• Support Groups: Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous and Amor Exigente, offer a safe and welcoming space for gamblers and their families to share their experiences, receive support, and feel understood. Support groups also help strengthen motivation for change and prevent relapse.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help control the symptoms associated with gambling addiction, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. However, the use of medication should always be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional and combined with other forms of treatment.

How to Find Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, don't hesitate to seek help. There are several organizations and professionals in Brazil that can offer the necessary support to overcome this problem.

• Search the internet: Use search engines like Google to find organizations and professionals that offer treatment for gambling addiction in your area. You can also find helpful information and resources on websites such as CISA and USP.
• Talk to your doctor: Your family doctor or a mental health professional can guide you on the treatment options available and refer you to a specialist, if necessary.
• Contact the organizations: Call or email the organizations mentioned in this article to get more information about their programs and services.
• Look for support groups: Attend Gamblers Anonymous or Amor Exigente meetings to share your experiences and receive support from other people facing the same problem.

Gambling Addiction Prevention

Preventing gambling addiction is essential to avoid the suffering and negative consequences associated with this problem. Some measures that can be taken to prevent gambling addiction include:

• Set time limits: Set a maximum time to play per day or per week and stick to that limit. Avoid playing for long periods without breaks.
• Prioritize other activities: Make time for other activities you enjoy, such as playing sports, reading, going out with friends, or pursuing a hobby.
• Balance online and offline life: Don't let games dominate your life. Maintain a healthy balance between the time you spend online and offline.
• Choose appropriate games: Avoid games that are too violent, addictive, or cause you anxiety or stress.
• Talk to your family and friends: Share your concerns with your family and friends and ask for support to control your gaming time, if necessary.
• Seek professional help: If you feel you are losing control over your gaming time or that games are interfering with your life, seek professional help as soon as possible.

Responsible Gaming

The gaming industry also has an important role in preventing gambling addiction. Some measures that can be taken to promote responsible gaming include:

• Develop games that are not addictive: Avoid game mechanics that encourage the player to play for long periods or spend excessive money.
• Include parental control tools: Allow parents to limit their children's gaming time and monitor their access to online games.
• Offer information about the risks of gambling addiction: Include warning messages about the risks of gambling addiction and provide links to help resources.
• Support organizations that combat gambling addiction: Donate resources to organizations that offer treatment and support to compulsive gamblers and their families.

The Importance of Mental Health

Gambling addiction is a mental health problem that requires proper attention and treatment. Taking care of mental health is essential to prevent gambling addiction and other related problems. Some tips for taking care of mental health include:

• Engage in physical activities: Regular physical activity helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, in addition to improving mood and self-esteem.
• Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in nutrients provides the body and brain with the energy and nutrients needed to function properly.
• Get enough sleep: Quality sleep is essential for mental and physical health. During sleep, the brain processes information, consolidates memories, and recovers from the stress of the day.
• Cultivate healthy relationships: Keeping in touch with family and friends, participating in social activities, and building positive relationships contribute to emotional well-being and mental health.
• Seek professional help: If you are facing emotional or psychological difficulties, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help you deal with your problems and develop strategies to improve your mental health.

Conclusion

Gambling addiction is a serious problem that affects many people in Brazil. However, there are organizations and professionals that offer support and treatment to help compulsive gamblers recover and rebuild their lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, don't hesitate to seek help. Remember that you are not alone and that there are resources available to assist you in this process.

Preventing gambling addiction is essential to avoid the suffering and negative consequences associated with this problem. Adopt healthy habits, set time limits for gaming, and prioritize other activities in your life. If you feel that you are losing control, don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember, there is support available, and recovery is possible.