Problem Gambling - While You're Waiting
For An Appointment
Problem Gambling
Most people who call for help in our program are able to get in for an appointment anywhere between one and seven business days after they contact us. Because many persons with gambling concerns are in a state of serious emotional and financial crisis we do everything we can to accommodate them as quickly as possible.
Financial Crisis
If you are overwhelmed by your financial burdens and debts, you are welcome to call Bob Young who is a crisis credit financial advisor. He is an official volunteer with our agency and his telephone service is free and confidential. Bob is available 7 days a week morning to evening at (519) 641-3666. If you can, please have an outline of your debts and your assets, expenses and income so Bob can offer some useful suggestions. He does not loan money. If he is on another call you will reach a message service. Leave your name and number and he will get back to you.
Suicidal Feelings or Plans
If you are feeling suicidal or making plans to end your life please call and talk to someone right away. The following are "24 hour crisis lines" and services:
| - | In London, Strathroy and Middlesex, call the Mental Health Crisis Service at (519) 433-2023 or the London and District Distress Centre at (519) 667-6711. Or go to Emergency at your local hospital. |
| - | In Elgin County call the Mental Health Crisis Service at (519) 631-8510 ext. 49214 or go to Emergency at your local hospital. |
| - | In Oxford County call the CMHA Oxford at (519) 539-8432 or go to Emergency at your local hospital. |
Just by calling us and asking for information and support you have taken a courageous first step in making some change in your life. When you come to your appointment you will find that your counsellor will respect your strengths, individuality, and the unique challenges that you are facing in dealing with your gambling problem. Every person that comes to our service has his/her own treatment program tailored to his/her wishes and needs. There are no cookie-cutter recovery plans here.
Between the phone call and your first appointment there are a few things you can do to help yourself. None of these are a complete solution, but they are some good suggestions for what to do in the meantime.
| • | If there is someone you can trust you might speak to them and ask to spend some time with them. |
| • | Limit your access to cash and credit by giving your bank and credit cards to a trustworthy friend or family member. Leave your debit card at home. Carry only very small amounts of cash e.g. to buy a coffee. |
| • | Try to avoid going near gambling locations although this is not easy. If you pass by a gambling location e.g. slots/ race track, sports bar on your way to work or school then take a different route to avoid temptation. |
| • | Stay away from variety stores if you have a problem with tickets. |
| • | Screen your phone calls to avoid bookies, creditors or friends calling you to set up a game or a bet. |
| • | Avoid watching poker or sports on T.V. if those activities are a gambling problem for you. Avoid reading sports scores in the paper. |
| • | Go to www.Gamblock.com and purchase a program to block wagering, internet gambling and betting sites. |
If you or someone you know has a concern about gambling, please call our confidential gambling intake line (519) 673-3242 ext. 234 or click helliott@adstv.on.ca to e-mail our gambling intake worker. Feel free to contact us by email to learn about our current groups.
