Online support for gambling problems Presented by Dr Richard Wood

Who is GamTalk? A not-for-profit organization, registered in Canada, serving N. America and beyond. Managed by psychologist Dr Richard Wood, local moderators and a fantastic community! Approx 11,000 members and more than 40,000 unique visitors per year Operating since 2008

What is GamTalk? A free-to-access 24/7 online support community, a source of info and support Available to anyone, anywhere, with an Internet connection Moderated peer based discussions, forums, chat-rooms, stories of hope, links

Stories of Hope

How does GamTalk work? Being part of a Community helps (75% agree) Started talking for first time (68% agree) Community Feel less alone (73% agree) Always available

Popular with women 65%F / 35%M Direct to other resources Help beat urges (62% agree) A reminder of how far you have come Work alongside other support

Who uses GamTalk? 1st Jan 2014- 1st Jan 2015

Why GamTalk? www.GamTalk.org Online support is a part of the solution Building a community takes time and resources (GamTalk started 2008) GamTalk is an established N. American focused service GamTalk compliments and supports existing local services (e.g., referral from/to support lines and treatment) GamTalk is flexible – we can work with you to offer a great service for your community! www.GamTalk.org

“Hi everyone! I have this site "bookmarked" on my computer and refer to it often. A lot of you are becoming like friends to me and I can relate to everyone's story.” A few GamTalk quotes “Even though I am surrounded by family and friends , they cannot relate unless they have been there. So when I read experiences and real people dealing with the exact same issues I am facing on a daily basis with compulsive gambling, I know I am not alone.” “Since my last post I have joined GA, and self-excluded myself from the casino, Thanks for everyones comments I'm doing a lot better now than before.” “Welcome- I am also new.  I have found this site very helpful for my recovery.  I am not perfect but I have already grown and this site helps with insight to this terrible disease.  I am striving for remission one-day-at-a-time.” “Today my husband is working late. In the past, I would have gambled. Today I came here  it feels good to make that choice. Don't get me wrong. I thought about it. I missed it. And then it scared me. So here I am!” “I am really grateful for this site and the feedback I am getting from it. As I told my addictions counselor, that I always feel alone dealing with this horrible addiction, this site offers some comfort to me.” “Feeling really glad to be a GamTalk member, I was lurking around here from quite some time and finally decided to be a part of this place. I’m ******from US saying hello to all members.”