A Reason to Be Grateful
November is here and the onset of the holiday season begins this week. Now is a perfect opportunity to take a moment of pause to acknowledge the people and things we are grateful for in our lives. If you or someone you know is in recovery from a gambling problem, there is much to be thankful for. On the other hand, if you or a loved one are in need of assistance, be grateful, and take comfort knowing that it’s never too late to begin the path to recovery. Being set free from the chains of a gambling addiction can be life-changing, for the gambler and their families.
Loved ones of compulsive gamblers make daily sacrifices. Whether it’s financial or legal troubles, difficulties with interpersonal relationships, or physical or mental health problems, it is often overwhelming. While family members and others make the choice to work through presenting challenges, it is essential to express gratitude. Loved ones who provide the necessary support give strength to the problem gambler in their lives to navigate new terrain while healing one day at a time. Thank you.
November is also Military Family Appreciation Month and Veterans Day, so here too it is imperative to give our thanks to those who are currently or have previously served this nation to protect our freedoms. Military families also provide the perseverance our military needs when deployed and overseas, and upon their return when combatting various difficulties, including gambling addiction. Compulsive gambling impacts veterans and active military members at higher rates than the general population and loved ones are often the ones left navigating unfamiliar terrain when presenting issues surface.
The good news this holiday season is knowing help and hope are possible for past and present military members and civilians in need of assistance for a gambling problem by contacting the 24-hour confidential and multilingual HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848), through text (321-978-0555), via email (fccg@gamblinghelp.org), through live chat (gamblinghelp.org), by downloading the 888-ADMIT-IT App (https://landing.appypie.com/888-admit-it), or through our social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Further, November 30th is the National Day of Giving, which reminds us to give to those less fortunate. “It’s a great reminder to lift others up during a generous time of year. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, charities, families, businesses, community centers, students, and others around the world come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.“ [1] However, for problem gamblers and their families, while donating money might not be feasible, there are many ways one can contribute within their communities:
• Set up a collection for non-perishable food at work or elsewhere and deliver to a local food pantry.
• Donate gift cards to a shelter.
• Volunteer your time to a cause you support.
• Promote an organization in need and encourage retailers to donate toys or products.
Finally, take the time to remind those you love how grateful you are that they are in your life, and remember, if you or someone you know is experiencing a gambling problem, recovery is within reach by contacting 888-ADMIT-IT.
REFERENCES
[1] Retrieved NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING – #GIVINGTUESDAY – Tuesday after Thanksgiving – National Day Calendar.
