Gambling Recovery Ministries: Indiana Problem Gambling

Post 23

2012-01-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

During our November meeting of the Indiana Conference Advocacy, Social Justice, and Ethnic Ministries Team, we discussed what might be the focus topics for 2012. What top three issues in Indiana might we want to particularly study in terms of potential State legislative items to be considered and implemented? No one mentioned gambling issues - and neither did I. It seemed that 2012 could very well be quiet with regard to the gambling scene at the Hoosier Statehouse.

One month later, national news carried the federal Office of Legal Counsel Opinion: internet gambling could be made legal via any State legislation. Suddenly, year 2012 became forecasted as a boundary-breaking timepiece for cyber-space gambling. Now, a perfect storm would be forming.

For sociologists, one could say that this will be a really interesting time.
For The United Methodist Church, this is a critical point in time.

Legally expanding gambling to the internet is not just about yet another venue of placing bets. Opening the airways to gamble without fear of breaking the law, in effect, brings a legal mini-casino into every home/car/phone with a computer. Gambling legally, then, could be done at any time and almost anywhere.

Given our national economic condition, a need prevails for increasing State revenues. Then too, with the legal lid off, more likely, we will see a dramatic increase in internet gaming venues ... and gambling. How will the States that pass legislation to permit internet gambling handle the tremendous increase in revenues? Will the current state slashing of budgets - especially of mental health services - continue? Will specialized counseling for problem gamblers and their families be made universally available throughout these States? Will prevention education about gambling addiction be broadly expanded for the public eye to see, plainly?

Again, this is a critical time for The United Methodist Church. Our UM Social Principles speaks out against gambling - and any expansion of gambling. Moreover, within the Principles, there is the call: Where gambling has become addictive, the Church will encourage such individuals to receive therapeutic assistance so that the individual's energies may be redirected into positive and constructive ends.

In response to proposed State legislation to legalize internet gambling. once more, United Methodists will be reminded that the expansion of gambling within our country is not a dead issue. The need for the Church to respond is essential. The time to prepare for the storm is now.

The critical points to include are the following:

** no legalization of internet gambling

** increased budgeting for training counselors to be certified in gambling
addiction counseling

** creation and support of in-patient treatment facilities for compulsive gamblers

** statewide expansion of prevention education concerning problem gambling and
recovery issues

In closing, I urge you to study, prepare for, and take action with regard to your State legislature's consideration of legalizing internet gambling. A recent blog that I read, from another website, called for waiting to see what will happen by his State legislators. Why wait? Their action might take place before your action ever began. Why wait?

For more information on problem gambling concerns in Indiana, go to http://www.indianaproblemgambling.org/

Information about online problem gambling can be found at http://www.ipgap.indiana.edu/images/documents/factsheet/online_college%20gambling.pdf

For further information on gambling addiction and recovery issues, go to www.grmumc.org

Post 22

2011-12-13T17:45:00.000-08:00

A “Recovery Tree” with Promises/Presents

Recently, I was privileged to be a part of a discussion about a new take on celebrating recovery at Christmas. We had first talked about how anticipation and expectations of family holiday traditions can run wild. In fact, layer upon layer of annual yuletide goings-on can seem to hold families and individuals in bondage! But we’ve always had Aunt Virgie’s cinnamon buns for Christmas breakfast! … even when they take forever to prepare and bake!

Additionaly, agreement centered around the fact that family dynamics can be severely impacted by gambling addiction. Perhaps, Mom and/or Dad used to carry out family celebrations resulting in ideal scrapbook memories. But things changed - and one or both of the parents was/were not always at home – even for those important celebrations as birthdays or Christmas. Sadly, promises to attend special events became unbelievable. Or maybe heated arguments started to hold sway where, once, family joking and pleasant conversations were the norm.

However, as a person enters recovery, she/he begins to look forward to life’s becoming increasingly stabilized. Certainly, more time is available to spend with loved ones. Hopefully, a bit of money can be saved for modest gift giving. Sadly, but understandably, family members may not have caught up to new expectations held by the person in recovery. Trust may not be regained … and disappointment doesn’t want to be experienced, yet again.

Still, the one in recovery does need to celebrate, especially at a time when others are joining into an atmosphere of celebration. I do want to say that if loved ones are accepting of the recovering person’s progress, that’s wonderful! That’s ideal! However, if he or she, in recovery, senses reluctance on the part of others to fully celebrate – or even to be antagonistic - there can be a very creative, and prayerfully, fulfilling way to include one’s progress into the festivities – privately.

Our discussion first focused on how the GA Promises in Recovery can actually serve as presents to those recovering compulsive gamblers. Working the Gamblers Anonymous 12 Steps, the reality of recovery becomes more and more achievable and attainable. Life does become more manageable; trust in one’s Higher Power opens up an entirely new perspective; accountability and amends are a part of everyday living; and helping others know that there is real hope and help for problem gambling is rewarding – all of these, truly, become gifts to the one in recovery!

As we talked, someone quickly introduced the idea of – somehow – materializing these promises into the Christmas home scene. We settled upon the Christmas tree arena; and ideas began to fly! How about those miniature gift boxes? Each could have a word written on them to symbolize a certain point of progress (a “promise”) attained: peace, hope, goals (could be individually named), patience, prayer, love, freedom, Meetings, a new job, a family celebration, etc. Christmas card pictures depicting the promises could be fashioned into tree ornaments. Even a nativity scene’s figures may represent various aspects of the person’s recovery. Moreover, creative individuals could design their own promise ornaments.

Interestingly, the idea of quiet messages was discussed. As mentioned, there may be hostility present within the family dynamics. Loved ones may not be willing – yet – to fully accept that the problem gambler is serious about his/her recovery. Perhaps, the recovering individual will need to identify privately the new ornaments with their still hidden meanings. Hopefully, next year will be the time to explain the symbolism!

May God bless you during this Christmas season with a sense of true celebration!

For more information on the Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous, go to http://www.step12.com/promises.html

For more information on Gamblers Anonymous, go to www.gamblersanonymous.org

Also, you will find more information for loved ones of problem gamblers at
www.gam-anon.org

Check out www.grmumc.org for more referral information on problem gambling recovery issues.

2011-11-16T13:23:00.000-08:00

Post 21

A Giving-Thanks Screen

So often, emphasis is given on assessing whether or not – or how severe – an individual’s gambling problem exists. Commonly, we hear of GA’s and Gam-Anon’s sets of Twenty Questions, the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the SOGS for Adolescents, the Significant Other Gambling Problem Severity screen, the DSM IV Diagnostic Criteria, the FCCG Screen for Older Adults, and several other assessment tools. These are important and should not be omitted when working with clients.

Still as recovery work continues, it is significant for both the client and the therapist to make note of mile markers that chart progress being made. Again, there are therapeutic tools for such purposes as well as client homework questions geared to make note of positive wellness signs.

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, my reviewing-the-year-thoughts have started in earnest. Asking myself what progress has been made on personal goals and new year’s resolutions (made months ago), the idea to reformat a diagnostic tool into a Giving-Thanks Screen began to take shape.

Looking at GA’s Twenty Questions and several DSM IV Diagnostic Criteria prompted me to put together such a model. Prayerfully, the following questions will not only provide progress assessments but also measurable reasons for giving thanks!

1. Throughout your day, do thoughts of being thankful often come to mind?
2. Do you give thanks for the increasing amounts of money that now enter your bank account due to the fact that money is no longer spent on gambling?
3. Is your day spent in a mode of thanks-living, now that you have passed the stage of restlessness and feelings of irritability associated with unsuccessful attempts to cut back on gambling?
4. Are you thankful that you are free from the lies and excuses you have had to live by, in order to cover up gambling losses and time spent gambling?
5. Do you give thanks for the following that have improved since you no longer gamble: personal relationships, increased performance at work, and sharpened focus within educational/self-improvement pursuits.
6. Are you thankfully relieved that you are no longer trying to obtain money from persons, creditors, or other resources?
7. Thankfully, do you now experience restful sleep, fewer feelings of guilt, and increasingly, fewer arguments?
8. Do you give thanks that every time you now pay a debt, you know that you are making progress in lowering a staggering amount of debts.
9. Are you relieved and thankful that triggers to gamble do not automatically control your actions?
10. Do you feel thankful for new hobbies, interests, and friends made since gambling does not preoccupy your time?

**** Do you tell yourself THANK YOU! for not following through with self-destruction?

**** Do you tell yourself THANK YOU! for saying YES to RECOVERY?

HAPPY AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING!!!

For more information on problem gambling recovery issues, go to www.grmumc.org

Post 20

2011-10-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

PTSD and Addictions

Recently, I have attended three professional continuing education events wherein topics of trauma, as correlated to addiction, have been presented. Indeed, there is no rocket science required with this connection and understanding. Basically, the deeper the trauma, the deeper the impact. Then too, the longer (and more consistently experienced) the trauma, the more likely the person may experience post stress. Naturally, individuals vary in their responses to traumatic events in their lives. Again, the nature and duration of the trauma, the age and environment of the victim, and the setting of the event(s) are important considerations as to the effects of stress endured.

What is experienced that is injurious – physically, psychologically, and/or spiritually - carries an impact that may be consciously perceived right away as well as later. Sometimes, it’s later, later! Sometimes, there is experienced a need to escape from the tortures of memory. Sometimes, unhealthy coping devices develop (or become even more problematic) in order to block out images, thoughts, sounds, and even smells that mentally recycle the harmful events. Compulsive and addictive behaviors may seem to relieve these post-stresses; but unfortunately, such responses only serve to re-traumatize the person. The more severe the reaction to the trauma, the more entangled the individual can become absorbed into the pain of new traumas – addiction, compulsive behaviors, unhealthy relationships, etc., utilized to relieve the old pain.

A number of gamblers presenting for treatment, who describe gambling as a way of escape, refer to a need to forget abuses - past and/or present. They escape into the world of gambling, most often, alone. All I want to do is zone out … is frequently heard by escape gamblers. As mentioned above, the pathological gambler eventually finds himself/herself and family members re-traumatized by devastation brought on by losses to income, savings, college funds, property, jobs, and business.

Still, there is good news! There is hope and help for post-traumatic stress syndrome and also, for problem gambling. Here are some important resources:

www.nci.nim.nih.gov
www.militarymentalhealth.org
www.gamblersanonymous.org
www.ncpgambling.org
www.indianasuicidepreventioncoalition.org
www.indianaproblemgambling.org
www.ipgap.indiana.edu

For more information on problem gambling, go to www.grmumc.org

2011-09-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

Post 19

Find a SUPER - SPECIAL resource on the net!
“The Gambling Culture”
www.christianethics.ws

Last winter, I received a request to participate in a writing project for a nationally distributed publication. My assignment was to review three books that focused on problem gambling. I was to write with the eye of clergy and active congregational lay persons. Particularly, I enjoyed the work because much of the material covered topics that are included within many of my presentations: teen gambling, recovery groups such as Gamblers Anonymous ( www.gamblersanonymous.org ) and Gam-Anon ( www.gam-anon.org ), spirituality, and practical aspects of dealing with relapse.

The nationwide magazine, for which I wrote the reviews, is entitled Christian Reflection and is published by The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University. This publication comes out quarterly and each issue focuses on a central topic. All past issues are viewable online at www.christianethics.ws along with separate, downloadable Study Guides and Lesson Plans. The listing of previous focus topics is impressive with a wide range of subject matter from contemporary issues to theological discussions.

The range of topics within the current issue diversely covers the subject of gambling , providing a wide arena for thought-provoking questions and lively discussions. Take a look at the following chapter titles:

Would a Good and Faithful Disciple Gamble? **
The Hidden Social Costs of Gambling **
State Lotteries: Gambling with the Common Good **
Investment vs. Gambling **
Other Voices (a listing of resource materials about gambling)
The Gambling Culture in Art
Congregational Ministry to Problem Gamblers **
The Harm of Predatory Gambling: If Only the Bible Said …
Problem Gambling (three book reviews)
The History of Gambling

There is even a full Worship Service along with a thumbnail sketch of a sermon to be preached. Also, the hymn “Self-sufficient!” Is the Cry includes all four verses and the music.

Of particular interest is Dr. Deborah Haskins’ chapter on Congregational Ministry to Problem Gamblers. Dr. Haskins explores responses to the topic of gambling, common to faith-based communities; and then, she invites congregations to provide outreach to problem gamblers and their families. In particular, the chapter is filled with true-life (anonymously described) examples of persons struggling with compulsive gambling. This brings the basic topic of gambling addiction into focus on a it-can-happen-to-anyone level. Great discussion material!

Moreover, Dr. Haskins’ recommends and highlights Gambling Recovery Ministries as a model program for faith communities to pattern new outreach endeavors to problem gamblers and their loved ones. She writes, “This is an excellent example of a gambling recovery ministry prioritizing outreach to individuals, faith institutions, and communities.” (Christian Reflection, The Gambling Culture, “Congregational Ministry to Problem Gamblers”, p. 71, August 2011)

Then too, Dr. Haskins challenges faith communities to take the essential first step
by training clergy and persons in lay leadership positions to recognize the signs and symptoms of gambling problems, as well as to learn effective responses to those affected by compulsive gambling. Recognizing, listening, encouraging the seeking of professional help, and then journeying with problem gamblers and their families through recovery: these constitute both holistic and supportive arms to reach out to persons often misunderstood – and missed – by congregations.

Finally, I want to recommend the Study Guides and Lesson Plans found online at www.christianethics.ws Included within each Study Guide are the following: prayer, scripture, reflection, and study questions.

The Lesson Plans contain teaching goals, instructions as to format for group study, a beginning story, prayer, scripture reading, meditation, reflection, study questions, and a departing hymn. As a former teacher, I especially appreciate the carefully laid out formats and thought-provoking contents of these Guides and Plans, written by Robert B. Kruschwitz, Director of the Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, and Heather Hughes, Project Coordinator for Christian Ethics.

See the chapters designed for study, starred in the above chapter listing. Again, this is free and valuable material! And all downloadable!

For more information on problem gambling recovery issues and ministry to those affected by gambling addiction, go to www.grmumc.org

2011-08-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Post 18

TAKING A VACATION: from addiction? from co-dependency?
Armchair Thoughts on Co-dependency

For many, July has been a month of family vacations. Camping trips, visiting the relatives, sightseeing: it’s a time to get away. Right? Well, maybe. More likely, it’s away: both yes and no. And so it has been for me. July was a time for me to be at distance from my Indiana home, filled with new sights, refreshing weather (yes, I said refreshing), and a time apart from my usual schedule. My body has said I’ve been away … but has my mind? Yes and no again. In part, the I’m-away-from-home mindset was in place. Still, I must admit that concerns about loved ones prevailed from time to time.

Often, I hear persons say comments like, “I just need to let go and let God.” Not a bad concept! However, is this admonition faithfully followed? Do our concerns/worries about others keep us preoccupied with their problems – to the point of constant focus … to the extent that our lives become overshadowed by another’s dysfunctional actions?

When I first heard the term co-dependency, quite a few years ago, I could not wrap my mind around it. Somehow, I thought co-dependency had to do with two or more persons sharing the same dependent behavior. But the situations described as such never matched my faulty understanding of this condition. Slowly, I began to realize that co-dependency is more about the reactions of the loved one to the addict than that of the addict’s dependent responses to substances and/or compulsive behaviors. And then, there’s, also, something to be said about the addict’s reactions to the loved ones’ reactions!

In other words, the loved one becomes dependent on certain responses that (s)he has acquired in his/her dealing with an individual suffering from addiction or compulsive dysfunctions. Often, it is heard that a codependent feels like life has become a journey of walking on eggshells. How will my loved one react? is a prevailing thought forever holding the non-addict in jeopardy. Will I set her off? Should I stay at home – just in case? What am I doing to cause him to drink, stay on drugs, or gamble away our household budget?

At a problem gambling conference, several years ago, I heard a presentation that has never been forgotten. In speaking about why a spouse of a gambler chose to attend the event on Super-Bowl weekend, the person told about the need to learn more about dealing with personal, healthy responses to the gambler’s behavior. Although the conference was at considerable distance from home – and filled the entire weekend – the speaker had replaced fear of what the gambler would be doing during that heavy-betting time with the priority of building personal growth.

For more information on co-dependency, check out Co-Dependents Anonymous at www.coda.org/
In addition, go to http://www.gam-anon.org// for a listing of 20 Questions to be asked of the gambler’s loved one(s).

For even more information on problem gambling, go to http://www.grmumc.org/

2011-06-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Post 17

FREEDOM!

What does this word mean to you? Often, we talk about celebrating freedom but does the average American citizen experience the celebrating aspect of freedom? Actually, the focus of this entry takes another look at freedom: this time with the recovery-eye view. And celebrating is truly heart-felt!

Many of my friends in recovery talk about freedom as the opposite of oppression. Their new lives, sans the active throws of addiction, no longer experience the domination of fear, explosive anger, deceit, remorse, shame, and/or blame. Preoccupation with having to gamble, ordering their days around the time of mail delivery, or creating alibis for absences at important events: all gone now ... and what a relief!

Indeed, what kinds of oppression does a compulsive gambler experience, in addition to the obvious pressure to obtain more and more money with which to gamble? Interestingly, the Twenty Questions, included within the Gamblers Anonymous Yellow Combo Book, reveal many different forms of oppression in the lives of problem and pathological gamblers.

Take a look at the below questions and see how each could keep an individual held in a personal prison of oppression.

Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?

Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?

Did gambling affect your reputation?

Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?

Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?

Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?

After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?

After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?

Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?

Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?

Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?

Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?

Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?

Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?

Have you ever gambled to escape worry, trouble, boredom or loneliness?

Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?

Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?

Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?

Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

NOTE!

According to GA literature, most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions.

Recovering compulsive gamblers in Gamblers Anonymous testify to new found freedom ... freedom to think clearly, to enjoy friendship and encouragement, to speak the truth without fear, to care for others and to care for themselves, and to grow spiritually.

For more information on Gamblers Anonymous go to http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
Also, check out http://www.gam-anon.org/ for Gam-Anon, the support organization for loved ones of problem gamblers.

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, go to http://www.grmumc.org/

Post 16

2011-05-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Moral and Financial Inventories

Last month, I wrote about how Twelve Step Recovery programs can provide a steady focus on living each day in progression toward recovery. I observed: every Step builds upon the previous one, with an eye to the upcoming new Step. Then too, I wrote how each Step involves questions to be grasped, grappled with, [and] mulled over.

As with the April Post, I have included several questions to be pondered while one particularly works on certain Steps. This month, we will take a look at the Inventory types of Steps within the Twelve Steps Recovery Program; and following last month's format, I have more of those questions!

Step 4

[We] Made a searching and fearless moral and financial inventory of ourselves.

Why is it important to my recovery process to include a "moral" inventory?

How do the "moral" and "financial" aspects of my life overlap?

Write two columns on a piece of paper - one headed "Moral" and the other headed "Financial"; and see how many entries dovetail into each other.

What might you hesitate (fear) to include under both columns?

Be sure to include BOTH your plusses and your negatives ... in other words, your assets (remember your MORAL ASSETS too!) and your limitations/challenges.

When finished with your inventories, reflect on the saying: The truth will set you free. Will you be ready to share these truths, expressed in your columns, with another person as you work on the next Step (Step 5: We admitted to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs)?

Step 10

[We] Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

Continuing inventories can be done informally on a constant level as well as worked through on a more formal, periodic basis. How might a person consistently keep vigilant - throughout each day - of one's moral and financial self ?

Perhaps, the financial tracking may be easier than the moral-lookout. Keeping watch over one's actions, thoughts, and words could be a beneficial recovery-task at bedtime. What brief questions would you ask yourself each night with regard to this Step?

Would it be helpful to ask the following questions daily: What hurt might I have brought to persons today? Why might I have done this? How can this affect my recovery process?

Doing a more formal moral and financial inventory can be done periodically - perhaps monthly or quarterly. Given my work schedule and other obligations, how can this type of activity be done most beneficially to my working the Steps. Is there a place or time that I am better able to reflect and study the work I am doing on my Recovery Step Program?

As I wrote in April ... Take one question at a time; focus deliberately; search and find ...

RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE and WORTH THE WORK!!

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, go to http://www.grmumc.org/

Post 15

2011-04-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

Powerlessness? ... Searching and Fearless? ... Entirely Ready?

OH, THOSE QUESTIONS!! (A Mini-Series on the Twelve Steps to Recovery)

This is Holy Week ... the week during which persons of the Christian faith recall and meditate upon Jesus' last few days prior to His crucifixion. This coming Sunday, Christians will celebrate Jesus' Resurrection from the dead with the Easter message. However, this week holds the believers' attention with the marking of each day's time before Jesus' earthly death. Every 24 hour period carried its own weight as the events continued to build to the ultimate closure of His mission to be accomplished on earth.

One day at a time: I would think that those words, certainly, may have been in Jesus' thoughts during that time. Two thousand plus years later, we hear that expression, steadily, from persons in recovery. Indeed, there is real wisdom to the focus of today. Yesterday's lessons (not regrets) are important and tomorrow's plans (not worries) are necessary; but we actually do live only one day at a time!

Twelve Step Recovery programs, likewise, provide a steady focus on living each day in a progression of/toward recovery. Every Step build upon the previous one, with an eye to the upcoming new Step. And each Step carries a weight of questions to be grasped, grappled with, mulled over, and answered by the person who truly strives toward wellness.

I have included several questions to be pondered with certain selected Steps during Part 1 of this Mini-Series on the Twelve Steps to Recovery.

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over gambling - that our lives had become

unmanageable.
Think of an example of your own powerlessness. Be specific.
Give an example of an event that has happened to illustrate that your life
is/was unmanageable. Again, be specific.

Step 2: [We] came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a
normal way of thinking and living.
Where are you in relation to your acceptance of a Higher Power?
Give an example of an event that demonstrated irrational behavior.

Step 3: [We] made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power
of our own understanding.
What are the main areas of your life that need to be turned over to God?
Explain.

Take one question at a time; focus deliberately; search and find ...

RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE and WORTH THE WORK!!

Next month, we'll examine our moral and financial inventories ...

one step at a time!

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, go to http://www.grmumc.org/

Post 14

2011-03-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Relapse: A Realistic Look

Relapse = an opportunity to work harder.

Any change is possible IF one puts their heart into it.

An interesting article from Focus, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling newsletter, discusses relapse in the context of recovery. It caught my eye because I had recently spoken with a person about the potential of relapse. He had been successfully abstaining from a certain dysfunctional coping behavior over the past few months. Then, out of the clear blue one day, he said to me, "Janet, now, don't be disappointed if sometime, now or in the coming months, I slip and have a relapse by ...."

We then moved into a conversation about what, truly, is relapse. I asked, "Do you see relapsing as committing a planned action ... and then, getting back on the wagon, as an entire event of (planned) relapse?" OR I asked again, "Do you understand relapse as an unplanned break from sobriety and then, a deliberate move back to abstinence and return to your program of recovery?" In other words, one event is planned up front (i.e., a planned break) and the other is an unplanned break with a purposeful return to recovery work.

Needless to say, our conversation continued and clarity on the topic of relapse was achieved.

Bulleted below are key thoughts to keep in mind about relapse and recovery:

triggers to relapse can take the form of just about anything: persons (actions, words, facial expressions), places, things, even smells, etc.
if relapse occurs, it should serve as an opportunity to work harder on one's recovery program
relapse provides a reason to figure out what did NOT work
relapse is a sure signal to renew commitment to change and purposeful recovery work
episodes of relapse should not hinder efforts for family members to maintain control of their own lives
recovery requires long-term change
having recovery plans in place - with continued practice - serves as an antidote to relapse
recovery = thinking about one's life differently!

Relapse certainly may occur - and be part of the process of recovery. The essential piece to remember is that process indicates and calls for ongoing movement toward and within recovery!

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit http://www.grmumc.org/

Post 13

2011-02-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

Sports Betting - Who Me?

As the days of February fly by, I start looking toward March and basketball's approaching mini-season of March Madness. There's the built-in excitement of games between big rivals - and at the same time, there's the hope that a nationally unknown team will sneak in a totally, unpredicted victory over sure-winning stars. It's kind of like a countrywide version of the old-time Indiana end-of-season basketball tourneys, wherein every high school started the State finals on equal footing. With March Madness, it could be Hoosiers all over again!

And so, with such tournaments, is there excitement with unknown outcomes? Yes, indeed. Are there risks that odds are beat and unexpected upsets arise? Yes, again. Win/loss charts are kept and it's fun to track the teams' trails to victory. Still, temptation to bet on the games runs high during this heightened time of basketball awareness.

Once again, there's the reminder: sports betting is illegal! For team members, sports wagering can be disastrous. Academic and professional careers are placed, seriously, at risk if any athlete involves himself/herself in betting.

Moreover, there is the danger that betting on sports can become compulsive. An addiction can develop. Below are the warning signs for which to watch.

Signs of a Compulsive Sports Gambler

excessive telephone bills to 900-number services
obsession with point spreads
unusual interest in obscure games
association with other sports bettors
shifting allegiances: for/against same team on different days
frequently hitting up friends or family for loans
extremely defensive when questioned about gambling behavior
debts, unpaid bills, financial troubles
going to others to get bailed out of desperate financial situations
after losing, eager to bet again to get even or ahead

(Source: "Don't Bet on It"; National Endowment for Financial Education and the National Collegiate Association, 1999)

If you or someone you know has one or more of the above characteristics, get help. The National Council on Problem Gambling National Helpline Number is 1-800-522-4700. Call for help!

So enjoy the games. Enjoy the excitement. Have fun with predections. AND - don't bet!

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, go to http://www.grmumc.org/

Post 12

2011-01-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

Sports Betting - NOT!

This week an unusual high school basketball game took place. Though the mega-favored team did win, their victory was managed only after three overtime periods and eventually countering the opposing team's relentless stalling strategy. Statistically unexpected, the final 38-31 score exhibited the losing team's possession drills that predominated their floor play.

We are in the midst of basketball season now. And every year, unusual stories surface about unexpected wins, unfortunate injuries, or illegal betting occurences. Although it may seem unnecessary to post reminders about the don'ts with regard to sports wagering by athletes, temptations do arise and very unfortunate consequences, sometimes, take place.

Whether an athlete (on any official team) is connected with high school, college, or professional sports, the no wagering policy holds. This means ...

NO bets on ANY official team sports events
NO sports pools: NONE!
NO internet gambling on sports
NO information sharing about your team to ANYONE who gambles: NOTHING! (including physical condition of players, team spirit, coaching and/or discipline issues, etc.)

Why the draconian NO's ? Here are quite possible consequences of sports betting by players:

sports career can end - at any level
expulsion from school: academic career can be severely jeopardized
personal humiliation
family humiliation
team humiliation
financial ruin
present and future employment status at risk
incarceration ... future employment at risk (again)
emotional turmoil and possible development of compulsive gambling problems

As with other personal situations of problem gambling, there are signs, also, to identify a compulsive sports gambler. My GRM Blog February Post will describe these signs for which to watch.

Enjoy the basketball season; don't bet; and stay safe!

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, go to http://www.grmumc.org/

2010-12-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

Post 11

Indeed … A Blessed Christmas to You!

In recent years, it seems that each December presents me with conversations about the upcoming holiday season. Yes, words of excitement and joyful anticipation are spoken – at times. However, it is, certainly, not uncommon to hear personal laments concerning the rush-rush-rush to amass gifts, decorations, and rich holiday foods.

In the midst of it all, I recall the Christmas, several years ago, when my father died. Unexpectedly Dad, almost 93 years old, broke his hip and passed on a few days later, right before Christmas. Hit by a monster blizzard, unexpectedly (again) conducting my own father’s funeral service, travel plans drastically altered … I didn’t care if there weren’t any decorations, stockings, tree, fruitcake, or even cookies. The calendar contained the date December 25 but it was like no other 12/25 experienced before.

That year reminded me, continuously, as we ploughed through the holiday season, of others – known and unknown – who suffer tragedy within their daily lives – regardless of any special date. Unfortunately, many folks are not immune to debilitating difficulties brought on by dysfunction. Families touched by addiction may even dread holidays deemed by society to be filled with happiness and love.

The families of compulsive gamblers (not yet in recovery) may very well anticipate the shutting off of electricity instead of a brightly lit Christmas tree. A loved one may be in prison for gambling offenses. A loved one may chose to gamble and not participate in a holiday event or gathering. Sadness, anger, fear … all may reign in the lives of those affected by compulsive gambling.

How then, can life be lived … special times remain special … blessings (of all kinds) be experienced – when dysfunction from compulsive gambling reaches into and impacts the lives of wives, husbands, children, siblings, and friends? Humbly, I offer the following suggestions – and pray that they may be of special help.

Contact Gam-Anon Phone: (718) 352-1671 and
Web Site: http://www.gam-anon.org/ for specific advice and real-life consultation with persons directly affected by compulsive gambling. They know what you are experiencing and they truly care.
Ask for spiritual help. Consult with a clergy person and ask specifically for prayer.
Be deliberate about involving all family members in a holiday project – especially one with a giving-to-others nature. Working in a community soup kitchen, reading together holiday literature selected at the library, or just saying holiday greetings to persons met in public: thus barriers of self-imposed isolation and feelings of aloneness can be broken.
Tailor-make limits and boundaries ahead of the special holiday so that expectations will be realistic to your setting. Don’t compare. Find excitement in celebrating your own unique context.
Look for and find the spiritual essence of your celebration. Attend a special service. Read holy literature. Say prayers for each other.

May God, indeed, bless you with divine love that affirms, strengthens, and brings you peace!

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit http://www.grmumc.org/

2010-10-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Post 10

More Federal Legislation ... in the Oven??

September's Blog carried a notice that the reality of legalized internet gambling may be just around the corner. H.R.2267 - the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act - passed out of House committee and would be headed for debate on the floor. (See Post 9, dated September 19, for more information on this proposed piece of legislation.)

Now, comes recent news that two other bills are bringing into focus further concerns with regard to gambling in America. H.R. 2906 proposes to amend the Public Health Service Act to specifically include problem and pathological gambling in programs of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Included, also, in this bill are provisions to establish a national program to address the harmful consequences of problem gambling.

The Senate's version of the House bill is S. 3418 - the Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act of 2010. Similarly, this bill proposes to amend the Public Health Service Act to include, in programs of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, programs to research, prevent, and address the harmful consequences of pathological and problem gambling.

What is important for all of us to know is that there are murmurings of concerted efforts to combine the House bills - in other words, to lump the legalization of internet gambling along with a national program to address harm resulting from compulsive gambling.

My question is WHY do these two very different pieces of legislation need to be under one heading? Surely, I am in favor of a national outreach that is designed to deal with the harmful consequences of problem/pathological gambling. This would indicate both a prevention focus and substantial help to those adversely affected by gambling addiction. Could not this focus of national dimension be significant enough to stand alone? Again, obviously, I think so.

However, the bill calling for the legalization of internet gambling opens up an entirely different category of concern. Once more, I ask: why should this be lumped with an entirely different piece of legislation? Most assuredly, there are distinctly, different camps of opinion on these two very different issues. (For consideration of red flags concerning internet gambling, see Post 9 of the GRM Blog.)

In addition, we need to be aware that these bills may very well be introduced during the Lame Duck Session following the elections in November. Representatives and Senators do pay attention to direct-to-their-offices phone calls and letters. Please, write/call your Congressional representatives and give them your opinion of such proposed legislation - and how these pieces should be officially presented. Your voice truly does count!

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues,
visit http://www.grmumc.org/

2010-09-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

Post 9

Legalized Internet Gambling Approaching Reality?

Will internet gambling soon become legal in our country? Most recently, the U.S. House of Representatives Finance Committee has caused a stir of debate and discussion over this topic. Eventually, H.R.2267 - the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act - passed out of committee. Introducing this bill, Representative Barney Frank defended it as he argued that the federal government's purpose is not to prevent individuals from making foolish legal purchases.

Still, there were amendments added in effort to provide potentially safer curbs to internet gambling. These additions to the bill are the following:

a provision stating that persons behind on child support payments will be blocked from legalized internet gambling by the sites themselves;
any sites that disregard U.S. laws, with respect to internet gambling, will be blocked from obtaining a license;
a database of statistics will be created; such a base will not reveal private information with regard to gamblers' identities.

H.R. 2267 will now move to the House floor for consideration and debate.

With this immediately in mind, let us take a moment to review certain key aspects of internet gambling that wave several, significant red flags of impending danger:

accessibility to gambling will become a 24-7/ no-need for transportation/ no-need for leaving home activity;
therefore, internet gambling may, very well, encourage secret betting and increased personal isolation;
many children have access to their parents' credit cards and many parents are unaware of their children's PC activities

Keep ears and eyes upon this bill. Contact your U.S. Representative.

Learn more about the dangers of internet gambling at:

http://www.800gambler.org/ArticleDetails.aspx?ContentID=53

http://www.800gambler.org/ArticleDetails.aspx?ContentID=12

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues,

visit http://www.grmumc.org/

2010-08-31T07:05:00.000-07:00

Post 8

School's In! Let the Gambling Begin??

Yellow buses roaming neighborhood streets, school parking lots full, back packs and lunch boxes on sale, and "Freshmen Welcome!": all signs that school is back in session. Then too, on college campuses, there are other indications of, once-again, student activity: abundant credit card applications, laptops in every dorm room, the shuffle of cards, and the jingling of poker chips in student gathering spots. Signs of on-campus gambling ... or, at least, fertile grounds for student gambling? You betcha.

But let's not limit this assumption to the college arena. Several years ago, a friend employed by a nearby school system, shared with me what had happened one day. After lunch, sixth graders had excitedly reported to him "Mr. ---, we've been gambling!" Of course, my friend passed on this communication with a prompt message to the principal. Turns out, the kids had been playing poker in the cafeteria for money. Gladly, I can share that there was follow-up by the administration to this incident.

An exceptionally rare event? Perhaps in some schools. Perhaps, not. Children may begin gambling as early as grade school age (age 10) and usually continue their gambling over a number of years. Keith Whyte, Director, National Council on Problem Gambling, observed in 2006, that “Approximately 70 percent of kids between the ages of 12 and 17 have gambled at least once in the past year. That’s the highest [percentage] in our nation’s history.” (Current Health 1, February 2006). That was more than four years ago. Have things changed since then? I welcome comments to this Blog in answer to that question.

On the college scene, the National Council on Problem Gambling reports the rate of gambling on sports by college students is twice as high as that of adults. Also noted by NCPG is that an estimated 30% of 18 million college students will gamble on sports this year alone (2007). Once more, that was three years ago ... Remember, gambling is not limited to sports betting. On-line gambling , with all of its built-in dangers, is quite accessible with over 2,000 websites and the point spread is highly publicized in the media. Of course, poker games may dot campasses like raindrops on a windshield during a thunder storm.

What then, are signs of a child/teen/young adult problem gambler? Mainly, look for the following:

* missing school, activities, or other events due to gambling
* grades dropping
* displays an intense interest in sports related literature or sporting events on TV
* makes a few calls a week to sports phone
* gambling jargon has increased during conversation
* large amounts of money or an exaggerated display of clothes or jewelry are shown
* gambles to escape worry or trouble
* family members or friends have noticed a change in personality (irritable, sarcastic) * money is heavily borrowed and some personal or family items are missing

Let us remember that this is the first generation of Indiana youth who have been exposed to legalized gambling and an array of advertising (for various gambling venues) throughout their lives. Youth who have an addiction to gambling are more likely to have:

(1) parents with gambling problems
(2) become involved in illegal activities
(3) experience suicidal thoughts

For information on treatment and support recovery groups, go to http://www.grmumc.org/

Post 7

2010-07-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Do You Know ...

about Indiana's Voluntary Exclusion Program?

Did you know that there are currently over 1,374 people in Indiana who are participating in the Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) from our State's casinos?

Word from the Indiana Problem Gambling Treatment Resource Network describes this program as one that allows individuals to self exclude from all Indiana casinos by completing just one form.

Below is the bare-bones information on enrollment and removal.

ENROLLMENT: A person may sign up at any Indiana casino or at the Indiana Gaming Commission office in Indianapolis for one year, five years, or lifetime exclusion.

The list of excluded persons is confidential. A Request for Voluntary Exclusion Form must be completed in person, witnessed by a gaming agent or staff member. Once enrolled, it is the responsibility of the VEP participant to stay away from gaming areas of the casinos.

REMOVAL: A person signed up for one or five years may request removal from the program at the expiration of that time period.

A Request for Removal Form must be completed in person, witnessed by a gaming agent or staff member. Pending Indiana Gaming Commission approval, the person will then be removed from the program.

You can obtain more information about this program at www.in.gov/gaming or by calling the Indiana Gaming Commission at (317) 234 - 3600.

For information on a brochure containing information on the VEP program contact the Division of Mental Health and Addiction: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration at (317) 232 - 7800 or www.in.gov/fssa/dmha

This can be a very motivating factor in helping gamblers to abstain from casino gambling!

Does anyone have success (or not) stories to share on the VEP Program?

For further information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit http://www.grmumc.org/

Post 6

2010-06-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

Compulsive Gambling: Isn't It Like Any Other Addiction?

Recently, I had a conversation with a person with a professional background in counseling. She shared that she had counseled problem gamblers and then finished the sentence exclaiming, An addiction is an addiction is an addiction! They are all the same. Believe me, it wasn't the first time I had heard such a pronouncement.

Interestingly, this will be a featured topic in our upcoming Gambling Recovery Ministries' newsletter, the grm Resource Center. For a sneak peak, I am including a few details that will be discussed in distinguishing compulsive gambling from substance abuse and chemical dependency. Keep in mind that problem gambling and other addictive behaviors can intermingle, possibly blunting the uniqueness of compulsive gambling.

While there is loss of control in all addictions, compulsive gambling is not self-limiting. It is not expected that excessive gambling would lead to intoxicated stupors.
Gambling is easier to hide: no track marks, alcohol on the breath, etc.
Children have a more difficult time understanding the compulsive gambling illness of their parents
The intensity of family anger is stronger with multiple secrecy issues associated with the gambler's misuse of money
There is less public awareness and acceptance of compulsive gambling as an illness

For these distinguishing differences and others, compulsive gambling is often considered less as a mental health issue - and more as an individual's moral weakness and problem. Unfortunately, when problem gambling is viewed only as a personal moral failing, treatment and support group therapy may not be regarded as viable options for the problem gambler's recovery. And that presents yet another difference between compulsive gambling and chemical dependency!

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit http://www.grmumc.org/

Post 5

2010-05-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Finding Those Materials on Problem Gambling

Starting out in 2001 - without ready access to printed materials on compulsive gambling - was a challenge. Now, nine years later, our GRM Resource Center's inventory, located at Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church (Aurora, IN), provides witness to years of collaborative sharing and steady creation. I cannot say enough about the generous sharing by colleagues acquainted through professional networking!

A great place to begin the search for material is the National Council on Problem Gambling (http://www.ncpgambling.org/) and the various State Councils on Problem (or Compulsive) Gambling. Check out Indiana (http://www.indianaproblemgambling.org/), Arizona (www.azcg.org/), Connecticut (http://www.ccpg.org/), Florida (http://www.gamblinghelp.org/), and Nevada (http://www.nevadacouncil.org/) to name a few. The New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling (http://www.800gambler.org/) has created a fantastic multi-grade curriculum for students; and the UCLA Gambling Studies Program(www.uclagamblingprogram.org/treatment.html) includes a self-help workbook entitled Freedom from Problem Gambling. Keep on looking through the different State Councils' web sites and you will discover quite a treasure trove!

A super source of information is the Shawnee Regional Prevention and Recovery Services, Inc.,(http://www.parstopeka.com/) of Topeka, KS. Then there is one of my favorites: the booklet, Pathological Gambling & Chemical Dependency, available through Project Turnabout/Vanguard in Granite Falls, MN (http://www.projectturnabout.com/) . Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon, also, have printed materials available on their web sites (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/) and (http://www.gam-anon.org/)

Moreover, the growing number of invitations to present GRM workshops has generated quite a variety of Gambling Recovery Ministries PowerPoints, handouts, and brochures. All are tailor-made to specific areas of focus: Teens, Women, Seniors, Developing Outreach,
A, B, C's of Problem Gambling, Spiritual Considerations, etc. For more information on GRM's free materials, call the Resource Center at (812) 926-1052.

If you have any questions about these resources and Gambling Recovery Ministries' materials, give us a call!

For more information about problem gambling, visit our GRM web site.

March and April 2010 Revisited!

2010-04-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Post 4

As I glance at the calendar, I am reminded that April is almost over and that March is already history! Indeed, these two months hosted several functions at which Gambling Recovery Ministries participated. As usual, the variety of opportunities to tell the good news of help and hope for those affected - directly and indirectly - by compulsive gambling ranged from providing information booths at health fairs, to workshops presented at professsional continuing education conferences, to pulpit presentations.

At the State of Ohio 2010 Perspectives in Problem Gambling Symposium, on March 10, I presented the Workshop "PROBLEM GAMBLING: A Practical Primer for Pastors and Faith-Based Counselors". This presentation included The Spiritual Arena of the Compulsive Gambler, Tips & Tools, and Lessons Learned. To a very interested audience, many topics were explored; and much appreciation was expressed by the attendees for the multiple handouts given on gambling addiction and recovery issues.

On April 6, I presented the Workshop "Teen Gambling: An Emerging Concern for a Healthier America" during the Annual State Conference of the Indiana Public Health Association and Indiana University Department of Applied Health Science. Again, the workshop participants showed much interest in the topic and much appreciation for the many handouts. Interestingly, a couple of attendees spoke about the prevalence of texting by today's teens. In the days following the conference, I thought about this and wondered if such a fast and easy mode of comunicating would become a growing factor in the ways that bet-placing might occur.

Then a recent report given on national television added more to my thoughts on this topic. Apparently, sending text messages is not only regarded as convenient and expedient but also it has become - for some teens - an everpresent, ongoing habit. The immediacy of a reply - again, for some - provides a heightened sense of pleasure. As a former teacher, I thought about the potential challenge of this kind of communication going on in the classroom. As a parent, I remembered how telephone calls could seem to make a teenager's day. As a pastor in addiction ministries, I contemplate the negative potential that texting might bring to the user who grows dependent on instant replies - and plenty of them. Could this become an addiction? As Director of Gambling Recovery Ministries, I question: could this, somehow, enhance an already growing other addiction or compulsive behavior?

Although these thoughts and questions may not have treatment answers to them, at the present, I believe that they serve as a reminder: a reminder NOT to underestimate the impact of something that could bring instant gratification - for any age.

Have you thoughts or concerns on this issue - or on other topics related to problem gambling and recovery? Let me hear from you with your comments to this Blog!

For more information on Problem Gambling go to http://www.grmumc.org/

Post 3

2010-02-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

Frontier Ministry

The initial funding from South Indiana Conference had come through – at least for the first year or two. I would keep on with the parish ministry, as well, while working to get Gambling Recovery Ministries up and running. So what should happen first? My District Superintendent said that we needed a Board of Directors – and that he would help with recruitment. Basically, it turned out to be an easy task. Our group was a committed one – fascinated with the challenge of outreach to persons affected by problem gambling ... and to creating something new.

We just didn’t know how new our ministry would be.

Of course, there were goals and a mission statement to put together. And so the work began. Initially, we figured there just had to be a similar ministry to problem gamblers: one that addressed gambling addiction with the basic focus of recovery. We would find out how such a ministry functioned – and then, simply pattern our efforts after this model. No such luck, we discovered quickly. (Dare, I use that word?)

Yes, there were treatment facilities and counseling agencies – though not many that specialized only in treating compulsive gamblers. And there were some ministries that included a focus on addictions, in general. Still, we continued to look for a single-focus type of outreach to gamblers and their families.

What we did find within church parishes, however, was the lack of informative resources about problem gambling recovery issues – and the lack of knowledge about gambling addiction, period.

What, then, were we to do on this frontier of ministry?

Not long after our first Board meeting, I decided to go directly to the experienced – those who knew compulsive gambling best – and who knew recovery, as well.

I picked up the phone and called the Gamblers Anonymous Hot Line in Cincinnati. As luck would have it, the GA volunteer manning the phone caught the vision of GRM – immediately - and invited me to an Open Meeting in the area. It turned out to be an event called a Pinning – a special celebration of abstinence from gambling by a GA member. I was moved. The evidence was clear: new life was being celebrated by both the gambler and the family members.

Nine years later, I am still moved. I continue to witness the recovery of gamblers – and their loved ones – through Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-A-Non, and treatment.

Still, there was much to be developed in GRM’s outreach to those affected by problem gambling. How could we effectively be of help to compulsive gamblers and their families? We continued to discover that in pioneering this new ministry ...

we had much to learn!

Post 2

2010-02-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

It was a cold and snowy night …

I closed Post 1 with a promise to explain GRM’s logo in the next entry. As mentioned before, there is a story behind this! While you read on, you might take an occasional glance at the logo. Most likely, by story’s end, you will be able to see how the symbolism in the logo matches our narrative.

In the beginning … and even before the story begins

It had been an exciting five years for Quercus Grove United Methodist Church in rural Switzerland County, Indiana. God’s assurance of provision and guidance had embodied their expanding food pantry ministry right from the start. It was not only a surprise to this congregation, numbering 30-some in membership, to be asked to provide the only food bank in the county, but also, it proved to be an amazing – and rewarding - stretch of faith to all involved. The two room church without plumbing turned into a multi-building site housing kitchen and bathroom facilities, modest warehouses, and a grocery free-store. South Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church supplied two portable buildings; food poured in from a variety of unexpected sources; and church members from other neighboring congregations helped during the monthly Food Pantry Sundays. The Feeding of the Multitudes gospel story took on deeper levels of revelation for the Quercus Grove faithful as their ministry grew far beyond expectation.

January 2001

Encouraged by such renewed energy and growth, a Conference Staff member and my District Superintendent invited me – as Quercus Grove’s pastor – to meet with them over dinner one wintry evening in January 2001. Basically, we met to talk about further outreach possibilities in the southeast corner of the State. During dessert, the lady turned to me and said, “Janet, you have lived in this area for quite a long time; and you have seen the riverboat casinos come. Have you heard any stories of persons who have been affected by problem gambling? Indeed, local talk contained this information and I shared a couple of the stories. Then she asked what has become known as …

THE question:

What are the churches doing about it?

In other words, what are the churches doing to reach out to persons

affected, directly and/or indirectly, by gambling addiction?

Although I could give examples of persons debilitated by compulsive gambling, I had no answer for her second question. Soon the two began talking about developing a new ministry – one that would reach out to problem gamblers and their loved ones. The more they talked, the quieter I became. Finally, my DS turned to me and announced:

“We even have a Director for this new ministry!

And she is … Rev. Janet Jacobs!” To be honest, I wanted to flee.

Although I found recovery stories from other addictions to be compelling, accounts describing compulsive gamblers repulsed me. That evening, it was my earnest hope that this dinner conversation would soon be forgotten, once we returned to our homes.

Instead, that snowy evening marked the beginning

of what was to become Gambling Recovery Ministries. Intrigued and inspired, South Indiana Conference Council on Ministries Director, suggested the new ministry’s name. At Annual Conference, in June, funding from South Indiana Conference was approved to start this new outreach.

The months following GRM’s official beginning, were filled with organizational steps and much learning about disordered gambling and recovery issues. Each step we took seemed like a crossroad, progressively moving us into ministry with hurting people, devastated by gambling addiction. During these initial steps, the personal motivation, that I was, at first, sorely lacking, began increasingly to build - to create and grow this unique ministry to problem gamblers and their loved ones.

Ahead of us and by our side, God

opened doors and provided opportunities for us to traverse each new crossroad and continue to take the steps essential in developing the ministry. We counted on the Holy Spirit’s leadings and steady direction!

The Flames:

God’s Holy Spirit surrounds the path GRM continues to take

in reaching out

to problem gamblers and their families.

The Cross:

Christ’s love for all overarches

each

step of ministry we take,

crossroad we meet,

and decision we make.

Next Post: A Frontier Ministry!

For warning signs of problem gambling, visit our web site.

Welcome!

2010-01-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

Greetings and welcome to the initial Post of Gambling Recovery Ministries’ Blog! As Director – and founder – of Gambling Recovery Ministries (otherwise known as GRM), I will be writing posts on a variety of topics about compulsive gambling. Included will be stories of GRM’s beginnings, how we ever got started, and lessons learned.

With total respect for anonymity, I will share insights gained from meeting and becoming friends with persons in recovery. And you’ll find bite-sized bits of research learned at professional conferences on problem gambling too. Also, I’ll keep you posted on GRM’s latest steps in outreach to problem gamblers and their loved ones.

At Gambling Recovery Ministries’ onset, I knew very little about compulsive gambling – and even less about treatment resources and recovery issues. That was 2001. Much has been learned in eight years!

A high priority was – and continues to be – learning, learning, learning about gambling addiction. Completing Indiana’s 60 hour State training on compulsive gambling treatment issues and attending numerous conferences, lead me on the training/teaching path. In recent years, GRM has presented continuing education workshops on local, State, regional, national and international levels for mental health professionals and clergy. We have even put on three training conferences!

Most importantly, GRM works with individuals seeking recovery. We provide referral information and – what I call - supportive consultation. In fact, this help extends to both the gambler and his/her loved ones. Our aim is to give information about problem gambling and point the way to treatment and support groups. People literally leave the GRM Office and Resource Center with bags full of literature!

GRM provides spiritual support, as well. The word Ministries in GRM means just that. We are open to persons of all faiths – and to those who are not faith-based. We provide prayer, when requested; and there have been wondrous answers to prayers said. Then too, there is free-range discussion on faith issues relating to addiction. Among the recovery materials are faith-based helps, also.

As we take this new step of blogging, I invite you to travel with us too. Ask questions, post comments, share information! Post 2 will explain GRM’s logo, as viewed in this Blog. There is a story behind this – definitely. Look carefully: perhaps, you will be able to figure out part of the story already!

Blessings,
Janet

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Director, Gambling Recovery Ministries
Indiana Conference Advance Special
The United Methodist Church