Self-help Guides for the Problem Gambler
Self-help Guides for the Problem Gambler
Blaszczynski, Alex. (1998). Overcoming Compulsive Gambling: A Self-help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques. London, UK: Robinson Publishing Ltd.
This self-help manual is an excellent resource for gamblers, their family and friends, and counsellors. A background in problem gambling and a complete program with monitoring sheets are clearly and resourcefully presented. The easy-to-follow treatment program is based upon the precepts of cognitive therapy techniques.
Estes, Ken & Brubaker, Mike. (1994). Deadly Odds: Recovery from Compulsive Gambling. Toronto ON: Parkside Publishing Corporation.
This book has been written for the gambler and offers inspiring personal accounts of problem gamblers in a narrative format. Subjects covered include lotteries, casinos, bingo, sports betting by men and women gamblers. Recovery resources for the gambler and the family are also outlined.
Goodman, Robert. (1995). The Luck Business: The Devastating Consequences and Broken Promises of America’s Gambling Explosion. New York, NY: The Free Press.
Written by the director of the United States Gambling Study in 1992, this book poses question about the future of gambling such as government’s dependence on gambling, economic benefits and political agendas and attempts to answer these through the in-depth study presented in this book. This book is useful for those desiring an understanding of the gaming industry in North America.
Gudgeon, Chris. (1995). Luck of the Draw.
Scarborough, ON: Prentice Hall Canada Inc.
This is a light, fast-passed look at stories of those who have won bingo and lotteries and those who have not. In a witty and informative manner, this book covers subjects such as the history of various games, the players, casinos, the business of gambling and practical advice from the perspective of the ordinary Canadian. This book is geared towards the consumer who enjoys a good bingo game.
Heineman, Mary. (1993). When Someone You Love Gambles. In the Recovery from Compulsive Gambling Series. Centre City, Minnesota:
Hazelden Educational Materials.
A short booklet that addresses issues that families of problem gamblers face such as identifying the effects of problem gambling in the family, denial and getting support.
Heineman, Mary. (1993). When Someone You Love Gambles.
In the Recovery from Compulsive Gambling Series. Centre City, Minnesota: Hazelden Educational Materials.
A short booklet that addresses issues that families of problem gamblers face such as identifying the effects of problem gambling in the family, denial and getting support.
Lorenz, Valerie. (1993). Releasing Guilt About Gambling. In the Recovery from Compulsive Gambling Series. Centre City, Minnesota:
Hazelden Educational Materials.
A short booklet that addresses a central issue in the recovery of problem gambling as it explains the destructive emotions such as fear, anger and rejection that often accompany guilt. Approaches to resolving guilt are outlined.
Kennerley, H. (1997). Overcoming Anxiety: A Self-help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques. London: Robinson Publishing.
A great deal of anxiety often accompanies those working through their gambling problem. This is a guidebook to help those overwhelmed by anxiety deal with the roots of their fears and take control. This easy-to-follow program for recovery founded upon clinically proven cognitive therapy-based methods, is a useful resource for the recovering problem gambler.
Moody, Gordon. (1990). Quit Compulsive Gambling: The Action Plan for Gamblers and their Families. London, UK: Thorsons.
This book offers personal accounts of gamblers, the impact excessive gambling has had on their lives and the lives of their families. The effectiveness of Gambler’s Anonymous, Gam-Anon and Parents of Young Gamblers is illustrated. This book is suitable for gamblers and those working with gamblers.
Ross, Gary. (1987). Stung: The Incredible Obsession of Brian Molony. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing Co. Limited.
This book conveys a true-life account of a Canadian man and his gambling addiction involving racetrack betting, sports betting and various casino games. As an eye-opening view into the life of a gambler, this book helps all those who seek to assist gamblers in overcoming their problem and want an understanding of gambling can take over an individual’s life. Gamblers will also find this book useful as they relate their experience to those of another.
Stanton Peele, Archie Brodsky & Mary Arnold. (1992). The Truth About Addiction and Recovery, the Life process program for outgrowing destructive habits. New York, NY: Fireside Publishing.
Peel and Brodsky pull together years of research to refute the claim that addictions are biologically based diseases that last a lifetime. Addictions are examined within the context of peoples’ lives and it is advocated that addictive behaviour is a coping strategy with situational stress. The authors conclude with a discussion bearing the final message that addictive behaviour can be overcome without medical treatment or 12-step group programs.
Toneatto, T. and Dragonetti, R. (1996). Help Yourself: a Guide to Solving Your Problem Gambling. Toronto ON: Addiction Research Foundation.
Therapists using Help Yourself take on the role of facilitator during an 8-week process where the client works through the guide independently. This resource is designed for the clients who prefer addressing their problem gambling with minimal assistance. Clients should be able to contact their counsellors at any time during the process. The guide sets out a daily self-monitoring and exercise schedule.
