Gambling Addiction Help in Michigan
Though marketed and presented as a way to get entertained, gambling is not just fun and games. Often, participating adults find themselves with a gambling problem because of how the reward system works in the brain.
It is not uncommon for gamblers to have trouble regulating when they gamble, how much they put on the line, or even why they gamble. During such crises, the problem must be identified and addressed.
In this article, we are looking at what responsible gambling entails, some rules to follow to avoid the pitfalls, and resources for gambling addiction help Michigan to ensure gambling remains a form of entertainment and nothing else.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling is a concept built around the understanding that we should gamble only as a way to entertain ourselves rather than a way to make money or feel fulfilled. When discussing responsible gambling, we emphasize the importance of individuals knowing and managing the risks associated with gambling.
Responsible gambling relies on the player looking at winning as a bonus, not the game’s objective, with losses kept within the individual’s financial means. That is why the advice is always to bet only money you can afford to lose.
It is crucial also to acknowledge that not all individuals will find it easy to stick with these principles, which puts them at risk of developing problem gambling.
Knowing the significance of responsible gambling, the law mandates the availability of gambling addiction help in Michigan. It involves a slew of shareholders all over the industry, including casinos, operators, service providers, and suppliers.
Michigan Problem Gambling Meetings
| Location | Type | Weekday | Time | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomfield Hills G.A. | Open Meeting | Monday | 7:00 PM | Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church 5631 N. Adams Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48304 | Social distancing North of Long Lake |
| Escanaba G.A. | Open Meeting | Monday | 6:00-7:00 PM | Central United Methodist Church 322 S. Lincoln Road Escanaba, MI, 49829 | Room 9 |
| Goodrich G.A. | Closed Meeting | Monday | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Goodrich United Methodist Church 8071 S. State Street Goodrich, MI, 48438 | |
| Grand Rapids G.A. | Open Meeting | Monday | 7:00 PM | St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 1934 52nd Street SE Grand Rapids, MI, 49508 | |
| L’ Anse G.A. | Open Meeting | Monday | 7:00 PM | Old Scoops Building 804 N. Main Street L’ Anse, MI, 49946 | Downstairs |
| Lansing G.A. | Closed Meeting | Monday | 7:00 PM | Sycamore Church 2200 Lake Lansing Road Lansing, MI, 48912 | West of 127 |
| Livonia G.A. | Closed Meeting | Monday | 7:30 PM | Emmanuel Lutheran Church 34567 Seven Mile Rd. Livonia, MI, 48152 | Meeting is in the Charity Room |
| Mount Pleasant G.A. | Open Meeting | Monday | 6:30-8:00 PM | St. John’s Episcopal Church 206 W. Maple St. Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 | Enter through the red door at 516 S. Washington St. |
| Traverse City G.A.* | Open Meeting | Monday | 6:30-8:00 PM | Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1050 Peninsula Drive Traverse City, MI, 49686 | Step Meeting 2nd Monday of month Open Meeting 1st week of month |
| Birmingham G.A. | Closed Meeting | Tuesday | 7:00 PM | Embury United Methodist Church 1803 East Fourteen Mile Road Birmingham, MI, 48009 | One block East of Woodward |
| Saginaw G.A. | Open Meeting | Tuesday | 6:30 PM | Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 5376 State St. Saginaw, MI, 48603 | |
| Trenton G.A. | Open Meeting | Tuesday | 7:00 PM | St. Thomas Episcopal Church 2441 Nichols Trenton, MI, 48183 | Basement – Enter thru side door. Parking on the side of the church. |
| Ann Arbor G.A. | Open Meeting | Wednesday | 8:00 PM | Washtenaw Alano Club 995 North Maple Road Ann Arbor, MI, 48103 | |
| Hudsonville G.A. | Open Meeting | Wednesday | 10:00 AM | Evergreen Ministries 4512 48th Avenue Hudsonville, MI, 49426 | Location recommends masks |
| Lansing G.A. | Open Meeting | Wednesday | 7:00 PM | Sycamore Church 2200 Lake Lansing Road Lansing, MI, 48912 | |
| Roseville G.A. | Open Meeting | Wednesday | 7:30 PM | 27700 Gratiot Roseville, MI, 48066 | Parking is behind. Enter through red doors at rear of building. |
| Manistee G.A. | Closed Meeting | Thursday | 7:00 PM | Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 521 Cypress Street Manistee, MI, |
Attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings can be beneficial for problem gamblers for several reasons:
- Support: It provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences with others who are going through similar situations. It can be comforting to know that you are not alone in your struggles and that there are others who understand what you are going through.
- Accountability: Attending meetings can help problem gamblers be more accountable for their actions. Sharing their experiences with others can help them be more honest about their gambling habits and encourage them to be more responsible.
- Coping skills: Meetings often provide coping skills and strategies for dealing with urges to gamble. Gamblers may learn practical techniques to manage their impulses and avoid relapse.
- Positive reinforcement: Members of the group will often congratulate each other on their successes and milestones, which can be a great source of motivation and encouragement.
Overall, attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings can help individuals with gambling problems overcome their addiction by providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment where they can learn from others and develop new coping skills.
Responsible and Problem Gambling Resources in Michigan
In an emergency or when specialized attention is needed, you can call a Michigan gambling help hotline Some of the organizations known to offer problem gamblers help in Michigan include:
Michigan Association on Problem Gambling
The Michigan Association on Problem Gambling offers a range of educational materials, support groups, and counseling services to promote responsible gambling practices and address problem gambling behaviors specific to the Michigan community.
Health Management Systems of America Gambling Treatment Program
The Gambling Treatment Program provided by Health Management Systems of America offers comprehensive assessments, personalized treatment plans, and counseling services tailored to the specific needs of each individual, providing a path toward recovery and responsible gambling behavior.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals on a journey to overcome addiction. Through support group meetings, sharing personal experiences, and a twelve-step program, Gamblers Anonymous provides a safe and understanding environment for individuals wanting to break free.
NFCC.org
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling offers guidance and resources for individuals facing financial challenges, including problem gambling-related problems. They provide financial counseling, debt management strategies, and assistance rebuilding one’s financial health.
Michigan’s Disassociated Persons List
Michigan’s Disassociated Persons List is a valuable tool for individuals who recognize the need to self-exclude from gambling activities. It is a crucial step towards regaining control over their gambling behavior and fostering responsible behavior choices.
Gam-Anon
Gam-Anon is a support group specifically designed for the family and friends of individuals affected by problem gambling. The environment allows those individuals to share their experiences, gain insights, and find emotional support from others who understand the challenges of living with someone struggling with gambling addiction.
National Resources for Responsible Gambling
Michigan gamblers are not limited to just Michigan gambling help and can get help from nationwide organizations. Here are the most well-known ones:
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is a prominent national organization that addresses problem gambling issues across the United States. They provide comprehensive resources, including a helpline, support groups, educational materials, and awareness campaigns.
The NCPG plays a pivotal role in promoting responsible gambling practices, raising awareness about the risks of gambling disorders, and facilitating access to treatment and support services for individuals and their families.
The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) is a leading institution committed to advancing scientific research and knowledge about gambling-related behaviors. Through their funding and support, the NCRG promotes innovative research projects that explore the causes, prevention, and treatment of gambling disorders.
Their work informs evidence-based approaches to responsible gambling practices, ensuring that both the gambling industry and individuals have access to the latest insights and resources to mitigate the risks associated with gambling.
Rules for Responsible Gambling
In Michigan, players will find many resources from The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services intended to help them in various ways. Among these resources is a set of rules that help bettors gamble responsibly and have fun doing it.
The set of 12 tips includes:
- Not for profit: Gambling is all about entertainment, not a get-rich-quick scheme. The odds are rarely in your favor, so approach it with the mindset of enjoying the experience rather than chasing elusive riches.
- Entertainment cost: Instead of viewing your gambling expenditure as money lost, consider it the expense of having a good time. Treat it as a cost of entertainment, just like going to a concert or dining out.
- Mix it up: Expand your horizons beyond gambling online Michigan and engage in various leisure activities. Explore new hobbies, watch movies, or join a local sports team. Taking breaks from gambling can reignite your enthusiasm when you return to it.
- Bring friends: Bring your pals along for the ride! It enhances enjoyment, and friends act as a support system, helping each other maintain healthy boundaries.
- Remain realistic: Never gamble with money that is earmarked for essential expenses. The belief that you can recover losses through more gambling can lead to serious problems when your bills come knocking.
- Avoid ATMs: Avoid the temptation of frequent ATM visits, as it can swiftly transform a night of entertainment into a financial setback. Stay mindful of your spending limits.
- Don’t bet belongings: When your gambling funds run dry, it’s time to call it quits. Resist the urge to gamble with personal possessions, as it only leads to regret and potential loss.
- Know your limits: Establish clear limits for both money and time. Determine the amount of cash you’re comfortable spending on entertainment before entering a casino. Once you reach that limit, it’s a sign to stop. Additionally, keep track of time, as it’s easy to lose yourself in the thrill of gambling.
- Never borrow money: If you can’t afford to gamble without using loans or handouts, it’s a sign that it’s beyond your means. Never borrow money for gambling.
- Take 5’: Take regular breaks during your gambling sessions. Stepping away from the action refreshes your mind and helps prolong your enjoyment.
- Check yourself: When you’re stressed or down, the risk of excessive gambling increases. Exercise caution during these periods and consider alternative forms of entertainment, like watching a funny movie with a friend, to uplift your spirits.
- Be careful with alcohol: Complimentary drinks while gambling can impair your judgment. Understand your alcohol tolerance and drink responsibly. Being mindful of your limits ensures sound decision-making and responsible behavior.