Your First Step to Change: A Gambling-Free Weekend

Each May, we host a free weekend retreat for problem gamblers in early recovery and a loved one (approximately 20 people total) who are struggling with gambling addiction and who demonstrate an interest in recovery. Workshops are facilitated by trained problem gambling specialists and peer leaders.

Topics addressed include:

• Decision-Making
• No Betting No Matter What
• Co-Occurring Disorders
• Support Systems
• Whose Problem is it Anyway?
• Money and Debt

Meditative activities, yoga, and self-help meetings are also offered. To get a better idea of the event, view the 2019 Weekend Retreat Agenda.

Why Participate in the Weekend Retreat?

It may seem overwhelming to dedicate and entire weekend to discussing gambling disorder and recovery, but participants can tell you the Weekend Retreat can be life-changing. Peg and Leonard, have been

involved with the Council since 2014 when they attended “The First Step to Change” weekend retreat for people with gambling disorder and their loved ones. Peg notes, “it can take many, many ‘first steps’ to feel that one has actually arrived at the starting point” of the recovery process, but the retreat can be an important part of early recovery because it provides tools not just for the people struggling with gambling disorder, but for their supporters.

How to Apply

There are a limited number of full scholarships for the Weekend Retreat, valued at $2,500, which covers the cost of the room, all meals, workshops and clinical consultation. Our 2020 Retreat scheduled for May has been cancelled. 

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