Support Resources (India-Specific)

Getting Help in India

If you’re struggling with problem gambling in India, help is available. This guide provides India-specific resources, helplines, and support services to assist you or someone you care about.

Immediate Help

If You’re in Crisis

If you’re experiencing:

Suicidal thoughts
Severe depression or anxiety
Financial crisis due to gambling
Relationship breakdown

Seek immediate help:

Emergency Services: 108 (ambulance) or 100 (police)
Crisis Helplines: Contact mental health crisis services
Local Hospital: Visit emergency department if needed
Trusted Person: Reach out to a family member or friend

National Support Organizations

Gambling Addiction Support Groups

Anonymous Support Groups

Gamblers Anonymous (GA): Support groups for people with gambling problems
- Format: 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous
- Meetings: In-person and online meetings available
- Contact: Search for local GA chapters in your city
- Website: Check for India-specific GA resources

Gam-Anon (For Families)

Purpose: Support for family and friends of problem gamblers
Format: Support groups and meetings
Help: Learn how to support loved ones without enabling

Mental Health Organizations

National Mental Health Resources

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)
- Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
- Services: Treatment for gambling addiction and mental health issues
- Contact: +91-80-2699-5000
- Website: nimhans.ac.in
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
- Locations: Multiple cities across India
- Services: Mental health and addiction treatment
- Contact: Varies by location

State-Specific Resources

Maharashtra

Mumbai: Multiple counseling centers and support groups
Pune: Mental health clinics and addiction treatment centers
Contact: Local mental health departments

Karnataka

Bangalore: NIMHANS and other treatment centers
Support Groups: GA meetings and counseling services

Delhi

AIIMS Delhi: Comprehensive mental health services
Private Clinics: Specialized addiction treatment centers

Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Mental health and addiction treatment services
Support Groups: Local GA chapters

Note: Resources vary by state. Contact local mental health departments or search for “gambling addiction treatment [your city]” for specific resources.

Online Support Resources

International Resources (Available in India)

GamCare

Services: Free advice and support for problem gambling
Website: gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: Available online
Language: English
Note: International service, available to Indian users

Gambling Therapy

Services: Free multilingual support
Website: gamblingtherapy.org
Language: Multiple languages including English
Format: Online support, chat, and resources

BeGambleAware

Services: Information and support resources
Website: begambleaware.org
Resources: Educational materials and self-help tools

Indian Online Resources

Mental Health Platforms

1to1help.net: Online counseling services
YourDOST: Mental health support platform
iCall: Psychosocial helpline (Tata Institute of Social Sciences)

Helplines and Hotlines

Mental Health Helplines

National Helplines

Vandrevala Foundation: 1860-2662-345 / 1800-2333-330
- Services: 24/7 mental health support
- Language: English, Hindi, and regional languages
iCall Helpline: 022-2552-1111
- Services: Psychosocial support
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 10 PM
- Language: English, Hindi, Marathi
AASRA: 91-9820466726
- Services: Suicide prevention and emotional support
- Hours: 24/7
- Language: English, Hindi

State-Specific Helplines

Contact your state’s mental health department or search for local crisis helplines in your area.

Professional Treatment Options

Counseling and Therapy

Types of Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Effective for gambling addiction
Motivational Interviewing: Helps build motivation to change
Family Therapy: Addresses family dynamics related to gambling
Group Therapy: Support from others facing similar challenges

Finding a Therapist

Search: “gambling addiction therapist [your city]”
Mental Health Clinics: Contact local mental health centers
Private Practitioners: Look for therapists specializing in addiction
Online Therapy: Consider teletherapy options

Treatment Centers

Inpatient Treatment

Residential Programs: Intensive treatment for severe cases
Duration: Typically 30-90 days
Services: Therapy, support groups, life skills training

Outpatient Treatment

Regular Sessions: Weekly or bi-weekly therapy
Flexibility: Allows you to maintain daily responsibilities
Support Groups: Regular group meetings

Self-Help Resources

Books and Materials

Gamblers Anonymous Literature: Available through GA
Self-Help Guides: Online resources and workbooks
Educational Materials: Understanding gambling addiction

Online Tools

Self-Assessment Tests: Evaluate your gambling behavior
Budgeting Tools: Manage finances and track spending
Mindfulness Apps: Manage stress and cravings
Recovery Apps: Track progress and set goals

Support for Families

Resources for Family Members

Information and Education

Understanding Problem Gambling: Learn about the condition
How to Help: Guidelines for supporting loved ones
Setting Boundaries: Protect yourself while helping
Financial Protection: Steps to protect family finances

Support Groups

Gam-Anon: Support groups for families
Family Therapy: Professional support for families
Online Forums: Connect with other families

How to Help a Loved One

Educate yourself: Learn about problem gambling
Express concern: Share your observations calmly
Offer support: Help them find resources
Set boundaries: Don’t enable gambling
Take care of yourself: Seek support for yourself
Be patient: Recovery takes time

Financial Support Resources

Debt Management

Credit Counseling: Help managing gambling-related debt
Debt Consolidation: Options for managing multiple debts
Financial Planning: Rebuild financial stability

Legal Resources

Legal Aid: If gambling has led to legal issues
Consumer Protection: Understanding your rights
Debt Recovery: Legal options for debt management

Cultural and Language Considerations

Multilingual Support

English: Widely available
Hindi: Available in many services
Regional Languages: Varies by location and service
Translation Services: Some services offer translation

Cultural Sensitivity

Family Dynamics: Understanding Indian family structures
Stigma: Addressing cultural stigma around mental health
Community Support: Leveraging community resources
Religious Resources: Some find support through faith communities

Prevention and Education

Educational Resources

School Programs: Gambling awareness in schools
Community Workshops: Public education events
Online Courses: Self-paced learning about responsible gambling

Awareness Campaigns

Public Health Campaigns: Government and NGO initiatives
Media Awareness: Articles and programs about problem gambling
Social Media: Educational content and support communities

Getting Started

Steps to Get Help

Acknowledge the problem: Recognize that you need help
Reach out: Contact a helpline or support organization
Seek professional help: Find a therapist or counselor
Join support groups: Connect with others
Use self-help tools: Access online resources
Involve family: Get support from loved ones (if appropriate)
Stay committed: Recovery is a process

What to Expect

Initial Assessment: Evaluation of your situation
Treatment Plan: Personalized plan for recovery
Regular Sessions: Ongoing support and therapy
Progress Tracking: Monitoring your recovery
Relapse Prevention: Strategies to maintain recovery

Confidentiality and Privacy

Your Privacy is Protected

Confidential Services: Most services are confidential
No Judgment: Support without judgment or stigma
Anonymous Options: Some services offer anonymous support
Legal Protection: Privacy laws protect your information

Cost Considerations

Free Resources

Helplines: Usually free
Support Groups: Typically free or low-cost
Online Resources: Free educational materials
Government Services: Some free public health services

Paid Services

Private Therapy: Costs vary by provider
Treatment Centers: Varies by program
Insurance: Check if your insurance covers treatment
Sliding Scale: Some providers offer reduced fees

Conclusion

Help is available for problem gambling in India. Whether you need immediate support, professional treatment, or ongoing resources, there are options to assist you on your path to recovery.

Remember:

You’re not alone in facing this challenge
Help is available and effective
Recovery is possible
Taking the first step is the most important

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, don’t wait—reach out for help today.

Related Resources:

Important: If you’re in immediate crisis, contact emergency services (108 or 100) or a crisis helpline right away.