Addressing the Urgent Need - Rise Above Gambling's Mission to Provide Gambling Addiction Treatment in Ontario

Rise Above Gambling is a Canadian not-for-profit organization currently in the process of obtaining charitable status. The pressing need for gambling addiction treatment in Ontario is undeniable, and Rise Above Gambling is dedicated to filling the significant gap that exists in this area.

The organization is dedicated to raising funds for the establishment of Ontario's inaugural facility that specifically caters only to the treatment of gambling addiction. This facility will offer a comprehensive range of services including inpatient care, outpatient programs, virtual care support, and personalized assistance, as detailed below.

Presently, the province suffers from a significant lack of resources and support for individuals struggling with compulsive gambling. Many find themselves ensnared in a sense of hopelessness, with limited support options and a track record of unsuccessful recovery endeavors.

From Desperation to Liberation: A New Chapter for Ontario's Gamblers

Recovering from a gambling addiction is an arduous journey, with statistics from  Gamblers Anonymous research suggesting that only approximately 3% of individuals who enter Gamblers Anonymous rooms achieve a year of abstinence. Given these discouraging recovery rates, there is an urgent need for a dedicated group and facility to provide the necessary support to compulsive gamblers in Ontario.

Often, gamblers are reluctant or unable to seek help until they have hit rock bottom. This mindset needs to change. The consequences of gambling addiction can be catastrophic, leading to divorce, legal issues, fraud, damaged relationships, and even suicide. Compulsive gambling has the highest suicide rate among all addictions Additionally, it is not uncommon for compulsive gamblers to resort to lying, cheating, and stealing to fuel their addiction when they run out of funds and are driven by an insatiable desire to continue gambling.

Nevertheless, the devastating repercussions of gambling addiction can be avoided, and they should not be viewed as an inevitable part of a gambler's journey. Rise Above Gambling is committed to staffing its facility with the most highly qualified professionals in the world, individuals who possess not only the necessary expertise but also firsthand experience with gambling addiction.

No one comprehends the struggles of a compulsive gambler better than someone who has gone through it themselves. Our goal is to provide an unparalleled facility, the first of its kind, where leading experts in the field of gambling addiction treatment and recovery are supplemented by individuals who have walked the same path. By combining professional knowledge and lived experience, we aim to guide others toward a path of recovery with unparalleled effectiveness.

Inpatient Residential Gambling Treatment in Ontario

During the early stages of recovery, many individuals find it nearly impossible to resist the urge to gamble, even for a short period of time, let alone forever. Despite the negative consequences, the grip of addiction is so strong that abstinence may seem unattainable.

The demand for a residential rehab treatment facility in Ontario is incredibly high and urgent. While there is currently one commendable program in Windsor dedicated to gambling addiction, it is insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand across the province. It is worth acknowledging and praising the existing program for its effectiveness. However, the reality is that this single facility cannot adequately address the needs of all those seeking residential rehab specifically for gambling addiction.

Unfortunately, the options for residential rehab in Ontario are scarce, particularly for those who cannot afford the substantial costs associated with private facilities, which often reach six figures. Moreover, even the available private facilities do not exclusively focus on gambling addiction, further exacerbating the lack of dedicated gambling treatment options.

Our objective is to collaborate with the Ontario government to establish a residential rehab facility that specializes in gambling addiction. We strive to have our facility recognized and covered by OHIP, ensuring that every compulsive gambler in need of inpatient residential treatment can access the support necessary to embark on a journey toward a better life.

While acknowledging that recovery is a lifelong journey and there is no magical solution to overcoming gambling addiction, a brief stay in residential rehab can serve as a crucial catalyst. Inpatient treatment provides an immersive experience that helps individuals build the solid foundations necessary for their recovery journey, equipping them with lifelong skills and tools.

Addressing the Neglected Need for Personalized Support in Gambling Addiction

The demand for personalized one-on-one and group support for compulsive gamblers is incredibly high, yet the availability of such support is nearly nonexistent. While a few programs offer problem gambling services, the frequency of one-on-one attention required to effectively address a gambling addiction is lacking.

Our intention is to provide the necessary individual therapy and support that delves into the root causes of gambling addiction. Many individuals grappling with compulsive gambling have underlying deep-rooted trauma, anxiety, depression, limiting beliefs, and other character-level values that must be brought to the surface and resolved in order to facilitate recovery and break free from the allure of gambling. While one step in Gamblers Anonymous addresses gambling itself, the other eleven steps focus on developing healthier ways of thinking, living, and cultivating progressive character change. We aim to make individual therapy readily accessible to address these underlying issues and help individuals identify and rectify the root causes that lead them to escape into the world of gambling or become addicted to the associated action and dopamine rush.

Moreover, we aspire to offer outpatient support groups that complement the services provided by Gamblers Anonymous. These groups will be founded and directed by leading experts in the field, including individuals with personal experience, ensuring that they are world-class and as effective as possible in aiding recovery.

Access for All: Virtual Solutions for Ontario's Gamblers in Need

In addition, we are committed to providing a comprehensive Virtual Intensive Rehabilitation Program, as well as virtual one-on-one therapy sessions and group support. Recognizing that everyone's life circumstances and commitments vary, our aim is to ensure that every individual in Ontario facing a gambling addiction has access to the necessary resources. With the evolving landscape and the significant transition to a virtual world, it is only fitting that all our services be made available in a virtual format as well.

Leaving No Gambler Behind: Join Our Efforts to Provide Help for All

Our mission is to ensure that no gambler is left without the necessary support, particularly those grappling with gambling addiction. The establishment of a long-overdue treatment facility is a top priority for us, and we are determined to turn this vision into a reality as soon as possible in order to meet the pressing need.

The surge in gambling operators, pervasive gambling advertisements, and the increased accessibility of gambling since April 4, 2022, demand an equal if not greater response in terms of support for addicts. Shockingly, a mere 2% of all gamblers account for 80% of operator revenue, highlighting the significant profits derived from compulsive gamblers. Yet, the level of support available to help these individuals falls significantly short. It is time to change this narrative, and we invite you to join us in making a difference.

Together, we can ensure that adequate support systems are in place for those in need. Your contribution can help us bring about the necessary change and provide a brighter future for compulsive gamblers.

Join the Cause: Ways to Get Involved with Rise Above Gambling's Mission

Your support is vital, and there are numerous ways you can contribute. Whether through donations, fundraising efforts, volunteering, or participating in events as a host or attendee, you can play a crucial role in making all of this possible. It is imperative that we unite as citizens of Ontario to combat the gambling epidemic and ensure that no compulsive gambler is left without the assistance they need.

To offer your help and support in any capacity, please visit our website at riseabovegambling.ca. Together, we can make a difference and provide a brighter future for those struggling with gambling addiction.

About Rise Above Gambling

Rise Above Gambling (RAG) is a distinguished non-profit organization committed to preventing problem gambling, raising awareness, and advocating for those affected. Spearheading a groundbreaking initiative, RAG is at the forefront of establishing Canada's first specialized treatment facility dedicated to addressing gambling addiction.

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