California offers a range of resources to assist individuals struggling with gambling addiction, as well as their families. Below is a list of hotlines, counseling services, support groups, and educational resources specifically focused on problem gambling:
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### **Hotlines and Immediate Support**
1. **California Problem Gambling Helpline**
- Confidential support, counseling referrals, and assistance 24/7.
- Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- Text: 53342
- Website: [www.problemgambling.ca.gov](https://www.problemgambling.ca.gov/)
2. **National Problem Gambling Helpline**
- Nationwide support for those affected by gambling addiction.
- Phone: 1-800-522-4700
- Website: [www.ncpgambling.org](https://www.ncpgambling.org/)
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### **Counseling and Treatment Programs**
1. **CalGETS (California Gambling Education and Treatment Services)**
- State-funded program providing free or low-cost outpatient treatment for problem gambling.
- Services include therapy, counseling, and family support.
- Find providers: [CalGETS Providers](https://problemgambling.ca.gov/for-the-public/find-help-now/)
2. **Therapist Referrals**
- Licensed therapists specializing in gambling addiction can be found through the following:
- [Psychology Today's Therapist Finder](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists)
- [Secular Therapy Project](https://www.seculartherapy.org/)
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### **Support Groups**
1. **Gamblers Anonymous (GA)**
- Peer-led 12-step recovery program for individuals with gambling addiction.
- California meeting directory: [www.gamblersanonymous.org](https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/)
2. **Gam-Anon**
- Support group for family and friends of individuals with gambling problems.
- California meetings: [www.gam-anon.org](https://www.gam-anon.org/)
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### **Financial Counseling**
1. **Money Management International**
- Offers financial counseling and debt management support for individuals affected by gambling.
- Phone: 1-866-531-3765
- Website: [www.moneymanagement.org](https://www.moneymanagement.org/)
2. **California Consumer Credit Counselors**
- Help with rebuilding financial stability after gambling-related financial issues.
- Website: [www.cccssf.org](https://www.cccssf.org/)
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### **Education and Prevention**
1. **Office of Problem Gambling (OPG)**
- Offers education, outreach, and prevention resources for individuals and families.
- Website: [problemgambling.ca.gov](https://problemgambling.ca.gov/)
2. **Responsible Gambling Education**
- Provides materials to promote responsible gambling practices.
- Learn more: [California Lottery's Responsible Gaming](https://www.calottery.com/play-responsibly)
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### **Legal Assistance**
1. **Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)**
- Guidance for managing gambling-related debt and disputes.
- Website: [www.consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/)
2. **California Legal Aid**
- Assistance with legal issues arising from gambling addiction, such as evictions or bankruptcy.
- Locate local legal aid: [LawHelpCA.org](https://www.lawhelpca.org/)
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### **Youth and College Student Support**
1. **Project 21**
- Outreach program to prevent underage gambling.
- Learn more: [California Youth Gambling Prevention](https://problemgambling.ca.gov/for-the-public/youth/)
2. **College Gambling Resources**
- Educational tools for college students: [www.collegegambling.org](https://www.collegegambling.org/)
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### **Workplace and Military Support**
1. **Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)**
- Many employers offer confidential help for gambling addiction through EAPs. Check with your HR department.
2. **Veterans Gambling Addiction Support**
- The VA offers gambling addiction counseling for veterans.
- Contact your local VA or call 1-877-222-8387.
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If you’d like more tailored assistance or need help contacting these organizations, let me know!