Group Therapy for Gambling Addiction

We sit with people who are recovered and in a process of recovery, share, and learn coping tools together.

What It Is

• Gamblers Anonymous (GA) — a support group for gambling.
• What it is: Free, peer-led meetings for people who want to stop or control gambling.
• Anonymous part: You don’t have to give your real name or ID. “Hi, I’m Alex” is enough.
• Goal: Recovery + sharing experiences, not gambling.
• In Uganda: Meetings happen in Kampala at Kampala Youth Skilling and Rehabilitation Foundation (KYRSF) and online. No fees, no religion required.

3 Main Types You Can Access from KYRSF

1. Gamblers Anonymous – GA Meetings

This is peer-led group therapy, 12-step style.

• Format: Members share experience, strength, and hope. No therapist leads it.
• Anonymous: No real names or ID needed. “Just show up.”
• Cost: Free. No dues or fees.
• Access: In-person, virtual, or phone meetings. For KYRSF, online Zoom meetings are the easiest options right now.

CONTACT: OUR EMAIL

2. GFFR – Gamblers, Family & Friends in Recovery

Started during Covid for people who couldn’t meet face-to-face.

• Format: Hundreds of Zoom meetings each week.
• Who: For compulsive gamblers + family/friends affected by someone’s gambling.
• Mission: Help people connect worldwide + find support.

3. Professional Group Therapy

A licensed counselor, psychologist, or therapist runs it. Uses CBT, financial counseling, etc.

• Benefit: More structured than peer groups, can address anxiety/depression alongside gambling.

What Actually Happens in a Session

1. Check-in: “I’m ____, and I didn’t gamble today.”
2. Share: Someone talks about triggers, wins/losses, and what worked this week.
3. Tools: Group discusses coping skills, blocking gambling sites, and money management.
4. Close: Reminders like “Just for today, I will not gamble.”