Abstract
This paper offers a cursory account of the use of technology and online services by 12-Step peer support groups with a particular focus on support services for problem gamblers. We examine the history of peer support groups and examine the extent to which they have embraced newer technologies. Gamblers Anonymous (GA) has little direct involvement in on-line support. However, GA members operating independently of GA have provided some pioneering peer support. In this paper, we gathered information about GA’s presence online through a cursory literature review, examination of websites, and three semistructured interviews with key informants: two longstanding GA members and one non-member who is nonetheless very active in employing up to date technology to coordinate recovery options for problem gamblers. The benefits of online peer support for problem gamblers is discussed. Accessibility is one example, as some could be available 24 hours a day each day of the week. Another advantage is that many young adults and adolescents favor online options. This also applies to online gamblers. The Internet options we have uncovered are run mostly by GA members, typically without official GA sanction.
Highlights
In recent years there has been a major push to put more services for problem gamblers online
This paper offers a cursory account of the use of technology and online services for mutual aid or peer support by organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA), as well as GA members operating independently of GA
For example, that a woman with gambling issues who had been off drugs in Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for over ten years still had trouble understanding the nature of problem gambling
Summary
In recent years there has been a major push to put more services for problem gamblers online. We are referring to a two-way interaction where a person seeks support, usually in the form of a question or a plea for guidance, and another person with similar experiences – in this case, gambling problems – replies with advice, offers of encouragement, the wisdom of experience, or just fellowship during their journey towards recovery. Such support is sometimes called mutual aid, self-help, peer-to-peer support, or peer support. Peer support can often be a valuable and cost-effective adjunct to professional counseling (Schuler et al, 2016), and some people recover using peer support alone (Ferentzy, Skinner & Antze, 2004)
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