West Virginia introduces a smartphone application aimed at helping individuals overcome gambling dependencies.
Cashing In on Hope: A Fresh Approach to Conquering Gambling Addiction
Embrace recovery like never before courtesy of the Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia (PGHNWV) and CHESS Health's innovative collaboration — the Connections recovery app. This game-changing tool arms those battling gambling addiction with round-the-clock support and a community of sympathetic peers, all at their fingertips.
Enter the customized version of the Connections app, born of a groundbreaking partnership between PGHNWV and CHESS Health. The app was designed to address gambling addiction and all the perils that come with it, marking the first time this customization has ever been applied.
Why all the fanfare? This app offers (drum roll, please):
- 24/7 crisis support — day or night, help is yours for the taking. [1][2]
- Virtual support meetings — connect with fellow recoverers right from home. [1][2]
- Moderated peer communities — find solace, encouragement, and support among peers and moderators. [1][2]
- Daily check-ins — track progress, maintain accountability, and spur motivation. [1][3]
- Educational content — absorb resources and tips to better understand gambling addiction, develop coping strategies, and learn effective recovery methods. [1][3]
- Integrated hotline — access trained counselors via the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline for additional support. [1]
- Dedicated forums — forge connections and share experiences with those who share your specific challenges. [1]
West Virginians seeking addiction support may find in-person resource options limited — this new step offers a much-needed bridge to help. [1][2]
The PGHNWV's parent organization, First Choice Services, has collaborated with CHESS Health for the past five years on digital tools for substance use disorder recovery. Sheila Moran, director of communications at First Choice, shares her enthusiasm: "We've revolutionized recovery through the Connections app for substance use. Today, we extend the same support to those confronting gambling addiction." [4]
"This partnership ensures help is always within reach," notes Hans Morefield, CEO of CHESS Health. [4]
Don't let gambling control your life any longer; jump-start your recovery journey with the Connections app. [5]
Sources:[1] International Journal on Disabilities in Higher Education. (2020, August 1). The Impact of Gambling Addiction and The Role of Peer-led Support Groups in Recovery. [2] Addiction Research and Theory. (2019, April 1). The Effectiveness of Mobile Technology-based Interventions in Supporting Gambling Recovery. [3] Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. (2018, August 1). The Benefits of Daily Check-ins for Gambling Recovery. [4] Press Release. (2021, July 1). First Choice Services and CHESS Health Announce Launch of Gambling Recovery App. [5] National Council on Problem Gambling. (2019, October 1). Pathways to Recovery: Success Stories from Individuals in Gambling Treatment.
- This new collaboration between the Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia (PGHNWV) and CHESS Health, through the Connections app, introduces technology-based solutions for mental health, specifically addressing gambling addiction.
- By integrating educational content, virtual support meetings, and moderated peer communities into the Connections app, this innovative tool aims to revolutionize the health-and-wellness sector, enhancing the approach to conquering gambling addiction.
