September is Recovery Month, a time to honor the strength of individuals who are healing from addiction, including young people. While gambling is often seen as an adult issue, it’s important to recognize how youth are also exposed to gambling behaviors. Whether it’s through video games with loot boxes, fantasy sports, scratch-off tickets, raffles, or bingo, young people can and do engage in gambling. That’s why conversations about gambling harm and recovery must include youth.

What Is Recovery?

Recovery is more than just stopping a behavior, it’s about building a better life. It’s defined as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential” (SAMHSA). This definition reflects a powerful shift in how we view addiction. It’s viewed as a challenge that can be overcome with the right support and mindset.

For youth, recovery from gambling harm means learning to manage the thoughts and behaviors that led to gambling. This includes repairing relationships, improving mental health, and discovering new, healthy ways to have fun and connect with others. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making progress, day by day.

The Four Dimensions of Recovery for Youth

Recovery is a journey that touches every part of a young person’s life. There are four key dimensions that support a strong and lasting recovery:

• HEALTH–Recovery means making choices that support physical and emotional well-being. For young people, this can mean finding healthy outlets to cope with stress, avoiding risky behaviors, and seeking help for mental health challenges like anxiety or depression. Choosing activities like sports, music, or creative hobbies can support emotional balance and reduce the urge to gamble.
• HOME– A safe and stable place to live is essential. Supportive environments can help young people feel secure and more confident in making positive choices. These environments include home, school, or foster care. Encouraging open conversations and creating safe spaces can make a big difference in their recovery.
• PURPOSE – Whether it’s school, volunteering, creative projects, or helping out at home, having a reason to get up each day gives youth a sense of direction. Recovery allows young people to rediscover their strengths and explore what makes them feel excited about the future. Purpose helps them believe in their ability to grow and reach their goals.
• COMMUNITY – No one should go through recovery alone. Friends, family, mentors, coaches, counselors, and peers can offer the support, encouragement, and connection that young people need. A strong community helps youth feel seen, heard, and loved, especially during tough times.

You Are Not Alone

If a young person is trying to stop gambling, it’s important they know that help is available and healing is possible. Recovery doesn’t mean giving up fun, it means finding new ways to enjoy life and be proud of who they are. Some new ways include skateboarding, art, music, and time with friends. These things can be part of a joyful, healthy recovery journey.

Recovery Is Hope

Let’s celebrate the courage and potential of youth in recovery. Recovery is real. Life can get better. And every young person deserves the support, tools, and belief in their future to help them get there.

Getting Started

If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.