Support group for problem gamblers originated from the personal narrative of its founder, Christina Cook
In the heart of the United States, Christina Cook, a certified International Gambling Recovery Specialist, found herself at a crossroads. On the day her mother suffered a heart attack, Cook left her hospital bedside to gamble at a casino. This marked the beginning of Cook's struggle with gambling addiction, a battle she would later learn was not unique to her.
Cook's addiction, much like how some people use alcohol or substances, was a coping mechanism. She connected with her gambling addiction after watching a television program about food addiction. As she delved deeper into the world of gambling, Cook's financial situation worsened, and she started juggling bills and not paying everything on time.
However, Cook's story does not end in despair. After confronting the issues that plagued her, the urge to gamble dissipated for Cook. This personal journey led her to a mission: to get the conversation out there about how women are impacted by gambling.
Enter the Broke Girl Society, a judgment-free zone for women in recovery from problem gambling. Launched in response to the lack of women-specific conversations around gambling, the Broke Girl Society offers an inclusive, empathetic community for women navigating gambling harm.
The society, which includes a bi-monthly podcast, weekly discussions, and a YouTube channel, provides a space where unique challenges and experiences are acknowledged and validated. By sharing candid stories of recovery, setbacks, and resilience, the society fosters empathy and connection, helping women feel seen and supported.
Cook's emphasis on personal narratives and community building helps normalize conversations about gambling issues in women, reducing isolation and encouraging awareness. Through storytelling, education, and advocacy efforts, the Broke Girl Society promotes healing and helps dismantle stigma related to problem gambling in women, encouraging dignity and hope on the recovery journey.
The popular narrative around gambling is currently focused on sports betting, leaving women often left off the table in the overall conversation about gambling. Cook's mission is to change this narrative, to ensure that women's voices are heard and their experiences are validated.
In a world where the gaming industry thrives, Cook is not interested in bashing the industry but aims to reduce the harm caused by gambling addictions. By fostering understanding and reducing stigma around women and gambling, the Broke Girl Society is making strides in creating a safer, more compassionate world for all.
[1] Broke Girl Society: Empowering Women to Overcome Gambling Addictions. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.brokegirlsociety.com/
[2] Cook, C. (2021, March 15). The Broke Girl Society: A Safe Space for Women Battling Gambling Addiction. Addiction Professional. Retrieved from https://www.addictionprofessional.com/content/broke-girl-society-safe-space-women-battling-gambling-addiction-0
- Christina Cook, after overcoming her own gambling addiction, has dedicated her mission to advocate for women's health in the context of gambling, aiming to bridge the gap in conversations about gambling that often overlooks women.
- In an effort to combat the stigma surrounding problem gambling in women, the Broke Girl Society, led by Cook, offers a platform for shared experiences, providing education and support through various resources like a podcast, weekly discussions, and a YouTube channel.
- Embracing responsible gambling as a key aspect of health-and-wellness, Cook is not focused on condemning the casino-and-gambling industry but works towards minimizing the harm caused by gambling addictions, promoting a safer and more compassionate environment for all, especially in women's health and wellness.
