About this episode
This episode discusses the impact of problem gambling and the role of SMART Recovery in supporting individuals affected by it.
March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at increasing awareness of gambling-related risks, reducing stigma, and promoting prevention and supportive help. This episode features two guests: Kitty Martz, the Executive Director of the nonprofit Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery and Brian Ward, the organization's board president. Both Kitty and Brian share their journey of consequences that resulted from gambling activities and the positive role SMART Recovery has played in their lives. They also share their professional backgrounds and thoughts on providing accessible and affirming meetings that are highly inclusive of individuals working on compulsive behaviors unrelated to substance use. One insightful thought that was shared is the idea that attending support meetings can be seen as an effort to build a life you don't want to escape from , rather than the usual idea of "recovering a life" one has lost. And there are many more insights and interesting conversation in this episode. Enjoy! Additional Resources: Link to SMART Webinar on problem gambling and inclusion with Kitty Martz and Brian Ward National Problem Gambling Hotline
People in this episode
Guests: Kitty Martz, Brian Ward
Topics covered
- problem gambling
- support meetings
- mental health
- recovery
- inclusivity
Keywords
- problem gambling
- SMART Recovery
- support meetings
- mental health
- inclusivity
- recovery
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery, SMART Recovery, National Problem Gambling Hotline
More episodes of SMART Recovery® Podcast
- SMART Is What You Do With The Rest Of Your Life · April 30, 2026 · 40 min
- Recovery Is Best Not Done Alone · April 16, 2026 · 37 min
- A Brave New World of AI Recovery · March 18, 2026 · 38 min
- Helping Family & Friends in Recovery · February 24, 2026 · 31 min
- SMART Tools Changed My Life with Joel Walkowski · February 4, 2026 · 33 min
- All About the New and Improved SMART Facilitator Training! · January 26, 2026 · 38 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the SMART Recovery® Podcast podcast page.