Support groups help addicts recover.

Gambling addiction, drug addiction, love obsessions, compulsive shopping, neuroses, depression. Those who suffer from problems like these find help in support groups, where anonymity is the rule. Using a fictitious name allows them to talk about problems that are often difficult to discuss with psychologists or even close friends. It's easier to open up to strangers who are experiencing similar problems. This is the great strength of support groups. This report has selected some of these groups to help those suffering from behavioral problems. In the meetings, those who suffer from the same problems help each other and give advice on how to get out of situations that endanger people's self-esteem.
People who spend vast sums of money on bingo, illegal gambling, or various types of bets, even losing real estate and other property because of gambling, find in Gamblers Anonymous a way to overcome their addiction. With the motto "Just for today I will avoid my first bet," Gamblers Anonymous holds meetings at seven locations in São Paulo.
These are the places where you'll find the regular gamblers and bettors who want to stop this habit that has already driven many to bankruptcy.
While some try to break free from gambling and betting, Debtors Anonymous (DA) seek alternatives to avoid compulsive spending. Even without having the money, many buy things and then fail to pay. Those who seek help from DA are usually listed on credit bureaus like Serasa or SPC, meaning they are completely mired in debt.
As with other groups, anonymity prevails in meetings so that everyone can overcome their inhibitions about talking about their problems and sharing their difficulties. The same is true in Smokers Anonymous, which also does not charge those interested in participating in the recovery program.
Tired of their dependence on cigarettes, dozens of people attend the meetings. Smokers know how difficult it is to quit the habit. However, by following the 12 steps of FA, adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous, many have managed to overcome their nicotine addiction.

Depression
When life's problems seem insurmountable, the Center for Life Appreciation (CVV) is an option for those who need to vent and can't find a friend or relative to share their troubles with. Unlike other support groups, CVV offers individual support only by phone, letter, or email. As with other support groups, individuals are free to remain anonymous. The organization's main goal is to prevent suicides, which are common among depressed people who have no one to confide in. CVV has over 57 locations throughout Brazil and provides uninterrupted service. Every day, including weekends and holidays, volunteers are available 24 hours a day. On average, they answer one call every 33 seconds.

Jornal da Paraíba (PB) – Giovanna Balogh