Nicasa Behavioral Health Services recently had the opportunity to join The Broke Girl Society for a meaningful conversation about problem gambling, recovery, and the growing need for compassionate support. In this episode, Christina Cook, founder of The Broke Girl Society, sits down with Nicasa’s Senior Director of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, Elizabeth Thielen.

The Broke Girl Society is a peer-led community and podcast that creates safe, empowering spaces for women impacted by gambling harm. Founder, Christina Cook, is an international speaker and dedicated advocate for recovery, using her own lived experience with disordered gambling to support others in navigating the complex emotional, financial, and social challenges that come with rebuilding a life in recovery. Christina created the platform to provide a safe and supportive space where women can talk openly about their experiences, find connection, and begin the recovery process without shame or judgment.

During the podcast conversation, Elizabeth shares her personal story of how gambling became connected to family, identity, trauma, and loss. Even while working in the gambling field, she explains how problem gambling can still develop and how recovery often involves much more than simply stopping the behavior. Together, Christina and Elizabeth discuss the difference between abstinence and recovery, the role of shame in keeping people silent, and why women-centered recovery spaces are so important. They also talk about how technology is changing both gambling and recovery, and why support needs to be more accessible, individualized, and compassionate.

The conversation also highlights the work Nicasa is doing to support individuals and families affected by problem gambling. Nicasa offers both adult and youth gambling services designed to meet people where they are. These services include education, prevention programs, individual counseling, and recovery support for those struggling with gambling, as well as for family members who have been impacted. Youth-focused services help young people understand the risks of gambling early and build healthier coping skills, while adult services focus on recovery, emotional support, and long-term stability.

We are grateful to Christina and The Broke Girl Society for creating space for these important conversations and helping reduce the stigma surrounding problem gambling. We encourage you to check out the full episode of The Broke Girl Society Podcast.