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| Gambling Addiction Is a Real Disease That Can Be Treated |
| By New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies, Inc. |
| Published: 03/04/2009 |
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TRENTON (March 3, 2009) — In New Jersey, approximately 350,000 individuals have a gambling problem. Just like drug or alcohol addictions, problem gambling is often accompanied by depression, anxiety and a high risk of suicide; can be worsened during difficult economic times; and can have a devastating impact on families. Mental health treatment can help with gambling problems, but very few individuals in need seek services. March 1 through March 7, 2009 is National Problem Gambling Awareness Week with the theme of Real Addiction/Real Recovery. “Gambling addiction, like drug and alcohol addictions, is a very real and very treatable disease. It’s critical for healthcare providers and families to recognize gambling problems and to seek help when needed,” said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHA). Gambling differs from other addictions in that it does not have any physical symptoms, such as slurred speech or poor physical coordination. However, behavioral changes and circumstances can be related to a gambling addiction. For example, an individual with a gambling problem may be depressed or anxious or could have a co-occurring substance abuse problem. In fact, nearly one-third of individuals with drug or alcohol dependence also have gambling problems. Tension in families, absence from work or school and loss of employment are possible circumstances relating to a gambling addiction. Healthcare providers can help by asking patients a few basic questions about gambling: “Did you ever gamble more than you intended? Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble? Have you ever lost time from work or school due to gambling?” “These questions should be a routine part of treatment, just like asking about alcohol use, smoking and depression,” Dr. Wentz said. “If left untreated, gambling addiction can lead to not only exacerbated mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, but also physical ailments, such as intestinal or nervous disorders.” Families of individuals with a gambling addiction can be affected in several ways: Loss of trust and respect for the person with the gambling problem can weaken or destroy relationships; loss of financial security can occur either directly because of the gambling or from a resulting loss of employment; children may be neglected or abused as gambling behavior becomes more out of control; and other domestic violence can occur (the problem gambler can be a victim or a perpetrator). In addition, children whose parents have gambling addictions are at risk of having gambling problems themselves. If a gambling problem is known or suspected, help is available from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey’s 24-hour confidential helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). A complete listing of local community mental health agencies throughout New Jersey may be found by visiting NJAMHA’s website at www.njamha.org or by calling NJAMHA at 609-838-5488 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. during normal business days. Based in the Greater Trenton area, the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHA) is a statewide trade association representing nonprofit behavioral health providers. Founded in 1951, NJAMHA represents 125 hospital-based and freestanding mental health agencies throughout New Jersey. In aggregate, our members help 400,000 children and adults with mental health issues. NJAMHA’s mission is to champion opportunities that advance its members’ ability to deliver accessible, quality, efficient and effective integrated behavioral health care services to mental health consumers and their families. NJAMHA is committed to recovery and wellness for all consumers. |
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