Problem Gambling is one of the fastest growing addictive behaviors in the United States it is essential for gambling prevention to exist. Effective gambling prevention strategies may help reduce the rate of future problem gamblers by promoting healthy and responsible choices.
Risk taking is a natural part of a youngsters’ life. They need to take some risks in order to grow, trying new activities, generating new ideas, experimenting with new roles. However, they can also get into trouble with their risk taking when it involves behaviors such as drinking, smoking, drug use and gambling.The need for problem gambling prevention exists because problem gambling is one of the fastest growing addictive behaviors in the United States.
What is Problem Gambling?
The National Council on Problem gambling says that Problem Gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life; psychological, physical, social or vocational. For most people, gambling can be just plain fun, meaning if they lose it is not a major disaster. However, for some people the attraction to gamble is much stronger. They start to gamble more than they mean to and lose more than they can afford. The inability to control their behavior is just one of many signs of problem gambling.
Resources
www.nyproblemgambling.org
Baywood Center- 518-798-4221
Council for Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse- 518-746-1527
If you have any questions, comments, or would like to share your story, please feel free to email us at amandawest@councilforprevention.org or jolenecorlew@councilforprevention.org
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem please call the confidential Help Line at 1-877-8-HOPE NY
The time to quit gambling is before the stakes get too high.