March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a grassroots campaign that is supported by both state agencies, gambling companies, recovery groups and a wide range of healthcare organizations and providers.  Groups across America hold conferences, air Public Service Announcements, provide counselor trainings, host health screening days, run social media campaigns and many other activities to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services (www.ncpgGambling.org).

For most people, gambling can be a fun diversion, however, for some, gambling can become a serious life-altering problem.  Problem gambling is behavior that causes disruptions in any major area of a person’s life.  According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, “It is important to recognize that most people can gamble without negative consequences”.  A small percentage of persons who gamble experience enormous social, economic and psychological problems as a result of their gambling.  Individuals, families and communities all suffer from problem gambling”.

Statistics gathered from various health and governmental sources and posted on the National Council’s website indicate that consumers spend more than $100 billion annually on legal gaming in the United States.  At the same time, the social costs of problem gambling total around $7 billion every year.  Social costs include addiction, bankruptcy and related criminal activity.

The 2022 PGAM theme is “Awareness + Action”.  This is the same theme that was used in 2021.  Due to the overwhelming positive feedback of this theme, it was decided to use the same theme for 2022.  The goals of the national campaign are:

·         To increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.

·         To encourage healthcare providers to screen clients for problem gambling.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a gambling problem that is causing disruption to everyday life, Remedies can help.  Remedies gambling addiction program is licensed by the Illinois Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.  Our counselors are certified by the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and adhere to both Federal and State confidentiality laws.  For more information, or to schedule an assessment, call (815) 547-4502.