Entertainment or addiction?

Entertainment or addiction?

Problem gambling is a growing problem locally, statewide
Written by Keith Walker October 15, 2010
Gambling has become a part of the Oregon landscape, culture and economy. Oregon has more forms of legalized gambling and offers easier access to gambling than most other states. Problem gambling remains a hidden issue that can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and the community.

Some people become addicted to gambling in much the same way a person can become addicted to drugs or alcohol. In fact, quite often the two go hand in hand. Of those receiving treatment in Oregon, 34 percent also report alcohol problems, and 15 percent have other drug problems.

Because of the risk and consequences of problem gambling, it is a growing health concern. It is characterized by increasing preoccupation with and loss of control over gambling, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop gambling, and/or continued gambling despite serious negative consequences. In particular:

• More than 70 percent of adults have gambled at least once in the past year, 15 percent at least once in the past week.

• Legal gambling revenue in the U.S. (the amount gamblers lost) grew to $100 billion last year, not including sports, poker or Internet gambling.

Nationwide, as well as statewide, 3 percent to 4 percent of people meet criteria for problem gambling.

Forty-eight percent of gamblers in treatment had suicidal thoughts and more than 7 percent attempted suicide.

More than 36 percent report committing illegal acts to get gambling money

Other research tells us that youth who gamble are twice as likely to engage in other risky behaviors such as drinking, smoking, getting into trouble at school, etc. This is important to know as 1.3 percent of Oregon youth are problem gamblers; 4.6 percent are at-risk gamblers.

The problem locally (Wallowa and Union counties) has only been slightly addressed. There are very few in treatment. However, worth noting, most of those in treatment report that video poker is their game of choice. And those in treatment will often speak of others around them that exhibit much the same behavior, though they are not seeking treatment.

That is unfortunate because Oregon’s award winning prevention and treatment system is considered to be one of the best in the nation. So much so that this year’s National Gambling Conference was held in Portland. Even though problem gambling treatment in Oregon is free, confidential and works, many people don’t seek the help they need.

Treatment can be accessed, but it is incredibly under-utilized. In many cases, the outward evidence of a problem is hard to see. Individuals with a substance abuse addiction often “look’’ like they have a problem, therefore can be motivated to treatment by others. The gambler is harder to recognize, and as such, is harder to get to treatment. Gamblers with problems, like any other form of abuser, certainly deny their malady.

Can you answer yes to any of these symptoms? Are you…

• Preoccupied with gambling and unable to stop?

• Bragging about gambling, exaggerating wins and minimizing losses?

• Restless and irritable when not gambling?

• Borrowing money for gambling?

• Lying to hide time spent gambling?

• Chasing losses (gambling to win back losses)?

• Losing work time because of gambling?

• Doing something illegal to get money for gambling?

• Jeopardizing a significant relationship or job by gambling?

If so, it’s time to call for help. Problem gambling is not a bad habit or moral weakness. It is a serious condition that affects the individual, family, friends, job, etc. But there is help. Again, treatment is free in Oregon. Services are available.