Gambling Addict Affects 8 to 10 Others

Gambling problems have affects on relationships

For those looking to put lottery scratch off tickets in someone's stocking this year a gambling addiction treatment specialist has some advice.

If they are under 21 years old, don't do it.

"Our program greatly discourages that," said Jim Thompson, a gambling prevention specialist with a treatment program based at Allen Hospital in Waterloo which serves a nine-county area including Marshall, Tama and Grundy counties.

He said minors don't have the mental development to get involved with gambling at a young age.

He also discourages schools to host casino nights for post-prom activities as it exposes youth to gambling as well.

Thompson said roughly 85 percent of adults gamble with 3 to 4 percent practicing irresponsible gambling.

He said his treatment program treated three people from Marshall County in the first quarter of this year with gambling problems.

Much of the treatment is offered for free or reduced rates, which is good since many people who enter treatment have dug themselves in a hole financially.

"They are very broke or deep in debt," Thompson said.

He said there is usually fallout from those with gambling problems as it affects more than just the one victim.

Between family, co-workers and others that interact with a problem gambler, they can affect eight to 10 people.

Thompson said often gambling is tied with other conditions such as depression.

The good news is gambling problems can be cured with treatment, said Marshall County Public Health Nurse Pat Thompson.