Problem Gambling Awareness Week

Problem Gambling Awareness Week Video
Juli McDonald


Thousands of people across North Dakota, and millions across the United States battle a gambling addiction, and only a small fraction seek help. This week, March 6 through 12 is National Problem Gambling Awareness Week.

"If they win $1,000, it`s not enough. If they win $100,000, it`s not enough. Never enough money," explained licensed addiction counselor Dick Elefson.

For many, gambling is simply a game. A fun, social activity. But to others, gambling is a disease, much like a chemical dependency. For many of those people who can`t stop gambling, it all started the same way.

"Very early to have a substantial win. That kind of sets the hook," said Elefson. "They figure, `If I won this much money, the next time I can win more.` That kind of establishes a pattern where they begin to become extremely optimistic about their skills as a gambler."

But those skills don`t follow through, and the wins are few and far between.

Elefson said, "As they begin to experience losses, they begin to do what we call chasing; going back as often as they can to try and win back the money that they`ve lost.

Elefson says gambling can be even more devastating than a chemical dependency, because abusers can hide it for longer. Credit card debt piles up, money is borrowed from any and everyone. Jobs are lost, and so are relationships. But there is hope in treatment.

"Number one, is the same as chemical dependency," Elefson. "The first thing they have to learn is to get honest with themselves. They have to be honest with themselves before they`ll ever be honest with anyone else."

Treatment involves determining factors that triggered the addiction. Addicts must work on self esteem, and gain control of whatever assets they have left. But by doing the work and being held accountable, relationships can be restored, and families can be put back together.

Gamblers Choice treatment and support services are available in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot and Williston. To find a Gambler`s Anonymous meeting near you, visit gamblersanonymous.org/.