CHARLESTON March is the 15th National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Nation-wide efforts during this event are designed to increase awareness of the effects of problem gambling in the lives of individuals and families, and let communities know that there is help available.

Fifteen percent of Americans gamble at least once a month, and 4 percent meet the criteria for Problem Gambling. The risk is two to three times higher for youth. An estimated 6 percent of American college students have a gambling problem.

Signs of a gambling problem include gambling for higher and higher stakes to get the same level of excitement, lying about and hiding gambling, repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit, gambling to try to recover losses from gambling, jeopardizing or losing significant relationships or jobs due to gambling, having to borrow or steal or rely on others for financial help due to losses from gambling, being irritable when trying to cut down or stop, and gambling when feeling distress. Often friends and family members become aware of the problem long before the problem gambler admits to themselves or others that there is a problem. Friends and family members often feel worried, angry, afraid and betrayed by the gamblers behavior. They try to find a way to control the gambling and cover the debts, and their efforts are unsuccessful or only temporary. This creates incredible stress for family members and friends.

Read more:
Hour House to provide help for those with gambling addiction - Journal Gazette and Times-Courier