By Jennifer Faringer
September was National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate recovery from all addictions including one that’s not always openly discussed — problem gambling.
Recognized as a hidden addiction, the signs and symptoms of gambling addiction are not as easy to recognize as with dependence on alcohol or other drugs. It is especially important to increase the awareness of problem gambling, making it a priority in terms of prevention education and awareness, as well as screening, counseling and treatment services.
During COVID-19, access to the primary three staples of gambling (casinos, sports and racetracks) have all been very limited and restricted as all involve large gatherings and were deemed non-essential. Only very recently are gambling in casinos in the early stages of reopening on a limited basis. However, since the mid-March closures, online gambling opportunities like the judi slot online have been thriving and expanding in access and availability.
Online gambling includes online poker, online lottery, online casinos and eSports and you can play all of these on www.onlinecasinogames.com. Those in early recovery from a problem gambling disorder have been faced with not only increased access to online gambling but also the sharp increase in anxiety and depression, which may accompany the uncertainty and social and physical isolation associated with the pandemic. Additionally, gamblers that are in early recovery have lost their access to in-person Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meetings. GA meetings are still available but now through a virtual format, which for some has not been ideal. The ideal online option for gambling is https://www.usgamblingsites.com/california/
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area (NCADD-RA) has developed and continues to update the Problem Gambling Services Directory, which includes regional resources for prevention education, private practice counseling and treatment, with many, if not all, offering services virtually.
For more information, visit https://ncadd-ra.org/services/finger-lakes-addiction-resource-center/.
NCADD-RA continues to partner with the New York Council on Problem Gambling on their YOUth Decide 2020 Project. We ask parents to consider taking a pledge to talk to your children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren about the risks of problem gambling. With the help of sugarhouse promo code the spread betting is promoted to make it more fun.
Parent pledges may be accessed virtually at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YDNY-Parent-Pledge
Additionally, we ask all youth between the ages of 13-18 to take a confidential five-mintute survey regarding the myths and facts surrounding problem gambling and media literacy.
Youth surveys may be accessed virtually at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/YDNY-Youth-Pre-Survey