March 2, 2015 (Rochester, NY) ─ March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Issues seemingly unconnected to gambling, like financial stress or health issues, may be an indicator that someone in your life has a gambling addiction.

Common health consequences of gambling disorder include:

• Sleep disorders
•  Anxiety
• Heart disease
• Abuse of alcohol or other drugs
• Depression
• Digestive ailments

While for some gambling is a form of entertainment. For problem gambler, chemicals in the brain are activated during gambling activity resulting in between six and eight million Americans having a gambling addiction. Because a gambling disorder often goes unrecognized, only around eight percent of those with a problem ever seek treatment.

Problem gambling is a legitimate mental health issue that responds well to treatment and counseling. The longer the problem gambling goes untreated, the greater the financial, emotional or health consequences can become.

If you suspect someone in your life has a gambling problem, have the conversation. Ask if they borrow money from friends or family to gamble. Ask if their gambling activity interferes with their ability to focus on work or school. Ask if they’ve ever lied about their gambling or if they bet more than they intended. Share resources with them that can help.

For more ideas on how to have the conversation, and information on problem gambling prevention and counseling resources, visit the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area (NCADD-RA) at www.ncadd-ra.org or call (585) 719-3480.

Tools for parents to discuss problem gambling with their children are available for free at DontBetYet.com. and at www.ncadd-ra.org and www.NYProblemGambling.org.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area (NCADD-RA) provides education, resources and referrals for family members affected by the problem gambling of a loved one. Presentations are available upon request to parent, school and community groups to increase awareness to the potential risks of problem gambling with emphasis on the risks associated with underage problem gambling.

The mission of NCADD-RA is to provide research and evidence-based substance abuse and problem gambling prevention services to a diverse population through education, support, resources, advocacy and referral. Our staff works to positively influence the social norms which perpetuate the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and problem gambling.