Media Resources for Gambling Addiction
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date- March 3, 2023
Contact- Eric Groh, LPC, NCGC-II; Executive Director
Media Resources for Gambling Addiction, GCPG: 404-634-2444
At the urging of the Council, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has proclaimed March as “Problem Gambling Awareness Month”. View the full proclamation here. Over 380,000 Georgian’s meet criteria for Gambling Disorder or Problem Gambling. Signs of problem gambling include becoming restless or irritable when trying to stop or cut down on gambling; lying about gambling to loved ones; and developing financial problems due to gambling. Gambling disorders are associated with a wide range of problems, including depression, domestic violence, bankruptcy, substance abuse and suicide.
The Georgia Council on Problem Gambling, the non-profit advocate for programs to help problem gamblers and their families, is promoting this campaign particularly in light of “March Madness”–the sports gamblers “risk point” for relapse from recovery or heavy gambling. The goal of Problem Gambling Awareness Month is to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and promote the availability of help and hope both locally and nationally. GCPG Executive Director Eric Groh states, “Over the past decade the availability of gambling has skyrocketed but acceptance of gambling addiction as a serious public health concern has lagged. The goal of our special awareness month is to help harness the energy of myriad advocacy efforts to shine a focused spotlight on this important issue across the country.”
Addiction and mental health counselors should screen for gambling disorders, which would lead them to Have the Conversation with their clients. Family members can have this conversation with loved ones who show signs of gambling disorders. Individuals who find that gambling causes negative consequences in their life can discuss with loved ones or their healthcare providers which is the first step towards change. Legislators, regulators and gaming operators can discuss the problem with advocates like GCPG to better understand how to minimize harm.
Gambling revenue and participation in Georgia is at an all-time high. Gambling disorders are too devastating to individuals and society to allow to go unnoticed and unattended
To get help for a gambling problem, for you or a loved one, call 1-800-522-4700. The call is free and confidential.
The Georgia Council on Problem Gambling is the state advocate for problem gamblers and their families. GCPG is neutral on gambling and leads the state in the development of comprehensive policy and programs for all those affected by problem gambling. Our vision is to improve health and wellness by reducing the personal, social and economic costs of problem gambling.
The GCPG receives requests to provide commentary from some of the largest media outlets in the nation. We are your credible source for problem gambling related matters. We are accustomed to speaking on a variety of topics- discovery of illegal gambling operations, violent crimes related to gambling, demographics and the profile of problem gambling in Georgia. Gamblers in-recovery are our resource when we require an individual who is willing to tell their story of spiraling downwards into gambling addiction and their road to recovery. Our presence at breaking news stories is fundamental to our mission.
