TCCASA recognizes national gambling awareness week

Dear Editor,

During the week of March 7-13, communities nationwide are working to raise awareness of the consequences of problem gambling and the resources available for individuals whose gambling is causing disruption in their lives. Treatment for problem gambling is available and effective in improving the lives of problem gamblers and their families. This initiative is a celebration of the adults and youth who are overcoming problems associated with their gambling behavior and of those in recovery.

Approximately ONE MILLION New Yorkers have a Gambling Problem.

In New York State:

48% of kids in grades 7-12 have gambled in the past year.

ten percent of youth in grades 7-12 are already experiencing problems with gambling.

of the 668,000 adults who experienced problem gambling in 2006, 27.7 percent also experienced a substance use disorder.

every Problem Gambler affects several other people including family, friends, and co-workers.

almost 1000 people accessed treatment services in 2009.

State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo said, "Most adults who gamble do so responsibly. Still, one million New Yorkers suffer from a gambling problem and millions more suffer as a result. There is often a void when it comes to helping families identify the problem and access the resources and support they need when a loved one suffers from a gambling problem."

To minimize the harm that problem gambling can cause to both individuals and society as a whole, OASAS has 68 problem gambling programs in communities throughout New York State. Each of the problem gambling prevention and treatment programs are located within an hour's drive of a casino or racino. The Tioga County Council on Addiction and Substance Abuse (located in Owego) is one of the 68 programs.

If you are the friend or family member of someone in need of relief from a gambling problem, please call the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline, 1-877-8-HOPENY, staffed by trained clinicians ready to answer your questions, help refer loved ones to treatment and provide other vital resources to facilitate that first step into recovery. Information, education and help is also available locally by contacting the Tioga County Council on Addiction and Substance abuse at 687-6349 or via our website at

www.tccasa.org.

-Submitted by the Tioga County Council on Addiction and Substance Abuse

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