Handling gambling addiction: Experts say it's becoming more important to teach youth about gambling risk
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ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — With all the talk about casinos and lotteries over the last few years, experts say it’s so important to make sure kids know that gambling isn’t all fun and games. This comes after a recent poll, conducted by the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition(RAYSAC), shows 31% of youth participants were unaware of the risks and dangers that come with pressing your luck.
Experts say gambling is now an issue that can affect anyone with a phone, and this accessibility has created an opportunity for more problems.
“With the increased accessibility to gambling and gambling opportunities through activities like online gambling platforms, sports betting and online games with gambling features in it– there has been an increased need to increase adults and youth on problem gambling,” said Mikayla Campell, a prevention specialist with Horizon Behavioral Health.
The recent poll, which included 500 Roanoke residents, found that about 42% of respondents between the ages of 18 to 24 said they were unsure of how to find help with a gambling addiction. Experts say this is concerning as nearly 16% of calls made to the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling Hotline came from individuals in that age range.
However, experts believe with more exposure, many more will be able to find help for this addiction.
“There’s this stigma that it’s an easily controllable — like just stop doing it, it’s your problem, what are you doing with your money, come on get over it — which I’m thrilled we’ve destigmatized other drugs or drugs in general. As a whole, our society has said people need help, and that’s awesome. We need to get to the same place with gambling,” said J.D. Carlin, the coordinator of development and evaluation with Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare.
Carlin advises parents to talk with their children early on about the risks associated with gambling.
“Behavioral patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage, personal, family or occupational pursuits. It can also result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of job or family, or sometimes even suicide,” said Campbell.
Carlin said parents, relatives, and friends must be willing to talk about the issue.
“It seems like that’s just one thing we just don’t want to talk to our friends about potential issues. It crosses over into that money stuff that we don’t necessarily like to get into,” shared Carlin. “Don’t let the fear of the topic keep you from having the conversation you need to and want to have.”
Some common ways to spot gambling addiction are obsessiveness, boasting about how much money was lost, or lying about how much was played.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, experts advise calling 1-800-gambler, which will be able to link you to a statewide helpline, text 800-GAM, or chat online at www.1800GAMBLERchat.org.
