Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/14/2016 -- In commemoration of National Suicide Prevention Month, an awareness initiative that occurs every September, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) would like to draw the public's attention to the risk of suicide correlated with problem gambling. This often-overlooked addiction carries with it a high rate of comorbid psychiatric disorders and an elevated risk of suicide. The CCGNJ encourages the public to educate itself on the warning signs of suicide and to help loved ones struggling with a gambling problem to seek treatment immediately.

According to the National Council on Compulsive Gambling (NCGP), one in five problem gamblers attempts suicide--twice the rate of any other addiction. A combination of factors contributes to this staggering risk. Among them is the financial devastation caused by the vicious cycle of problem gambling, in which gamblers continually "chase losses" in search of their next win, which quickly leads to extreme debt. Problem gamblers also often experience co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse and mental illness.

The resulting financial, domestic, medical and psychological havoc can lead untreated problem gamblers to believe that the end of life is the only way out. Warning signs that someone may be suicidal include expressing suicidal thoughts, increased substance use, social withdrawal, mood swings and reckless behavior.

The CCGNJ implores anyone struggling with a gambling addiction (as well as the friends and family of problem gamblers) to seek help immediately. The CCGNJ offers 24/7 support, treatment and hope through its 1-800-GAMBLER hotline. Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can call the National Suicide Hotline at any time at 1-800-273-8255 to speak with a crisis professional.

Learn more about Suicide Prevention Awareness Month at http://nami.org/suicideawarenessmonth. To read more about problem gambling, visit the CCGNJ online at www.800gambler.com. The Council's online resources cover gambling addiction in all forms, from fantasy sports gambling in Monmouth, NJ to teen gambling in Atlantic City.

About The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is a non-profit, private organization dedicated to helping individuals seek help for their disordered gambling problem, and for concerned friends and loved ones to confidentially express their concerns about someone close to them. Their 24/7 hotline is 800-GAMBLER. The Council also works to train professionals in the fields of gambling addiction and recovery.

For more information, please visit http://www.800gambler.org.