Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWire) -- 05/25/2016 --As an organization that offers support, treatment, and hope through its gambler hotline in NJ, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey works consistently to raise awareness about the risks of problem gambling. Recently, the CCGNJ released information about Mental Health Awareness Month in support of its mission to offer hope to problem gamblers. Mental Health Awareness Month is an initiative by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to break the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and provide support for those struggling with mental illness. The CCGNJ has brought attention to the co-occurrence of mental health issues and gambling

Gambling and mental health are closely linked, and the occurrence of one disorder may lead to or indicate the presence of another. People living with mental health problems such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression may have an increased risk of disordered (previously called compulsive gambling in NJ). Those who have experienced traumatic events, as well, are at risk for disordered gambling. Conversely, disordered gambling (which is classified by the American Psychiatric Association as an addiction) can cause mental health issues as well as other physical, emotional, or spiritual health issues. Gambling addiction also increase a person's risk of suicide and domestic violence, can lead to workplace issues, and often results in financial losses or bankruptcy.

The CCGNJ stresses that gambling addiction is a public health problem that affects more than just disordered gamblers themselves. A single person's gambling addiction can affect up to eight to ten other individuals. Like mental illness, gambling addiction can happen to anyone, no matter their age, gender, profession, or level of education.

The CCGNJ encourages residents of New Jersey to have open, stigma-free conversations about mental health and co-occurring disorders like problem gambling. New Jersey residents and their loved ones who are concerned about gambling can get in touch with the Councils' 24/7 hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER. Anyone who is struggling with their own or a loved one's gambling problem can call the hotline, day or night, to get in touch with professional representatives who will provide them with treatment resources, including those suitable for gambling addicts who also have a co-occurring mental illness.

Learn more at http://www.800gambler.org.

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 compulsive 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.