Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWire) -- 12/12/2016 --In popular discourse on addiction, the focus often remains on substance dependency. However, according to Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), process addictions such as problem gambling (for example, illegal sports betting in the Meadowlands area of NJ) are just as destructive and difficult to escape. An estimated 2-3% of the American population struggles with problem gambling, and millions of others struggle with addictions to behaviors such as food, sex, shopping and gaming.

Process addiction is a term used to refer to engagement in normal or commonly accepted behaviors that develops into a compulsive, destructive pattern. For example, gambling is a widely legalized and popular form of entertainment that for most participants remains a harmless diversion. However, for problem gamblers and gambling addicts, behaviors such as "chasing losses," the need to bet increasingly large amounts of money and blackouts while gambling have damaging consequences on finances, relationships and health. People with process addictions experience great difficulty in controlling or stopping the behavior, and typically require professional support to recover.

As part of a recovery plan, the first step is to seek help. By calling 1-800-GAMBLER, problem gamblers in New Jersey who are suffering from an addiction to illegal betting for sports in Monmouth, NJ (and other forms of gambling throughout the state), will be connected to resources for detox, diagnosis and evaluation. The CCGNJ offers a means for problem gamblers to access addiction treatment from specialists as well as support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. Additionally, the CCGNJ hosts resources on its website for both gamblers and their loved ones who wish to learn more about entering and staying in recovery.

Problem gamblers do not have to struggle in isolation with their addiction: There is hope. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit http://www.800gambler.org to learn more.

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.