Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWire) -- 10/31/2017 --Each Halloween, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) asks the question, "Is gambling a trick, or a treat?" Thanks to years of direct engagement and research, the CCGNJ has become deeply familiar with the psychology of disordered behaviors. They recently shared insights on how a form of entertainment can become a serious problem, and what problem gamblers can do to seek help.

When someone partakes in illegal sports gambling in Monmouth, NJ, for example, they do so in anticipation of the possible winnings. Engaging in that activity - and, sometimes, simply thinking of it - prompts the reward system in their brains to produce dopamine. This chemical messenger induces euphoria and drives them to continue participating in that behavior.

Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the CCGNJ, said, "Disordered gamblers develop their problem behaviors by constantly triggering the 'trick' of dopamine. By continually chasing the 'treat' of a potential payout, their nervous systems become desensitized to dopamine's effects."

"As a result," Pryor went on to say, "they feel that they need to engage in the activity more and more to achieve the same state of euphoria. In the end, the impulsive behaviors lead to a cycle that grows more and more difficult to escape over time."

"However," she added, "recognizing the issue is the first step to recovery."

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey offers help to disordered gamblers and their loved ones. To reach out for support, treatment, and hope, call their confidential hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER, which is available 24/7. Alternatively, explore the resources on their website, https://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 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.