Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/26/2018 -- There is a public stigma surrounding problem gambling and alcohol use disorder (also referred to as "addiction") in Trenton, NJ, and elsewhere in the state. Labeling, stereotyping, and making assumptions about those trying to overcome a gambling disorder has an adverse effect for those in need of help, which is why the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is speaking out.

By raising public awareness of the struggles problem gamblers face and the negative effects of stigmatizing disordered gambling, the CCGNJ hopes to inspire public action to help those in need instead of condemning them.

While gambling itself has been normalized in modern society and is socially acceptable, disordered gambling has a profoundly negative public stigma that can deter and delay recovery for problem gamblers. Because the title of so-called "gambling addiction" has such an unfriendly connotation, gamblers are less willing to admit they have a problem, which delays help and magnifies the problem.

"The stigmatization of problem gambling is a battle we at the CCGNJ are trying to combat," explains Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the CCGNJ. "When a person with a gambling disorder gets labeled as an 'addict,' they are often perceived as irresponsible and untrustworthy, which can destroy close relationships, alienating the person and amplifying the problem."

Instead of stereotyping problem gambling and alcohol use disorder with negative terms like "addiction," the CCGNJ encourages family members and friends of gamblers in Woodbridge and elsewhere in New Jersey to speak up when they notice signs of disordered gambling and advocate for them to seek help.

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey offers help meeting directories for those seeking support in recovery and offers other valuable resources on their website, https://800gambler.org/. For immediate support, treatment, and hope, the Council provides a 24/7 confidential helpline, 800-GAMBLER.

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.