Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/10/2018 -- Every April, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) sponsors Alcohol Awareness Month. During this month, the organization spreads awareness of alcohol use disorder and its treatment, reducing the stigma associated with the disorder. With this in mind, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) urges people that drink while participating in gambling activities such as casino gambling in Atlantic City to be mindful of their behavior, since alcohol use disorder and disordered gambling have a strong correlation.

Disordered gamblers should be cautious when it comes to substances like alcohol. According to a study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), disordered gamblers are 23 times more likely to also struggle with an alcohol use disorder. They may use alcohol to celebrate wins or alleviate the depression or anxiety they feel due to shame or financial problems.

If an individual struggles with disordered gambling or an alcohol use disorder, either behavior can serve as a trigger for the other. Disordered gamblers may want to exercise caution when attending events or gatherings where alcohol will be served or even consider avoiding them altogether.

"When drinking alcohol, gamblers and their friends and loved ones should remain mindful of its potential for triggering unhealthy gambling activity," said Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the CCGNJ. "There is a way to enjoy both activities responsibly."

For help with illegal sports betting in East Rutherford, NJ or any other form of gambling, call or text the CCGNJ's 24/7 hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER. To find additional educational resources about disordered gambling and its treatment, visit the organization's 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.