The Council for Compulsive Gambling New Jersey

The CCGNJ Observes Mental Health Awareness Month

 

Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/16/2018 -- May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) is helping to spread awareness by shining an important light on the relationship between mental health and disordered gambling. Those suffering from mental health disorders and disordered illegal sports betting in New Jersey (or any other type of problem gambling behavior) should reach out to the CCGNJ for help as soon as possible.

There is a complex relationship between mental health and behavioral disorders like problem gambling. In many cases, a person who suffers from prolonged disordered gambling is more likely to also suffer from a mental illness. According to a 1998 study by the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), problem gamblers are at an increased risk for antisocial personality disorder, alcohol use disorder, tobacco dependence, and other psychiatric diagnoses.

There are a number of organizations dedicated to helping people with worsening mental health. Mental Health America (MHA) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) are two of the nation's largest mental health support organizations dedicated to helping those affected by mental illness rebuild their lives.

The CCGNJ is continuing its support of public health initiatives by supporting disordered gamblers in New Jersey who also suffer from mental illness. By providing essential information and holding group meetings that create a support system for those affected, the CCGNJ helps disordered gamblers understand the severity of their situation and regain control of their lives.

"We want to not only help those with a gambling disorder but those who are living with mental illness as well," explains Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the CCGNJ. "If we ignore mental health, which in many cases precedes a gambling habit, we are missing a critical opportunity to halt disordered gambling before it begins."

For those whose loved ones display symptoms of disordered sports betting in Atlantic City or any other type of gambling behavior, the CCGNJ is there to help.

People can visit https://800gambler.org to find a help meeting and learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month. For support, treatment, and hope, they may also call or text 800-GAMBLER, the CCGNJ's 24/7 confidential helpline.

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.