Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/30/2018 -- In observance of National Public Health Week, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) spreads awareness of disordered gambling's effect on American communities and the country as a whole. Through awareness and education initiatives, the CCGNJ and other organizations are eroding the stigma that accompanies disordered gambling.
Because many people hide their problematic gambling behavior due to a sense of shame or guilt, the disorder can prove challenging to address on a societal level. Someone that struggles with illegal sports betting in East Rutherford, NJ, for example, may go to great lengths to cover up their behavior because they fear judgment from their friends or family. However, untreated problem gambling not only causes individual hardships, but also impacts disordered gamblers' communities.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2-3% of Americans can be classified as problem gamblers. Additionally, almost 95% of those disordered gamblers also struggle with another mental disorder. When one finds that they cannot control their gambling behavior, they often experience stress, depression, or anxiety. If they don't seek treatment - whether due to shame, guilt, or another reason - these mood disorders can grow progressively worse, resulting in significant negative consequences.
Besides taking a significant toll on mental health, disordered gambling also damages the economy. The NCPG also estimates that disordered gambling costs the country over $7 billion per year. When problem gamblers go untreated, they may lose their jobs, go bankrupt, or even commit crimes to fund their gambling behavior. With improved public health systems, disordered gamblers could more easily find resources and support for recovery.
"Disordered gamblers need not be ashamed of their struggle," said Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the CCGNJ. "In recognition of National Public Health Week, the Council would like to remind them that countless people have been in their shoes. Likewise, countless people are ready to help them overcome their challenges."
For more information about the CCGNJ, visit their website, https://800gambler.org/. To find help with casino gambling in Atlantic City or any other gambling activity, call or text their confidential hotline, 1-800-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.