Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/04/2016 -- March is a busy month for the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. Coming just after the gambling fervor of the Superbowl, the month of March brings not only the increase of gambling associated with March Madness sporting events but also National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. This past March, the Council worked diligently to offer support to problem gamblers in crisis and to educate New Jersey residents about problem gambling and the treatment resources available. With the arrival of April, the Council has no intention of slowing down, and presses on to heighten New Jersey's awareness of problem and disordered gambling and the need for compassionate gambling problem help.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey recognizes the serious need for awareness and open dialogue about problem gambling. Problem gambling is often referred to as a "hidden addiction" because unlike drug and alcohol dependency, it has no outward physical symptoms, and disordered gamblers often do their best to hide their addiction from friends and family. A great deal of social stigma lingers around problem and disordered gambling. Whereas drug and alcohol dependency have made progress over the past decade in being recognized as legitimate, treatable illnesses, problem gambling has yet to make such strides. However, with the support of organizations like the Council, this stigma is quickly lifting and problem gamblers have more available support and treatment options than ever before.
The Council offers a wealth of resources for problem and disordered gamblers, both online and in person. The Council's website features a wealth of helpful information and brochures on disordered gambling, including information on the similarities between problem gambling and chemical dependency, issues with internet and fantasy sports gambling, and how gambling affects different populations such as women, veterans and seniors. New Jersey residents who are concerned about their own or a loved one's gambling behaviors can call or text the 1-800-GAMBLER gambling help hotline 24/7 to speak with a trained counselor and learn why hope for their problem gambling is always at hand.
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 compulsive 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.