Sunday, March 31, 2019


Post 115

PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS CONTINUES!

In 2004, three years into Gambling Recovery Ministries, definition and recognition as to what gambling actually is came with mixed responses.  Commonly, casino gambling was the number one description.  Playing cards (with money) was a social game with friends.  Track betting was often considered part of a sport.  The lottery?  That’s not really gambling!  Office pools?  Just an annual tradition during March Madness.  Interestingly, fifteen years later, I hear the same remarks.

During the past thirty-one days, the month of March has been designated as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month; and for fifteen years, NPGAM has been observed via special conferences, trainings, advertisements, public announcements, and programs.  This year’s theme has been “Awareness +Action”    #AwarenessPlusAction

The goals of this national campaign are:

·         To increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment & recovery services.

·         To encourage healthcare providers to screen clients for problem gambling.

Questions about PGAM may be directed to DeannaW@ncpgambling.org.



For more information on problem gambling resources go to https://www.ncpgambling.org



Additionally, the National Council on Problem Gambling provides a “Toolkit” with various awareness materials to keep the public eye on problem gambling and recovery issues.

Although March is almost over, awareness can – and should – continue!

Therefore, this edition of the GRM Blog includes one of the “tools” from NCPG’s Kit: a Set of thirty-one Tweets about problem gambling.  You can tailor-make the statements for your friends, family, and colleagues about problem gambling … and PG AWARENESS will continue to educate and provide hope and help!

 31 Days of Tweets!

1.       March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Learn more about this hidden addiction http://bit.ly/PGAMFAQ #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM

  1. Problem gambling affects 7+ million Americans. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  2. Problem gambling is a serious condition – not just ‘weak will’ or a ‘bad habit’ that can be stopped at will. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  3. Still no Federal funding for problem gambling services!  #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  4.  Gambling addiction in U.S. = $7 billion in social costs. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  5. Your awareness may help a loved one with a gambling problem seek the necessary help. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  6.  For help with problem gambling call 1-800-522-4700 #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  7.  March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Reduce stigma. Help and hope are available. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  8.  Gambling can be as addictive as alcohol & other drugs.  #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  9. Problem gambling affects women & men, the young & the old, all backgrounds and all ethnicities. You are not alone. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  10. Does your doctor ask you about your gambling? They should – screening helps. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  11. Problem gambling does not discriminate based on age, gender, religion, social status or education. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  12. Family history of problem gambling? You could be at risk for problem gambling. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  13. Make sure your insurance & EAP providers cover gambling addiction. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  14. Know someone with a gambling problem? Help is available by calling the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  15.  Youth who gamble are more than 2X as likely to binge drink. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  16.  76% of problem gamblers suffer from major depressive disorder. 1 in 5 attempt suicide. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  17. Veterans have a greater risk for gambling problems #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  18.  Does your healthcare provider know how to connect you with problem gambling treatment? #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  19. People with other addictions are at greater risk for problems with gambling. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  20. Teen rates for problem gambling are higher than for adults. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  21. Problem Gambling Treatment saves lives, preserves families and improves our communities. For help call 1-800-522-4700. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  22.  Text to 800.522.4700 for problem gambling information and referral #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  23. If you can’t set and stick to a limit of time and money spent gambling, you may have a problem.  Call the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  24. March Madness may also describe how sports bettors with problems feel #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  25. Sports betting is gambling. How much is too much? #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  26. Illegal sports betting: contact your Federal and State reps to help ensure a safety net for problem gamblers. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  27. Most college student athletes who gamble started long before college. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  28. Expanded legal sports betting will likely increase problem gambling unless steps taken to minimize harm. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  29. The NCAA estimates that 1 in 10 Americans will complete a tournament bracket. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
  30.  Problem gambling: preventable & treatable. Visit www.ncpgambling.org for more info and resources. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM



  Blessings!

Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
https:// www.grmumc.org 

    For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues,   visit:                                                                                                                                                      































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