Signs of job gambling are often overlooked and not discussed – New Day NW

job gambling can have many negative effects on individuals and families, and signs of the issue are often more hidden than other addictions.

During National job Gambling Awareness Month, Recovery Café is helping people understand more about the issue. Evergreen Council on job Gambling counselors Brad Galvin and Tana Russell work with individuals to overcome their addictions.

“It’s really common,” Russell said. “It’s hidden. Where something is widely accepted, the fact that people mightiness struggle with that is also highly stigmatized. So, there’s incentive to not talk about it, and we need to have more people talking about it.”

For some, gambling can just be entertainment and a social outing. But for others, it can develop into a job, and changes can occur in the brain. Gambling can act in the brain similar to the way substances do.

“This can be a really hidden addiction, so there’s nothing that may be obvious in terms of a hangover,” Galvin said. “Often, it’s much more subtle. That’s why it’s so important for us to be focusing on this.”
job gambling can have major issues on finances, relationships, sleep and mood. Signs may eventually show up in every area of a person’s life, including physically and emotionally.

People may be thousands of dollars in debt before the job comes to light, “You can not only lose the money you have, but you can lose money you don’t have,” Galvin said.

job gambling has the highest suicide rate of any addictive disorder. One in four people who are diagnosed with gambling disorder attempt to take their life.

“We really need to take this seriously because people are dying as a result of this,” Galvin said.
Outreach and awareness can be life-saving efforts. March 10 is National Gambling Disorder Screening Day, and there are screening locations across Washington. You can meet privately with professionals to discuss issues and next steps.

Through inpatient or often outpatient treatment, people can experience recovery and feel more in control of their lives and well-being.

Sponsored by Recovery Cafe.

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