Gambling addicts often wait too long to seek help
Gambling addicts often wait too long to seek help
by Norah E. Machia , Times Staff Writer
First published: Sunday, February 6, 2005
Thomas J. Spaulding has heard a lot of desperate people over the phone who have gambled away everything.
"I've gotten calls from people in their 20s through their 70s," said the director of the Northern New York Center on Problem Gambling, Watertown. "By the time they come to us, they have exhausted every resource and they are desperate. They are looking for immediate help."
And that's not easy to find since the north country has no treatment facilities for problem gamblers, he said.
There are Gamblers Anonymous groups in Watertown and Massena that also offer separate groups for family members of compulsive gamblers. There are few counseling options, he said.
"Now there are so many lottery games out there, along with Quick Draw," he said. "The state has become dependent on those revenues. There are some people who would argue that the state of New York is addicted to gambling."
The solution?
"There needs to be more money set aside by the state to fund adequate treatment and prevention programs," Mr. Spaulding said. "The state is technically responsible for taking care of its people."
An estimated 5 percent to 6 percent of the population has experienced gambling-related problems, he said.
"Our goal is to educate the public about the potential problems that are associated with gambling," he said.
Deborah L. Widrick, assistant substance abuse counselor at Lewis County Community Recovery Center, Lowville, said family members of compulsive gamblers often feel guilty for not knowing the extent of the problem. Yet compulsive gambling is easier to hide; there is no staggering, no alcohol smell on the breath.
Many compulsive gamblers continue to hold their jobs because they need the money to gamble, she said. Some turn to embezzlement.
"Compulsive gamblers become habitual liars and con artists," Mrs. Widrick said. "They weave a web of lies and live in this magical world. They compromise their own value system and they settle for less."
At the same time, their families become less of a priority, she said. By the time people seek treatment, they're typically $50,000 to $150,000 in debt.
Several groups can help with problem gambling:
The Northern New York Center on Problem Gambling, 788-7241.
The Lewis County Community Recovery Center, 376-5958.
Gamblers Anonymous, 482-9445.
The New York State Council on Problem Gambling, 1 (800) 437-1611.