Gambling Addiction Taking High Financial and Personal Tolls
Press Release April. 2011

Gambling problem is steadily creating more issues than most would believe. The average gambling debt of those who called in to the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling in 2010 was $43, 800, a major increase from $ 36, 000 in 2009. By the time out-of-control gamblers call in they are already suffering personally and financially.

The impact of problem gambling is much greater in reality. People go through bankruptcies, their businesses fail and professionals also say that depression and suicidal thoughts are very common as well. According to a certified compulsive gambling therapist at Samaritan Counseling Center in Menasha, the gamblers have already lost a large sum of money and while being in trouble with financial institutions, also face tough family issues arising from their compulsive gambling.

Rose Gruber, executive director of the Council on Problem Gambling has emphasized that the helpline call activity remain brisk. She also claims that the issues the callers express are only the surface. Gruber has also mentioned the destructive nature of compulsive gambling, adding that 21 callers had filed for bankruptcy and 68 reported thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts.

Most callers don't know the extremity of their debt, they just realize that they are behind on payments and only when the center asks in detail can they sum up an average and realize how far deep they are. Gruber said many people seek help after debt mounts to the point where spouses, relatives and co-workers become aware of the addiction. Some are in desperate situations when they contact the agency and others want to get help before it's too late and things “spiral out of control”. Some are ordered by courts to seek immediate assistance regarding their circumstances.

Drugs and alcohol issues are also present in those who can't control their gambling. Spouses sometimes detect odd behavior, excessive alcohol or drug use, and large amounts of missing money and discover the gambling habits of their partners.

Starck Wille said some gamblers obtain credit cards under their spouses' names and max out the cards, or intercept the credit card bills in the mailbox to avoid detection.

"A gambling addiction takes several years to develop," she said. "You don't become an addict overnight."
With the divorce rate increasing because of excessive debt, some would even say that gambling becomes the mistress in the marriage.

If you have come across our Addiction Treatment Center article, is because you or someone you love is in need of help for gambling behaviors. Cove Center for Recovery is an Addiction Treatment Center offering a premier treatment program that can help you or your loved one. Our aim is to treat the whole person, and not just an isolated symptom. During the treatment process we will work with the client to identify the factors that may have contributed to their gambling behavior – home, work, relationships and medical history. We also believe that families have a vital role to play in the recovery process, and each program has a place for family participation, to educate them in the treatment process and to equip them for their role as supporters.

Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away. If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate attention you may contact us:

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