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1.
Have
you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
2. Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how
much you gambled?
If you answered
"yes" to either one of these questions, you might have
a problem with gambling. Call CCCASA for a confidential evaluation
at 716-945-1928 today or call the New York State Council on Problem
Gambling 24 Hours Helpline at 1-800-437-1611.
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Who Are
Problem Gamblers?
Problem gamblers
come from many backgrounds. They can be rich or poor, young or
old. Problem gambling can affect people of every race, every religion
and every education and income level. It happens in small towns
or big cities.
To them, gambling
has become an addiction - like an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Problem gamblers find it extremely difficult to stop gambling.
They believe they can "beat the odds" - even when their
entire world begins to fall apart.
When they
can't stop - they:
• lose their money - all of it:
• lose their jobs - more than once;
• lose their families - it happens;
• lose their lives - it's true.
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Gambling
Addiction in the United States costs society approximately
$5 billion per year and an additional billion in lifetime
costs for productivity reductions, social services,
and creditor losses. |
| However,
these calculations are inadequate to capture the intra-familial
costs of divorce and family disruption associated with
problem and pathological gambling. |
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The effects
of gambling addiction are as devastating as alcohol or drug addictions.
Unless treated, the compulsive gambler's betting activity will
reach the point where it compromises, disrupts, and destroys his
or her personal life, family relationships, professional, or vocational
pursuits and financial security. Neglect or abuse of children,
spouse or partner, divorce, bankruptcy, poverty, arrest and/or
imprisonment, mental breakdown of suicide are all likely outcomes
of gambling addiction.
Fortunately,
problem gambling is a treatable disorder. Intervention can prevent
the inevitable downward spiral and return the individual and their
families to healthy, happy, and productive lives.
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The
Cattaraugus County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
has specially trained addictions professionals in our Salamanca
office who can help get your life back on track.
Call
716-945-1928 to
schedule a confidential appointment. We are conveniently
located in the Salamanca Mall complex on Main Street in
Salamanca.
Click
here to find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting in New
York State
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