For the 14th year, the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling is dedicating March to helping people “have the conversation.” “Problem Gambling is a real addiction that affects roughly 1 in 37 Oregonians, yet few people are actually talking about the problem or even recognizing it as one,” said Paige Hosford, Douglas County Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator. “This is why we participate in and promote the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Have the Conversation campaign.” The campaign is designed to raise awareness about problem gambling and to promote the free treatment and recovery services available to all Oregonians.
The impact of problem gambling extends beyond the gambler—affecting families, friends and entire communities. This is why it is so important to have the conversation. “March is the month where we see people questioning if their gambling habits are healthy or not – ultimately resulting in more people seeking treatment and services,” said Hosford. “It also provides a great opportunity to talk to children and youth about the potential risks of gambling.”
If you or someone you know is affected by problem gambling, help is available. Contact Adapt, your local problem gambling treatment provider, at 541-672-2691 or www.adaptoregon.org. You may also call 1-877-MYLIMIT, a free and confidential service for information and referral. For more information about problem gambling and how to have the conversation, visit www.OPGR.org or www.ncpgambling.org/pgam.