National Problem Gambling Awareness  Week: March 4-12, 2012

Washington, DC – Gambling has become a popular activity for people of many ages – and seniors are no exceptions. Like the rest of the population, most older adults can enjoy gambling as a form of recreation and social engagement. However, others may become problem gamblers.

Problem gambling, also known as gambling addiction or compulsive  gambling, is defined as the urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences  or a desire to stop. It’s estimated that 1-4 percent of the population is at  risk for developing gambling problems. Virtually anyone – men or women, young or  old, from every religion, race and socio-economic background – can be at risk  for developing a gambling problem. They can play the horses, slots, the lottery,  pull-tabs, cards and bingo.

 Older adults are at particular risk for developing gambling addiction. Their gambling behavior differs from gambling in younger age groups for a variety of reasons:

 • When people are coping with big changes or losses they are more vulnerable to developing a gambling problem; many older adults face life transitions and losses, such as death of  loved ones, end of career or isolation from family and friends.
• Older adults who have gambled away their retirement savings don’t have working years to make up their losses.
• Many older adults may not understand addiction, making them less likely to identify a gambling problem.
• Older adults appear less willing to seek assistance for a gambling  problem than younger adults.
• Many older adults hide  their gambling because of the stigma associated with it and health professionals  rarely assess for problem gambling.
• Many older adults  have easy access to gambling and are drawn to gambling to fill their time or to  be with other people.
• Some older adults may have  cognitive impairment that interferes with their ability to make sound  decisions.

 The good news about gambling addiction is that treatment is effective, and recovery is real and attainable. This can make a significant impact on the lives of gamblers and families who are affected by their addictions.

 The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has established  a national helpline to assist those who are concerned about their gambling  habits. The helpline number is 1-800-522-4700 and is available 24 hours per day,  365 days a year.

 The NCPG is the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. The mission of the NCPG is to 
increase public awareness of pathological gambling, ensure the widespread 
availability of treatment for problem gamblers and their families, and to 
encourage research and programs for prevention and education. 
Visit www.ncpgambling.org for more information.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 28, 2012-Gambling problems are more prevalent among military veterans than in the general public. The National Council on Problem Gambling urges veterans, their loved ones and healthcare providers to be particularly aware of gambling addiction. Warning signs include preoccupation with gambling, chasing losses and financial harm. Problem gambling is associated with substance abuse, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder  (PTSD). 
     That is why the National Council on Problem Gambling has selected to highlight veterans as one population especially at-risk for developing a problem with gambling during its 10th annual "National Problem Gambling Awareness Week" March 4-10. The purpose of this grass roots campaign is  to raise public awareness of problem gambling and educate healthcare providers  about resources available for help. 
     The National Council believes that, to combat problem gambling among military personnel and veterans, one must first understand the unique circumstances facing this societal group. While the military acknowledges and addresses several addiction and mental health issues, as well as problems associated with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, interventions and treatment for problem and pathological gambling have not yet been integrated into the system. Minimizing the harmful consequences of gambling  among veterans and military personnel will require improved awareness and  targeted efforts. 
     During National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, groups from across the country will be reaching out to veterans to offer information and answer questions about the disorder. For more information, please email Jeff Beck at ccgnjjeff@aol.com or visit www.npgaw.org.

Marty:
Omaha’s The Biggest Loser

Is coming to Peace and Power Counseling’s treatment group!

Thursday December 8, 2011 at 7:00pm

 You will learn about: 
· Marty’s exercise program
· How affordable it is.
· Marty’s tricks for losing weight and keeping the weight off.
· How this relates to you.

I hope you can join us. Please RSVP to Gina Fricke at 402-515-7412.

Sometimes life can seem like a  tangled mess. Dysfunctional relationships, past or current abuse, dead-end careers, financial stressors, and so much more in our daily lives can create knots of hopelessness, discouragement, confusion, and depression that look impossible to untangle. 

If that describes your life, it might be time to get help. Having someone with compassion and understanding help you reorganize your thoughts and recognize unhealthy behaviors can be the way to a fresh start. As a therapist-in-training, I commit to caring about your needs while continuing to expand my knowledge as I serve you. 
  
I currently intern under the direct supervision of Gina Fricke, LCSW, CCGC, NCGC, II, owner of Peace and Power Counseling and will earn my Master’s in Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in May 2012. Through my training in practicum and internships, I have experience in relationship, young adult, and career counseling.