Fantasy sports is a real risk for relapse for those who have struggled with a gambling problem and it is something that can pull a person deeper into gambling. I have worked with individuals who have had as many as 20 fantasy sports teams each year. The high associated with watching the sporting events, tracking the players stats, changing team members because of injured players, etc. can be very time consuming! This behavior can cause problems for the gambler who is involved in these leagues and for the family members who are not getting what they need from these relationships anymore. If you can relate to this, we can help. please give us a call today at 402-515-7412.

The article below discusses the growth of fantasy sports over the last few years.

http://qz.com/298042/the-bizarre-multi-billion-dollar-industry-of-american-fantasy-sports/

http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/2144484.html

Here is an article cautioning us about types of gifts that can lead to addictive and/or destructive behavior. Please consider not giving lottery tickets, scratch tickets or pull-tabs (pickle cards) to youth this holiday season. These can be the initial experience of gambling that can lead to further gambling and other addictive behaviors. Read on for more information.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-30/new-approach-to-treating-problem-gamblers-uses-mathematics/5928796

This article shows an interesting approach to gambling treatment and harm reduction. It discusses teaching those who struggle with their gambling how to use math to learn about the randomness of the machines. Peace and Power Counseling uses a similar approach when educating clients about the chance involved in different types of gambling. The way we think about gambling can really effect the frequency of our gambling behavior. Peace and Power Counseling uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help those seeking treatment how to change their thoughts so they are less likely to remain powerless to gambling.

http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-regular-marijuana-shrinks-brain-20141110-story.html

New research that proves that the decision making part of the brain is impacted by regular marijuana use. I am seeing more and more individuals coming into gambling treatment who are also using marijuana. This article shows that marijuana can make it more difficult to make good decisions. It is understandable that marijuana use would cause those who are struggling with a gambling problem even more challenge in stopping the gambling behavior. We can help you change your life for the better. Please contact us so we can help you overcome these obstacles.

On Monday of this week I submitted an abstract to the National Council on Problem Gambling with the hope of being a presenter for the 2015 National Conference. I hope to share with colleagues across the country how I use hypnosis with those who seek services at Peace and Power Counseling for gambling treatment. 

Hypnosis sometimes has negatives associated with it. I frequently explain to my clients that hypnosis and/or trance is like a brick. It can be used to build a house or to put things back together or it can be used to break a window or to tear things apart. In clinical hypnosis as a part of gambling treatment, we use these skills to help make you who you want to be as a part of your process.

While we are actively gambling we are in a trance state, those who have an addiction to gambling frequently are in a trance state, so using clinical hypnosis as a technique is quite effective as a part of the treatment process.

Some ways I use hypnosis with clients who are struggling with a gambling problem: 
1) As a relaxation technique, as self-hypnosis to help those who are struggling to fall to sleep or who are tense or stressed most of the time and are using gambling to relax.
2) As a way to reduce the intensity of triggers that can potentially pull an individual back into gambling.
3) As a way to learn, at a deeper level, what is holding someone back from making progress.
4) As a way to address early trauma that seems to be a trigger for the gambling.
5) As a way to help a client relive some pain during the session to allow him or her to focus on his or her recovery.

If you are interested in hypnosis as part of your gambling treatment, please call me, I am happy to help you.

Gina

http://www.hrhero.com/hl/articles/2012/01/26/allowing-gambling-at-work-a-good-bet-or-bad-odds/

The above link will take you to an article about how seemingly harmless gambling in the workplace can cause havoc on a business's productivity. 

Many of those who are struggling with a gambling addiction spend large amounts of time at work picking teams, giving recommendations to others who are gambling during work hours, passing out pool brackets for sports gambling and monitoring their fantasy sports teams. Some even place their bets during business hours using their work computers or work issued cell phones. Some even watch sporting events during work hours. Others may even be playing pay per click slot machines or free slots on websites. 

It can be helpful for employers to approach their employees with concerns and recommend a gambling evaluation and treatment to their employee who is gambling during work hours. Your employees can get the help they need and return to their status as a highly productive employee. Many people who have addiction to gambling have stumbled in their life and just need someone to guide them to treatment and the compassionate help that he or she needs to start a path to and then through recovery. Please call us at Peace and Power Counseling, we can help you and your employee find hope and healing.

Peace and Power Counseling will have a booth at the University of Nebraska at Omaha health fair. The event is located in the gymnasium, in the athletic building. We are offering 1, 30 minute, no charge, consultation as a door prize for this event. We hope to see you there.