Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
BISMARCK, N.D. -- According to a 2017 study from the North Dakota Department of Human Services, 4% of North Dakotans, or approximately 19,000 people, are gambling beyond social or recreational levels. Nationally, the gambling disorder rate typically only affects around 1.5% of the population.
After a year of uncertainty, turmoil, and change, Gamblers Choice wants to let the public know they’re still here and available to help. Formerly a program of Lutheran Social Services, Gamblers Choice helps people overcome their gambling addiction by resolving emotional, relationship, and financial issues.
“Often making the local news throughout the pandemic were stories about the increases in drug overdoses, rising meth addiction, and the devastating effects of addiction on family members,” says Lisa Vig, program director for Gamblers Choice. “The stories we want to bring awareness to are the hidden stories of gambling addiction.”
When people think of gambling addiction, images of blackjack tables and slot machines typically come to mind. Vig says problematic behaviors can exist with any kind of gambling. During the pandemic, they saw increases in sports betting and day trading to try to fill the void of in-person gambling.
“Most people haven’t heard the confessions of embezzlement from beloved employers or of theft from their children’s piggy banks late at night,” says Vig. “You haven’t heard about the lingering trauma resulting from the death of two innocent people on a highway after 72 hours of nonstop gambling. You have no idea what it’s like to hear someone describe the regret they have for not having the guts to drive their vehicle into an oncoming semi-truck after losing yet another paycheck. I have heard these stories and I know these people. They are the fortunate ones because they found someone to tell their story to.”
Gamblers Choice counselors work with both the gambler and their family to resolve problems created by gambling addiction. If you are worried that you, or someone you know, may have a gambling addiction, Vig encourages you to reach out to Gamblers Choice.
Problem gambling, or gambling addiction, includes all gambling behavior patterns that disrupt, or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Signs of problem gambling include an increased preoccupation with gambling; a need to bet more money more frequently; restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop; and continuation of gambling despite mounting negative consequences. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide.
“A lot has changed over this past year. But there is one constant for the people of North Dakota: Gamblers Choice is here to help,” says Vig.
Currently, services through Gamblers Choice are available for free. To seek help, call 877-702-QUIT (7848) or visit gamblernd.com to complete a brief three-question screening.
