They don’t look like problem gamblers.
The Maine Office of Substane Abuse (OSA) has chosen Oxford Hills to start a pilot program that aims to spread awareness about the risks of problem gambling and gambling addition. The goal of the program is to educate people about what problem gambling is, the risks involved and to encourage responsible gaming.
OSA has provided a small grant to Healthy Oxford Hills and the Healthy Maine Partnership office in Bangor. The focus of the grant is on all types of gambling, including lottery tickets and online games.
Check out these helpful links.
How to Spot the Signs
Would you know a gambling problem if you saw it in a friend, loved one, coworker, patient or student? It’s important to know the signs because 3 percent of the population may have a problem, which puts them and their families at financial and emotional risk.
Here are some warning signs:
- Preoccupied with gambling and unable to stop
- Bragging about gambling, exaggerating wins and minimizing losses
- Restless and irritable when not gambling
- Gambling to win back what you’ve lost
- Borrowing money for gambling
- Lying to hide time spent gambling or unpaid debts
- Frequent unexplained absences
- Losing work time because of gambling
- Doing something illegal to get money for gambling
- Jeopardizing a signifiant relationship or job by gambling
Keep it in Perspective
Problem gambling is not a bad habit or a moral weakness. It is a serious condition, but with treatment, problem gamblers can put the game in perspective and make decisions to improve their lives.
Help is available:
If you or someone you know may have a gambling probem, contact the confidential helpline: 2-1-1 (Maine only) for information and resources.
2-1-1 Maine – toll free hotline connecting callers to trained specialists answering health and human services questions
Phone: 2-1-1
www.211maine.org