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Gambling: Problem Gambling
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The New York State Council on Problem Gambling is about to publish results of a study that says that, whereas in 1998, 4 percent of teenagers were at risk to become addicted to gambling, in 2007, 20 percent are. The council is trying to get the consequences of gambling entered into the curriculum of public schools so the dangers will be widely known. Gambling adolescents a growing problem/www.pressrepublican.com/3.27.07
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Gambling has become a high profile and socially acceptable activity in the United States. As TV shows like;"Who Wants to be a Millionaire" vie for viewer time; the desire for excitement or to get rich quick can become overwhelming. Conservative estimates show more than 15 million people display some signs of gambling addiction. If current trends continue, this number will continue to rise -destroying marriages, forcing bankruptcies, and jeopardizing employment. Problem gamblers have higher rates of suicide, divorce and criminal activity than non gamblers. And for young people, the increase in lottery play is correlated with increased participation in the use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana.
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Gambling is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 but that is not stopping a new generation of pre-teens, Problem Solver Nancy Alvarez said. Local 6 News showed video of a poker game in Central Florida being played by 10-year-old boys. "There is certainly a connection between what age a child is exposed to gambling and the propensity for their developing a problem later in life," Fowler (Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling) said.
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Problem Gambling is recognized as a chronic disorder marked by an uncontrollable urge to gamble. The individual cannot stop gambling despite mounting negative consequences to himself/herself. These consequences are usually financial issues that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family, educational and/or vocational interests.
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Oregon’s Gambling Evaluation and Reduction Program (PDF), GEAR, is designed to meet the needs of less severe problem gamblers. GEAR is a structured program that offers home-based change tools such as self-change guides, telephone counseling, Internet support groups, and educational videos.
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Studies show that adult problem gamblers started the habit at 10 or 11 years old, and that they become introduced to gambling through family members, Jefferson [director of the Albany-based Center for Problem Gambling] said. And kids who gamble are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors, such as drug use, unprotected sex and joining gangs, experts said.
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