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Gambling Addiction

  • Writer: Ashley Mitchell
    Ashley Mitchell
  • Apr 3
  • 5 min read

Gambling Addiction

By Ashley Mitchell


Even though Gambling Awareness Month is coming to an end, the need for awareness, education, and support around gambling addiction does not stop when the calendar changes. For many individuals and families, the challenges tied to gambling harm are ongoing, often hidden, and deeply impactful. That’s why continuing the conversation beyond this month is so important.

Gambling addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. What may start as a form of entertainment can gradually become something more serious, leading to financial strain, stress, relationship challenges, and impacts on mental health. Because it is not always as visible as other forms of addiction, many people struggle in silence, unsure of where to turn. For example, in Ohio, when sports betting was legalized, their gambling help hotline went from 20 calls per day to 50 calls per day.


Sports betting is legal in 37 states and is acceptable from anywhere. There are many apps allowing you the opportunity to gamble around the clock, many with easy-to-forage signups. This is especially dangerous for our youth. Gambling among teens has risen dramatically over the past five years. Nearly two-thirds of youth, ages 12 to 18, have said that they had gambled or played gambling-like games. 


This also raises concerns about 'Loot Boxes,' which target our youth. Loot Boxes are purchased on video games, offering a chance to win an item; a character, a weapon, or something beneficial for the game,or nothing at all. This specifically targets children and teens and has the same addictive principles as slot machines. Loot Boxes may deliver a large payout, or they may not, but they get your money either way. Kids keep buying Loot Boxes because the randomness of the prizes means you never know when you will get the one big prize. So they keep on buying the Loot Boxes for that one big chance of winning.

According to the American Psychological Association, "research is showing variations in the volume and activity of certain areas of the brain related to learning, stress management, and rewards processing that might contribute to problematic gambling." It is estimated in current research that 96% of people who are struggling with gambling also have a co-occurring disorder. 


At Save A Life Recovery Resource Center, we want our community to know that support is available, not just during awareness campaigns, but for every single day. Our Recovery Coaches are here to walk alongside individuals who may be struggling with gambling. They offer non-judgmental support, guidance, and connection to resources that can help people take steps toward recovery. 


We are also excited to implement a gambling addiction support group. This group will provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals to share their experiences, learn from others, and build a sense of community. Peer support can be a powerful part of recovery, helping people feel less alone and more understood.


Awareness doesn’t end with a month, it continues with conversations, compassion, and action. Visit our website thecenter207.org and view our upcoming gambling awareness page.  If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, reach out. Save A Life is here to help and recovery is always possible. 


If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, reach out to Save A Life Recovery Resource Center as well as these resources:

Announcement: We are collecting prom clothes for teens! Please consider donating dresses, nice clothes, dress shirts, or suits so we can help the teens in our community!


TEENS! If you need prom clothing, visit the center during our open hours or text 207-955-0466 to pick out a time to come and pick out anything you need for clothing or hair. 

 

Save A Life Recovery Resource CenterLocation:19 VFW Street, Lincoln, ME

Phone: 207-403-9100


Open Hours:

Monday: 10:00 – 6:00 PM 

Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 

Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM 

Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM 

Friday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM


 Upcoming Events:

Prom Hair: We will be offering to do hair at no cost on Friday, April 3rd from 2:00-5:00pm

New Beginnings Brunch:  April 11th & April 25th, 10:00-12:00pm.

Earth Day Greenhouse Clean Up: April 22nd at 1:00pm

Maine Speaks: Wendy Allen April 25th at 12:00pm

Prom Hair: We will be offering to do hair at no cost on May 16th from 12:00-6:00pm  

World No Tobacco Day Concert: May 31st at 6:00pm

Battle of the Bands: June 27th at 3:00pm

Loon Festival: July 17th, 18th, 19th at the Square

Recovery Block Party: September 4th at 5:00pm


Schedule Updates:

Please check our Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedule information. While we strive for consistency, occasional cancellations may occur. Facebook is the fastest way to see changes: facebook.com/SaveALifeRecoveryNetwork


Ways to DonateSupport our work in the following ways:

Venmo: @thecenter207 

Checks:Save A Life Recovery Resource Center, P.O. Box 12, Lincoln, ME 04457 


Secondary Prevention Services (Free & Open to All)Available during all open hours:-Free Narcan -Wound care and hygiene kits -Locked medication storage containers -Medication disposal kits -Harm Reduction 


Weekly Schedule

Monday

• (NEW)Forgotten Mourners: Siblings Survivor Group- 5:00pm (available in person and via zoom)

•   Welcome Home NA* – 6:00pm


Tuesday

•   AA* – 12:00 PM  • (NEW)Women of Divorce Peer Support Group- 1:30pm (available in person and via zoom)  

• Mental Health Peer Support Group- 5:00 pm (available in person and via zoom) 

•  Recovery in Color- 5:30pm


 Wednesday•  (NEW) All Recovery Family Meeting-1:30pm

• Teen Hive- 2:00-5:00pm

• Creative Writing^ – 5:30pm

• Teen Recovery Coach Available 2:00-6:00pm 


Thursday

• Book Club-4:00pm

• Knitting for Wellness – 5:00pm

• Welcome Home NA* – 6:00pm

• Teen Recovery Coach Available 2:00-6:00pm 


Friday

• Adulting 101- 4:00pm

• AA* – 7:00pm


Saturday

• New Beginnings Brunch: 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10:00am. Upcoming Dates: 4/11 & 4/25

• Music Club^ – 5:00pm until finished. Instruments provided or bring your own Sunday

• AA* – 1:00pm


^ Free childcare available • NA and AA groups are independent and not affiliated with Save A Life Recovery Resource Center 


Recovery Coach Services (Free of Charge): If you are seeking recovery from substance use or unhealthy lifestyle patterns, or are an affected loved one, we offer one-on-one support from Peer Recovery Coaches at no cost. We are also proud to offer support through our volunteer Teen Recovery Coach. 


Recovery Coach Training: Interested in becoming a volunteer Recovery Coach? We partner with local organizations that offer free virtual Recovery Coach training that holds day classes throughout the year. Call 207-403-9100 to learn more. 


Stay Connected

• Website: thecenter207.org 

• Instagram: @TheCenter207 

• LinkedIn: TheCenter207 

• YouTube: @thecenter.207


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