Problem gambling is a growing concern on the coast and beyond
By GAIL KIMBERLING
The News Guard

This week – March 8-14 – has been designated as Problem Gambling Awareness Week in Oregon and nationwide.
“The purpose of the week is to increase public awareness and educate community providers about problem gambling,” Marilyn Austin Heins, Clinical Counselor for Gambling Addiction for Lincoln County, said. “The message for the week emphasizes (the) ‘Hope and Help’ available to individuals and families who are experiencing problems associated with gambling behaviors.”
Heins, the county’s first gambling counselor, was hired in May 2003 with funds provided by the Oregon State Lottery – which designates 1 percent of proceeds to treat problem gamblers and their families.
“It is estimated that there are at least 1,400 compulsive gamblers in Lincoln County alone. Similar to an addiction to alcohol, tobacco or other drugs, problem gamblers just can’t stop even though gambling jeopardizes their family, their job and even their lives,” Heins stated.
According to Heins, the majority of adults gamble in one form or another, whether it’s through the football pool at work, attending a church bingo game or buying a raffle ticket from a grade school student. Most people who gamble can do so recreationally without becoming addicted; but for the 3 to 5 percent who develop a problem, the addiction can be deadly.
“Unfortunately, many people do not seek help until they are suicidal,” Heins said. In fact, gambling has the highest rate of suicide of all addictions, and Heins said this is because the typical gambler is above average in intelligence, has often held a responsible position in the community, and is basically an “all-around good, honest citizen.”
She defines a problem gambler as “anyone whose gambling is causing psychological, financial, emotional, marital or legal problems for them and the people around them.” She further classifies problem gamblers into three types: Action gamblers, usually men, who enjoy getting wrapped up in card games or betting on horse races; escape gamblers, often women, who sit for hours in front of a slot machine to get away from a boring or chaotic life; and Internet players, who gamble from home or work on several thousand sites.
Heins said, “Compulsive or pathological gambling is defined as a progressive disorder characterized by loss of control over gambling; a preoccupation with gambling and with obtaining money with which to gamble; lying to family and friends about gambling activities; feeling the need to bet more and more money; and a continuation of the behaviors despite adverse consequences.”
Many people incur more than $100,000 in debt, and Heins said the problem is “very, very serious.”
She describes the average gambler as a white male in his early 40s, however men and women of all ages and cultures are susceptible to addiction. Some, Heins said, become addicted almost immediately while others take years for the problem to develop. She commented that video poker is known to be especially addictive, and the machines are often called the “crack cocaine” of gambling because the visual and auditory stimulation they provide is highly and quickly addictive.
Oregon is second only to Nevada for gaming and gambling opportunities. Besides casinos, Heins said, gambling is readily available in most bars and taverns, and a person no longer has to drive a long distance to gamble.

There is hope, and help. “A problem gambler has to face the problem to get help,” Heins said. “Often, they are encouraged by their family or employer, or they find people will not longer bail them out. Sometimes intervention becomes necessary, but for treatment to be effective gamblers have to decide they want to quit.”
Treatment through Lincoln County Health & Human Services is free, confidential and effective. Heins said, “New thinking and activities have to be established through a process of individual and group therapy. Additionally, the underlying causes of the addiction have to be addressed.”
And for those who commit to treatment, Heins added, the success rate is very high: Studies show that after two years, 75 percent of former problems gamblers are leading normal lives.
Heins now has 34 clients and the Lincoln County program is “going great.”
She said those who have achieved the most success are committed to giving up their gambling and are able to change their thinking and beliefs about gambling. “They come to realize that gambling is a dangerous activity that is ruining their lives. They no longer see that gambling is a way to earn extra money and they see that ‘chasing their losses’ is futile,” Heins remarked.
Also, Heins said successful clients find other activities to fill the void and are able to address the underlying issues which caused them to want to gamble in the first place, such as loneliness, stress, grief, anger and boredom.
Heins, who brings an extensive background as a clinical counselor to her Lincoln County position, loves being back on the job after a brief retirement to rest and recoup.
“It’s great being back in the helping profession again,” she commented.
Her small office in the Health and Human Services building in Newport is full of angels, and she believes they represent hop for those seeking help with their gambling addiction.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with this problem, don’t hesitate to call for an appointment. Don’t wait for the desperation phase. Get help,” Heins emphasized.
For more information, Heins can be reached at 265-6611, extension 2261.

Self assessment quiz

Are you a problem gambler? Only you can decide. A problem gambler is anyone whose gambling is causing continuous problems in any facet of their lives. The following questions can help you decide if you’re gambling out of control.
• Do you ever lose time from work due to gambling?
• Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
• Did gambling affect your reputation?
• Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
• Have you ever gambled to get money to pay debts or solve other financial difficulties?
• Has gambling diminished your ambition or ability to do your job?
• After losing, did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
• After a win, did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
• Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
• Do you ever borrow to finance gambling?
• Are you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?
• Does gambling make you careless about the welfare of yourself and your family?
• Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
• Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
• Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
• Do you have trouble sleeping because of gambling?
• Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
• Do you have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
• Have you ever considered self destruction as a result of your gambling?

Most problem gamblers answer yes to at least seven of these questions. If you answered yes to three or more questions, you are probably moving in a dangerous direction and should consider seeking treatment before you “cross the line” into true problem gambling.

Source: The News Guard