Symptoms of Problem Gambling

 

According to Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) data from 2019, 315,000 adult Iowans experienced at least one problem related to their gambling in the year prior.

“Iowans who have problems with their gambling come from many backgrounds. Problem gambling can affect people of every race, every religion, and all socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Eric Preuss, Manager of the Iowa Problem Gambling Services program. “The one constant is that problem gambling is treatable and recovery is possible. The impacts of problem gambling can be addressed, helping individuals and families get their lives back on track.”

Symptoms of problem gambling include:

  • Thinking a lot about gambling, such as past gambling experiences, future gambling ventures, or ways of getting money for gambling
  • Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or with larger bets to get the same feeling of excitement
  • Repeatedly trying to cut down or stop gambling without success
  • Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
  • Gambling to run away from problems or to get relief from feeling depressed, anxious, or bad about yourself
  • After losing money gambling, often returning another day in order to win back losses
  • Lying to family members, friends, or others in order to hide gambling activities from them
  • Losing or almost losing a significant relationship, job, or an educational or career opportunity because of gambling
  • Relying on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

The Iowa Problem Gambling Services program works to reduce the harm caused by problem gambling by funding a range of services for Iowans. Services include outpatient counseling for those experiencing gambling problems, and their family and other concerned persons; recovery support services; and, financial counseling, including budgeting and debt reduction plans.

If you or a loved one are facing a problem with gambling, you’re not alone. Call 1-800-BETS OFF, text (855) 895-8398, or visit https://yourlifeiowa.org/gambling to initiate an online chat session for free and confidential help 24/7. Help is just a call, text, chat away. For a shortcut to the process, you can call Sieda Behavioral Health and Treatment Services directly at 641 683-6747.

 

Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

 

The week of March 22nd through the 28th is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, an annual event. To connect teens with resources to “Shatter the Myths” about drugs and alcohol. Sieda Prevention hopes all take advantage of a great opportunity. It links students with scientists and other experts to counteract the myths about drugs and alcohol that teens get from the internet, social media, TV, movies, music, and friends.

People, especially teens, don’t realize the effects that drugs, alcohol, and even tobacco can have. Especially on a young person’s developing brain, other body systems, motor skills, including inhibition and judgment. These can lead to poor decisions which can result in accidents, unintended pregnancy, STI/HIV infections, sexual assaults, violence, and other harmful outcomes.

This event started in 2010 to provide education to communities. Moreover, teens and parents can learn what science has discovered about substance use and addiction.

Chat Day will be Wednesday, March 24th. This is an annual live online chat held between high school students and scientists. This allows students to ask the questions they most want to be answered, about drug and alcohol use, and its effects. Including ways to help friends or family that have substance use disorders or addictions.

https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drugalcohol-facts-week has several resources, free educational materials, and a toolkit, for teachers and others who work with teens. Or click the images to find a free quiz or free resources for everyone.

Sieda Behavioral Health and Treatment Services are available across 10 counties. Please call 641-683-6747.