As gambling has become increasingly legal and accessible over the past several years, we’ve seen a rise in the number of people struggling with gambling disorder issues. Online platforms and mobile apps have made sports betting more prevalent than ever, allowing people to place wagers from the comfort of their homes and even during live sporting events.
However, this convenience comes at a significant cost. In the five years that New Jersey legalized online sports gambling, calls to the NJ Problem Gambling Hotline tripled. The largest demographic affected was 25 to 34-year-old men.
Harry Levant, MA, ICGC-I, an ETHOS clinician had the opportunity to speak on 60 Minutes about online sports betting. He said, “This is a public health emergency. I have patients who gamble in the shower, I have patients who gamble when they get out of bed in the morning. I have patients who gamble when they are driving.’’
When asked where these individuals are getting the money to gamble, he said, “I have young patients who have gambled away federal student loan money and inheritances.”
To address this growing issue, Levant leads a new Adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to assist those with gambling disorders. The in-person program is held during the day at our Broomall location, and in the evening in Jenkintown. Both sessions are available via Telehealth to allow individuals to attend from a distance.
“One of every two people struggling with gambling disorder will experience suicidal thoughts. Gambling disorder typically presents with other co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder problems and can cause devastating harm to people and families. The good news is that help is available and, with appropriate treatment, recovery is possible.
Help is available at ETHOS, if you or a loved one is struggling with gambling addiction. To learn more about ETHOS Treatment, visit https://www.ethostreatment.com/ or call 267-669-0300 today!
Hear more from Harry who has been interviewed by high-profile outlets including:
60 MINUTES | CNN | FOX NEWS | CNN