Story Published:
Mar 5, 2008 at 6:02 PM PST
By
Tom Adams
It's emerging as one of the state's most serious public health issues, and the social costs are enormous.
The spotlight in Oregon this week is on problem gambling, which affects more than 75,000 adults. We met with experts in the field and with a local man who waged his own battle with addiction.
Whether the game is video poker, slots, or on-line betting it's a problem that affects Oregonians of all ages and backgrounds.
$26,000. That's a lot of money.
It's also the average debt for problem gambling Oregonians who went through treatment last year. Experts say the problem shows no signs of slowing down.
Program Director Michele Tantriella-Modell of Emergence Addiction Therapies says it's, "Because of the availability and accessibility of video poker and line games in the pubs and delis."
On this problem gambling awareness week, Oregon Lottery spots have hit the air to hammer home the message of treatment. "I haven't placed a bet in 18 months," intones one of the speakers on the spots.
Successful treatment was a life changer for Gary Chamberlain of Eugene, but the battle is not over. The former problem gambler tells KVAL, "I always remember that I have over 4 and a half years of not gambling but I'm a dollar away from my own disaster. That's how I live my life today."
Chamberlain's addiction began 24 years ago overseas. After moving to Eugene in 1992, he tried to go on a budget and cover up the problem--for 12 years. No dice.
"I gambled until my last dollar was gone. I gambled longer than I planned," says the Eugene resident.
Gary Chamberlain says 4 years after going through treatment, he's still doing well, but he also says he has to fight those urges. Chamberlain adds, "When my change comes out to 7 dollars and 77 cents and I get a funny thought, it's just a funny thought. It's not an urge."
Julie Hynes is Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator for Lane County Human Services and says, "I think for the community to recognize this is a serious problem, that many people are being affected by it, is the first key step in addressing the issue."
Hynes reports that youth are being groomed to go from a video game to an on-line casino game or to video poker. "That these activities that are simply recreational for young people are then causing them later on to go into real gambling, which can be problematic for them," states Hynes.
More than 2,300 people went through treatment in programs around Oregon last year. 25 of the clients had debts topping $250,000.
The statewide hotline for help is 877-MY-LIMIT.
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