Lake Worth, FL

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Today not only do we have more active compulsive gamblers, then in any other time in our history but we have states addicted to the gambling revenue also.

So we have started the Compulsive Gambling Foundation a

501-C3 non-profit agency.

The mission of the Compulsive Gambling Foundation (CGF) is to provide education, awareness, prevention and assistance to those persons and family members suffering from Compulsive Gambling and its effects.

The organization will run educational programs so individuals can learn about the signs of compulsive gambling and can get information on where and how to seek help.We will provide speakers, literature and outreach to those in need of legal and treatment services .

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP FOR GAMBLING ADDICTION PLEASE CALL OUR HELP LINE 888 LAST BET

Compulsive gambling addiction does not only affect the gambler, but also directly impacts the gambler's family, coworkers, friends and other individuals. The Compulsive Gambling Foundation's goal is to spread educational information to members of the community.

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BY ARNIE WEXLER CCGC

Early detection and intervention can help prevent some of the more tragic consequences of compulsive and problem gambling. The Compulsive Gambling Foundation works with high schools and colleges to educate America's youth on the risks and consequences of the latest gambling trends, including Internet gambling, online poker and sports betting.

Compulsive gambling is a progressive disease, much like an addiction to alcohol or drugs. In many cases, the gambling addiction is hidden until the gambler becomes unable to function without gambling, and he or she begins to exclude all other activities from their lives. Inability to stop gambling often results in financial devastation, broken homes, employment problems, criminal acts and suicide attempts.

The gambler is eventually able to remove themselves from reality to the point of being totally obsessed with gambling. Eventually, they will do anything to get the money with which to stay in "action". They will spend all their time and energy developing schemes in order to get the money to continue gambling. Lying becomes a way of life for the gambler.

They will try to convince others and themselves that their lies are actually truths and they will believe there own lies.

After they hit a real bottom they will have to do something if they want to try to recover. Most gamblers at that point will want to stop but can't (they wont be able to).

Most even at that point will keep gambling some will end up in jail some will attempt suicide some will die from their addiction as they will not take care of their health or the stress will kill them.

And a small group of addicted gamblers will seek and find real help but the real trick is to get in to real recovery. Not just abstinence. By the time the gambler comes for help they have broken brains (Meaning their brains don't work like they used to when they were not in there addiction).

To get real recovery the gambler needs to work on them self's one day at a time and get someone to do there thinking for them who has been in recovery some time and has there brains are working right (a sponsor) After some time in recovery there brains will start to work again. They will become productive on there job and become a good father and husband. Recover is a process and does not happen with out a lot of work on your self . and making a moral and financial inventory. But some people can recover and do.

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Compulsive gambling is a recognized addiction, like alcoholism and chemical dependency

DSM-IV Criteria: Pathological Gambling

A. Persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behaviour as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

Is preoccupied with gambling (e.g. preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)

Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement

Has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling

Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling

Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g. feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)

After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even ("chasing" one's losses)

Lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling

Has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling

Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling

Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

With all the gambling going on today It seems like its about time we understood the gambling addiction and got society to get educated about this addiction. We need to have real Education programs in the Schools,Colleges,Work force, and Judicial system.

FOR HELP WITH A GAMBLING PROBLEM CALL (1-888-LAST BET)

If you wish to contribute to the Compulsive Gambling Foundation, we are a

501-C3 non-profit agency. Your contributions are tax deductible.

Compulsive Gambling Foundation

213 Third Avenue

Bradley Beach, NJ 07720

732) 774-0019

Arnie Wexler

Arnie & Sheila Wexler Associates

Lake Worth, FL

561-249-0922 CELL 954 5015270