Ecker Center offers problem gambling treatment

Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling, dedicates the month of March to helping individuals who may be experiencing problem gambling.

As March Madness reaches a crescendo with an estimated $10 billion in bets placed on the NCAA basketball championship games, calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-Gambler) historically spike during the month of March.

The month of March is nationally recognized as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

This year's theme, "Awareness + Action," is all about taking action by having conversations about problem gambling issues and directing people to the help they may need.

Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) meet criteria for a gambling disorder.

Another 4 to 6 million (2-3%) meet criteria for problem gambling. Yet, for many residents of the US, gambling remains a hidden addiction.

A 2017 WalletHub report ranks Illinois second for "gambling problems and treatment" and at the top of the list for the most gambling-related arrests per capita.

Think you may have a problem? Take a self-assessment at weknowthefeeling.org/quiz.

A Certified Gambling Counselor is available at Ecker Center's Elgin and St. Charles locations by calling (847) 695-0484, ext. 2024, or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat/ for confidential help. Or visit the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling's website at icpg.info for more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness and action on problem gambling.

The financial and/or emotional consequences of problem and compulsive gambling can be devastating for individuals and families. Help is available near you.

Ecker Center for Behavioral Health's mission is to optimize the well-being of individuals and communities through the delivery of accessible, comprehensive, and quality behavioral health care which includes prevention, education, and intervention - including treatment for problem gambling.