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March Madness May Pose Risks for Gambling Addicts

"This has been a particularly unpredictable NCAA tournament, and problem gamblers have been hit especially hard," said Bob Cabaniss, Williamsville Wellness founder and executive director. "Being aware of the warning signs of problem gambling can help those with this compulsive and dangerous addiction."

It is estimated that each year, as many as 40 million people fill out brackets -- but few succeed. Out of nearly 6 million submissions to ESPN.com, two participants correctly picked all four Final Four teams. For those who have gambled real dollars, a loss affects both their team spirit and their bank account.

It is important to note that gambling addiction is not an isolated illness. The staff at Williamsville Wellness also frequently treats depression, emotional disorders and substance abuse, as they are all commonly linked to gambling addiction. Identifying addiction warning signs can help identify whether a common pastime has slipped into a harmful addiction.

Gambling Addiction Warning Signs in Adults:

    --  Talks about betting frequently
    --  Commits financially driven crimes (ex: check forgery, tax fraud)
    --  Increase in tobacco, alcohol and drug use
    --  Reads sports pages compulsively
    --  Never admits to losing
    --  Borrows excessive money from friends
    --  Has multiple credit cards
    --  Does not pay bills on time or at all
    --  More irritable, restless and isolative than usual

Gambling Addiction Warning Signs in Adolescents:

    --  Frequent dice or card games at home
    --  Frequent school absences
    --  Withdrawal from family
    --  Drop in school grades and extracurricular activities
    --  Lies about whereabouts
    --  Increased irritability
    --  Excessive internet use

Those who identify with several of the symptoms above could be a compulsive gambler and should seek counseling and treatment.

Williamsville Wellness, based just outside of Richmond, Virginia, provides a rural setting where patients can focus on recovery without any distractions. Williamsville Wellness is the only treatment facility in the United States licensed to treat gambling addiction. Alongside a highly-trained staff of psychologists, counselors and social workers, Cabaniss developed an Advanced Synergized Treatment method that combines eight different therapeutic modalities, focused entirely on the treatment of problem gambling. No other treatment center in the U.S. offers this program.

SOURCE Williamsville Wellness