FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WORKSHOP ON GAMBLING TREATMENT AND PREVENTION PLANNED

March 19, 1999 Ansonia, CT - A local substance abuse prevention organization is co-sponsoring a workshop on gambling prevention and treatment.

The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council is working with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling to host the informational session on Monday, March 22, from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM at the Valley United Way in Ansonia.

"As an issue, problem gambling is often still not really talked about," said John Sponauer, VSAAC Director. "In many ways, we have to overcome the denial of the issue in the same way we have dealt with alcohol and drug use."

Although the workshop is geared for youth workers, social service providers, and educators, the public is invited. There is no cost and refreshments will be served.

Sponauer said the focus on gambling is a first for VSAAC, but that the issue is so closely related to addiction that it makes sense to discuss the topic.

"You don't need to look too deep to see that there is a pretty heavy similarity between substance abuse and gambling addiction. It can be a devastating condition that rips lives apart."

Many of the warning signs of gambling addiction are similar to the signs of substance abuse, including placing gambling before other responsibilities, repeated attempts to quit, conflict with family and friends, and personality changes brought on by gambling.

Sponauer said that if the workshop generates local interest in the topic, VSAAC would be open to more activities around the gambling issue and how it relates to substance abuse.

"As an organization, we're not looking to suddenly change focus onto the gambling issue, but we may be able to provide some new resources to the Valley," Sponauer said.

The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling has done extensive research on gambling in the state and has found a high level of gambling rates, even among teens.

In a 1996 survey of almost 4,000 high school students across the state, the Council found that almost 90 percent said they had gambled at some point in their life. About 40 percent of the students under the age of 18 had participated in state-sanctioned gambling activities.

The Council operates a 24-hour confidential Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238.

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