For immediate release, 3/7/11: New data show more youth gambling than smoking, drinking or using drugs
New data on youth gambling released, local youth participate in media efforts
Contact: Julie Hynes, Prevention Specialist, Lane County Health & Human Services, 541.682.3928 or Julie.Hynes@co.lane.or.us [View the release on lanecounty.org]
The latest data on Oregon students show that gambling starts as early as sixth grade, and that youth who gamble are much more likely to be involved in other risky behaviors.
The data, tabulated by the Oregon Health Authority, show that 6th-11th grade youth who gamble are far more likely to have drunk alcohol, used marijuana, smoked cigarettes or have skipped school in the past month.
Does gambling lead to other problem behaviors? "We're not saying that gambling causes these other issues," said Julie Hynes, coordinator of Lane County's problem gambling prevention program, "but what the data clearly show is something that we've seen anecdotally for quite some time -- that risky behaviors go hand-in-hand."
While the new data may come as a surprise to parents, who seem to be faced with an ever-increasing number of things to worry about, Hynes said parents needn't worry, but that they talk with kids in the same kinds of "talks" they might have about drugs, alcohol and sex. "Share that gambling isn't risk free. Discuss limits and safety. Monitor what they do online. And probably most importantly, set a good example."
Evidence-based prevention efforts are key in helping curb problem behaviors before they start. Lane County's problem gambling prevention program, housed at Lane County Health & Human Services, uses evidence-based strategies to "connect the dots" between problem gambling and other problem behaviors. The program provides presentations and curricula in schools and communities, and supports parenting programs.
March 6-12 is Problem Gambling Awareness Week in Oregon. The Lane County Problem Gambling Advisory Committee developed public service announcements voiced by local youth, spotlighting videos created by youth and young adults, and holding a middle school "art search." Efforts are sponsored by Lane County Health & Human Services and Emergence Gambling Treatment Program, which provides free treatment in Lane County for gamblers and family members, and also houses the state's 24-hour gambling help line, 1-877-MY-LIMIT.
Youth in Lane County can still get involved: Create a poster for the 2011 art search (ages 11-14). ALL eligible participants will get prizes! Visit www.preventionlane.org/art-search.htm for details.
###
Problem Gambling in Oregon
The following information illustrates some key information about problem gambling in Oregon, as reported by 1,492 problem gamblers enrolled in Oregon's gambling treatment programs last year (Oregon Health Authority, 2011):
- The average gambling debt was $30,000 per client.
- About one in three had problems with alcohol.
- One in ten had attempted suicide within the past six months
preceding treatment. - About one in ten had problems with drugs.
- About nine in 10 problem gamblers report video types of gambling
(i.e., video poker/slots/line games) to be their preferred games - Problem gambling costs an estimated $468 million to Oregon in
social costs
Need Help?
Gambling treatment is free and confidential for problem gamblers and their loved ones. Help is available in Lane County through the Emergence gambling treatment program, 541.741.7107, or the 24-hour gambling help line, 1-877-MY-LIMIT.
Parents and others can get tips and more information about problem gambling at Lane County's problem gambling Web site, www.preventionlane.org/gambling
Additional materials are available through the program, free of charge.
About 75,000 Oregonians have a gambling problem, and yet problem gambling is known as a "hidden addiction." The purpose of OGPAW is to increase public awareness and educate community providers about problem gambling. The effort began in keeping with the message of "Hope and Help" available for problem gamblers and their loved ones.