Gambling, sports betting, and video games – we all know they can be fun in moderation. But when do they become more than just a hobby? The community is invited to learn more about addictive behaviors such as sports betting, gambling, and gaming disorder at the “Addiction to Gambling and Gaming” event on Tuesday, March 12th from 4-6 pm at the Timmerman Shelter House at City Park in Manning. This is a free, come-and-go event for adults and children hosted by the Recovery Center at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, the City of Manning, and New Opportunities.
“We know that we live in a tech-filled world, and this has made activities, such as gambling, easy to access and indulge in, to the point of affecting lives and relationships,” said Recovery Center Director, Taya Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC. “The same goes for gaming; this is at anyone’s fingertips including children. We are hoping to educate the community on how these behaviors can lead to addiction and how to get help if needed.”
Attendees will learn how to identify symptoms of addiction and gambling-related lifestyle changes; understand the risks and consequences associated with gambling, sports betting, and gaming; discover how gambling can begin in adolescence; and learn when these common pastimes are considered a problem. The event will also address myths surrounding sports betting, similarities between video games and gambling, and how video game developers design games to be addictive.
For additional support regarding a gambling addiction, the Recovery Center offers problem gambling services on an outpatient basis that can be added to recovery services. Gambling services also include financial counseling with therapy. Call (712) 655-2300 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
