March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program Offers Individualized Treatment, Peer Recovery Support, and More
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which underscores the challenges of problem gambling and available resources through programs such as Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program.
Wheeler’s program is one of five gambling-specific treatment programs funded by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
“Problem gambling has long been an issue,” said Katie Kirch, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, clinical supervisor, Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program. “With the rollout of legalized online sports betting in Connecticut and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents may need even more support to address emerging or escalating challenges.”
Kirch added that statistically, rates of problem gambling double when people are within a certain proximity of a gambling establishment. With immediate access to cell phones and computers, and the issue of proximity removed, Connecticut residents are at a much greater risk for developing unhealthy behaviors.
Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment program offers individual, group, marital, and family therapy; financial and peer recovery support; access to medication and linkages to other services; budget counseling for individuals struggling with problem gambling, as well as for their loved ones; and tailored care plans to meet specific needs.
Wheeler’s program serves people in Avon, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Farmington, New Britain, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, Glastonbury, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, Rockville, South Windsor, and Vernon.
Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program has operated with support from DMHAS since 1996. Programs are offered through Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Centers at 43 Woodland Street, Hartford; 40 Hart Street in New Britain; and 10 North Main Street in Bristol.
To learn more about Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program, click here or call: 860.692.8857.
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve. While the Department’s prevention services serve all Connecticut citizens, its mandate is to serve adults (over 18 years of age) with psychiatric or substance use disorders, or both, who lack the financial means to obtain such services on their own. Visit the DMHAS website at: www.ct.gov/dmhas.
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Katie Kirch, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, clinical supervisor, Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program, was a guest on Connoisseur Media’s “For the People Radio” show on March 17, where she highlighted Wheeler’s program and the array of services we offer for individuals and families.
Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Center at 43 Woodland Street in Hartford was the site of a visit this morning from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) where he asked sports betting companies to stop targeting problem gamblers with promotions and ads, and to make it easy for problem gamblers to remove themselves from online gaming platforms.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the challenges of problem gambling and remind individuals and families that hope and recovery are possible through Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program, funded by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), in partnership with state and local organizations, and communities, will celebrate National Prevention Week from May 8-14, 2022.
With Connecticut’s legalization of online sports betting last fall, calls to the CT Helpline for Gambling Treatment (888.789.7777), and related chat messages and texts for help, have increased dramatically, underscoring the need for additional support amid a changing landscape. Wheeler's Katie Kirch, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, clinical supervisor, Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program, explains.
Wheeler’s Katie Kirch, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, clinical supervisor, Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program, was a recent guest on Connoisseur Media Connecticut's “For the People” radio program.
Wheeler's Katie Kirch, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, clinical supervisor, Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program, appeared on the Fox61 Morning Show today to discuss Problem Gambling Awareness Month and resources for individuals and loved ones struggling with this issue.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which underscores the challenges of problem gambling and available resources through programs such as Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program.
The COVID-19 outbreak has been stressful for everyone. People with an active gambling issue, or who are in recovery, may find this period even more challenging because of the effects of prolonged isolation, boredom, economic instability, and fear. Wheeler's Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program team offers tips for dealing with these challenges.
Hope that today will be better than yesterday. Hope that you can make things right.
Gambling addiction doesn’t discriminate-- it’s just as likely to impact a woman as it is a man, a minimum-wage employee as a CEO, a college student as a retired senior citizen. Compared to other addictions, gambling addictions are easy to hide. There are no physical signs or symptoms; even close loved ones might not know the truth.
David Pogg’s gambling addiction began when he was a child, visiting the dog track with his grandparents. Decades later, he found himself out for a walk, staring at the icy Connecticut River, contemplating taking his own life.
