National Problem Gambling Awareness Week

March 3-9, 2013

2013 Theme - "Problem Gambling: A New Understanding of a Community Concern"

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is pleased to present the National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (NPGAW) campaign, a grassroots public awareness and outreach campaign. The goal of this campaign is to educate the general public, and health care professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness about the help that is available both locally and nationally. 

NCPG is the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. Research finds that 2%-3% of the US population will have a gambling problem in any given year. That’s 6 million to 9 million Americans yet only a small fraction seek out services, such as treatment and self-help recovery programs. There is hope and help for those who suffer from gambling problems.

We hope that you find these free materials useful in promoting awareness of problem gambling.

2013 Materials:
A New Understanding:
This year's theme reflects the changing categorization of problem gambling. The following links provide information on the definition of addiction, DSM changes, and more.

• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Public Policy Statement
• ASAM Definition of Addiction - FAQs

Poster Examples:

• Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling flyer 

Counselors:

• Reasons to Screen for Gambling in Addiction and Mental Health Agencies

• Gambling vs. Alcohol/Drugs: Similarities and Differences

Recovery:

• Benefits to Stopping Gambling