Gambling Addiction on the Rise in the US: A Growing Concern for Youth
Date: 2023-12-02 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
The Disturbing Trend:
Gambling organizations nationwide are witnessing a surge in young patients seeking assistance. New Jersey, a trailblazer in the gambling scene, reports a significant spike in support requests, more than doubling since 2018. This worrisome trend is also confirmed by UCLA, which is closely monitoring the situation.
Mobile Gambling's Influence:
Many attribute the rise to the allure of mobile gambling among the youth. Brad Ruderman from the Beit T’Shuvah treatment center in Los Angeles highlights the impact, noting that this generation is the first to grow up with mobile gambling. In Virginia, 36 out of 40 seventeen-year-olds admit to having sports betting apps on their phones.
Vulnerability of Young Minds:
Experts express concern that the developing brains of young people make them more susceptible to gambling's strategies. Arnie Wexler, a counselor, fears that the nation might be "killing its youth."
Hope Amidst Crisis:
Rick Benson, founder of the Algamus treatment facility, sees the nation heading towards a "gambling addiction quagmire." However, he points out that the younger generation is more likely to seek help, offering a glimmer of hope in addressing the issue.
Commercial Pressure and Peer Influence:
Shekhar Saxena, former director at the WHO, emphasizes the role of peer and commercial pressure in exacerbating the problem. Younger individuals easily influence each other, contributing to the rising issue.
Seeking Help:
While the situation is dire, there's a positive note. Timothy Fong, UCLA’s co-director of the gambling studies program, suggests that the younger generation is more willing to seek help, indicating a potential solution to the problem.
