Gambling with an addiction

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Marine Corps addiction counselors estimate that more than 500 servicemembers and dependents on Okinawa may be battling a gambling disorder.

To tackle the issue, more than 50 psychologists, social workers, treatment specialists and financial counselors from bases across the island gathered this week to learn how to screen for and treat problem gamblers.

Vernon Harris, clinical program manager of Camp Foster’s Substance Abuse Counseling Center, said the goal is to decrease the stigma surrounding addiction and catch people before their gambling becomes uncontrollable.

"Most of the people we service seek us as a bailout. ... They have severe family problems; they’re broke," Harris said. "We want to see them before they get to that point."

The clinical training, which kicked off Monday, is part of an ongoing effort by the Marine Corps Community Services and the Joint Substance Abuse Counseling Center, officials said. The U.S. Naval Hospital at Camp Lester also provides help through its gambling addiction treatment program.

A study published in a 2005 issue of Military Medicine reported an estimated 1.2 percent of the military population suffered pathological or compulsive gambling.

Gambling addiction expert and consultant Joanna Franklin, who is leading the training, said many people aren’t aware they have a problem.

"People very rarely walk in the front door and say, ‘I have a gambling problem,’ " Franklin said.

Its symptoms are often masked by other issues, like money problems, alcohol and substance abuse, anxiety and family troubles, she said.

"It can get very bad before anyone has a clue," she said.

Franklin said military substance abuse and advocacy agencies need to educate servicemembers and dependents about gambling addiction, especially since the public is largely unaware of the problem.

Franklin added that gambling addiction can include sports betting and Internet or arcade games like Texas Hold ’Em, which is gaining popularity among teens.

Anthony Green, a personal finance management specialist with Camp Foster’s Personal Services Center, said the training is helping him recognize indicators in clients who may not know they have a gambling problem.

He said compulsive gamblers are often referred to his office if they are having financial problems.

Missing bill payments and writing numerous checks, "one to cover the other," are often indicators that someone may have a problem, he said.

What to look for

Problem gamblers often have a hard time recognizing their addiction. The American Psychiatric Association defines pathological gambling as an impulse control disorder that is a chronic and progressive mental illness.

Gambling behavior concerns:

• You’ve gambled longer than you planned.
• Your thoughts are preoccupied with gambling.
• You start to increase the amount you spend on gambling.
• You’re spending more than you can afford on gambling.
• You have used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid.
• You’ve felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses.

If you need help, or have questions, call the Marine Corps Community Services Substance Abuse Counseling Center at DSN 645-3009 or 645-3568.

Sources: The American Psychiatric Association; Joanna Franklin, gambling addiction consultant; MCCS Substance Abuse Counseling Center