In New Jersey, all kinds of military personnel – both active duty and retired veterans – struggle with disordered gambling on a daily basis. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) has dedicated itself to providing access to programs and services to help aid in their recovery.
Veterans that live in Marlboro Township, Freehold, or anywhere in between that struggle with problem gambling should take these words to heart: you are not alone. There is an entire network of support and treatment available to help you start the rehabilitation process. No matter how hopeless you may feel your situation has become, recovery is possible.
The rate of disordered gambling in our nation’s veterans is almost double that of the general population. This staggering statistic can be attributed to a number of factors. Many military personnel find that readjustment to civilian life proves to be a much more challenging prospect than they might expect. After their deployments, veterans often struggle with mental and physical health challenges like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and chronic pain. They may feel that gambling gives them a welcome respite from their symptoms. However, this can quickly develop into a deeply unhealthy coping strategy that only creates additional problems.
Active members of the armed forces can also be susceptible to problematic gambling behavior. Military personnel that hail from Freehold or Monmouth County, New Jersey are not immune to disordered gambling. Between deployments, many soldiers spend their time — as well as their hard-earned paychecks — feeding a gambling disorder.
Both active duty military personnel and veterans face some unique challenges where treatment for disordered gambling is concerned. When considering treatment options, they may fear the stigma of appearing “weak” or “vulnerable.” Sometimes, they may also need to endure long wait times for mental health treatment. Logistical issues, like distance or location, can also complicate rehabilitation.
Whether you are an active or retired member of the military, if you need help for a gambling disorder (sometimes known as gambling addiction) in New Jersey, the CCGNJ can help. At times, freedom from disordered gambling can seem difficult to fathom. Rest assured that, with proper support and treatment, you or your loved ones that struggled with a gambling disorder can eventually recover.
The CCGNJ provides access to a number of resources that can help both active and former members of the military along the path to recovery. Professional counseling services, in either 1-on-1 or group formats, can help people better understand the underlying motivations for their behavior while simultaneously giving them coping strategies to better manage their moods and urges. In addition, Gamblers Anonymous meetings are available in Freehold, NJ and throughout the rest of the state, including Monmouth County and Marlboro Township. These meetings allow disordered gamblers to share their experiences and develop a network of supportive peers that also seek recovery.
Whether or not you or a loved one has served in the military, the CCGNJ offers support. Just call or text our free hotline, 800-GAMBLER. We are available for confidential, immediate assistance 24/7.
