Press Release:
During the holidays we often have social gatherings, rituals, and happy memories. You may set certain expectations for the holidays that unintendedly lead to anxiety. Finances may be tight, or you may be worried about seeing family members. Some may use gambling to escape those problems.
If you are gambling to cope with the stress of the holiday season or gambling to try to make extra cash for the holidays, it may be time to sit down and evaluate your gambling.
If you think gambling is negatively affecting your life, you may notice some of the warning signs in yourself or a loved one. Gambling can be easy to hide from your family and friends, but the stress and anxiety of hiding can take a toll on you, have you experienced:
- Gambling with increased amounts of money to get to the desired level of excitement.
- Becoming restless and irritable when you try and cut back on your gambling.
- Thinking about gambling all the time.
- Planning for the next time you gamble or thinking about ways to get money to gamble.
- Gambling when you are feeling stressed and anxious.
Recognizing these warning signs can be the first step in reaching out for support. If gambling is adding to your holiday stress, there is help available.
The Western NY Problem Gambling Resource Center 716-833-4274 is here to help. Visit NYProblemGamblingHELP.org to be connected to the resource center closest to you. Do not let the stress of your gambling ruin your holiday season. Reach out today and be one step closer to a healthy holiday season.
