Long Island treatment center sees more gambling addiction and substance use cases
The number of New Yorkers in inpatient or outpatient treatment with gambling disorder increased over 46% from 2020 to 2023, according to data from the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
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Gambling and placing bets has become easier and more accessible than ever.
Now, treatment centers are seeing a growing number of people coming in for help.
"The last 18 months here at Wellbridge, we've seen a 20% uptick of people," says Steve Chassman, licensed clinical social worker and vice president of organizational development at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research.
"Ninety percent of individuals have a co-occurring disorder of substance use, meaning they're up drinking alcohol, using mind- and mood-altering substances while they're engaged in the process of gambling."
The number of New Yorkers in inpatient or outpatient treatment with gambling disorder increased over 46% from 2020 to 2023, according to data from the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
"We're seeing, particularly in young men and women, an increased level of suicidality as a result of these gambling debts," says Chassman.
Oceanside resident Timothy Scanlon has gone through treatment at Wellbridge. He doesn't want anyone to go through what he did.
"It's like a cancer that constantly eats at everybody that you come in contact with," says Scanlon. "I've lied about finances, believed the next one was going to be the big winner and it got enhanced anytime I put a substance in my body."
Scanlon is coming up on two years sober and clean.
"We'll never completely beat it. But we could save as many lives as we can," he says.
The state Gaming Commission sent News 12 a statement that includes information about the rules and regulations:
"New York State’s licensed gaming operators must have comprehensive, regularly updated responsible gaming programs in place as a requirement for licensure, as mandated by statute and regulation," the spokesperson said. "The Commission also cautions New Yorkers about the significant risks of unlawful online gambling – including prediction markets and offshore operators – and the benefits of the regulated gambling market."
The State Gaming Commission says earlier this year, they issued draft regulations implementing thresholds for responsible gaming intervention and additional safeguards to prevent underage gambling in response to Governor Hochul's call for additional measures.
