March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month: Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program Offers Recovery, Hope

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the challenges of problem gambling and remind individuals and families that hope and recovery are possible through Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program, funded by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).

“During this time, especially, it is essential to provide services that meet the needs of individuals with problem gambling issues and their families. Our program helps individuals struggling with gambling addiction to find hope, regain self-esteem, develop healthy relationships, reduce financial pressures, and more,” said Katie Kirch, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, clinical supervisor, Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program. “Treatment may include individual, group, marital and/or family therapy. Financial and peer counseling and individualized treatment plans also are available to meet specific needs.

“Gambling addiction doesn’t discriminate – it’s just as likely to affect a woman as it is a man, a minimum-wage employee as a CEO, a college student as a retired senior citizen,” said Kirch. “Compared to other addictions, gambling addictions are easy to hide. There are no physical signs or symptoms; even close loved ones might not know the truth. And that’s exactly why this addiction can quickly become a big problem.”

Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program has operated with support from DMHAS since 1996. Programs are run from Wheeler locations at 10 North Main Street, Bristol; 43 Woodland Street, Hartford; and 75 North Mountain Road, New Britain.

To learn more about Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program, visit: WheelerHealth.org/BettorChoice or call 860-692-8857.

Wheeler 
Wheeler provides comprehensive solutions that address complex health issues, providing individuals, families and communities with accessible, innovative care that encourages recovery, health, and growth at all stages of life. Our integrated approach to primary and behavioral health, education, and recovery creates measurable results, positive outcomes, and hopeful tomorrows for more than 50,000 individuals across Connecticut each year. Learn more: www.WheelerHealth.org.