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Gambling is Risky… There’s Too Much to Lose!

Mar 15, 2018 • by Council on Chemical Abuse
Event Invitation

A community event about problem gambling

Reading, PA: Approximately 2 million (1%) of U.S. adults are estimated to meet criteria for pathological gambling, another 4-6 million (2-3%) would be considered problem gamblers; yet for many, gambling remains a hidden addiction. Despite being promoted as a harmless form of entertainment, gambling operates on the same reward pathways as drugs and alcohol, which for some can cause devastating effects.

Research also shows that youth gambling is associated with a number of issues including alcohol and drug use, truancy, low grades, and risk-taking behavior. In recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) is hosting a community event about problem gambling.

You’re invited Wednesday, March 21 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. to the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, located at 201 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601. Doors open for the event at 6 p.m. An educational program in the form of a panel discussion about problem gambling will begin at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is also available at the GoggleWorks.

During the panel discussion, activities/education for school-aged children will be provided by COCA Prevention Specialists. The event will end by 8 p.m. followed with an art reception and refreshments. The art reception includes posters created by students with the theme “Too Much to Lose… Gambling is Risky!”

Panel discussion includes the following individuals: Josh Ercole, Chief Operating Officer from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA, Inc., Eric Webber, MA, CACD, CCP from Caron Treatment Centers, Mike Reese from the Council on Chemical Abuse, and Bob Schwartz a Berks County member in recovery from addiction to gambling.

For more information about this event, please visit our website www.cocaberks.org.

About Council on the Chemical Abuse (COCA)

Established in 1972 by a group of community members, the Council on Chemical Abuse was formed as a private non-profit organization to address rising concerns of drug and alcohol use in Berks County. The Berks County Commissioners contract with the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) as the Single County Authority for Berks County, PA. As the coordinating agency for publicly supported drug and alcohol programming in the county, COCA and its partners provide an array of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpg.org/chat for confidential help.

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