life, including problems at work or school, financial stress, and difficulty in relationships. Easy access to gambling through phones, apps, and websites combined with frequent advertising make it important to understand the signs of a problem so that a person can get help early.

Signs of problem gambling may include:

• Spending more time or money gambling than intended

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money

• Lying to family or friends about gambling habits

• Feeling anxious, irritable or depressed when not gambling

• Struggling with bills, debt or borrowing money to gamble

• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness or emotional pain

It occurs everywhere and is often linked to mental health issues and substance use.

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of income, education or background. It is not a personal failure or lack of willpower. Many

factors can play a role in developing problem gambling, including a person’ s thoughts, feelings, surroundings, and life stress. Many people who experience gambling harm also live with mental health conditions, substance use issues, or both. Sometimes, mental health or substance use challenges come first and can make a person more likely to develop a gambling problem. Other times, gambling problems start first and can lead to worse mental health. Those who experience problem gambling may experience more symptoms of mental health issues like anxiety or depression as well as thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Many people drink alcohol or use drugs while gambling and socializing, which can make it harder to stick to limits and can lead to riskier gambling decisions.

Reducing barriers One of the biggest barriers to getting help for problem gambling is stigma. Many people feel ashamed or fear being judged, which can

stop them from asking for help. It’ s important for communities to promote help is available and recovery is possible. Additionally, help isn’ t just available in times of crisis. Help is available even if someone isn’ t ready to stop gambling completely. Reaching out early can prevent the problem from growing.

Adanta is here to help. As the local Community Mental Health Center, Adanta can offer confidential, person-centered support including screening for problem gambling and related mental health / substance use challenges as well as offering counseling and other treatment related services and supports. If you or someone you know may be experiencing gambling related harm, reaching out is a strong and positive step. No one has to face this alone. To schedule an appointment or learn more about services, call Adanta’ s Centralized Scheduling Department, 1-833-550-5200, Option 1. Resources and help are also available by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

Adanta Community Mental Health Center is Ready to Help!

If you are searching for help or would like more information about services, call toll free 1.800.954.4782 x 0, visit Adanta’ s website at www. adanta. org, or Adanta’ s Facebook page at www. facebook. com / The. Adanta. Group.

Adanta has been serving the Lake Cumberland area since 1967, delivering quality services to meet the needs of the people served.“ Enhancing Lives” is the Purpose of the organization, and serves as the beacon for being a great community partner and resource through its services, programs, outreach, and presence in the Lake Cumberland and surrounding counties.**

Adanta is CARF accredited in Adult, Child, & Adolescent Outpatient Treatment; Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs; Adult Mental Health Crisis Intervention and Crisis Stabilization; and Adult, Child, and Adolescent Mental Health, and Alcohol and Other Drugs.

** Outpatient Clinics are located in the counties of Adair, Barren, Casey, Clinton, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, and Wayne.

The Adanta Group, a contractor with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, provides behavioral health / substance use services with state and federal funds.