Editor’s note: Birches Health is the leading national provider of Gambling Addiction treatment and Responsible Gaming resources, offering specialized support from the comfort of home, covered by insurance.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is an annual campaign held every March that aims to shine a nationwide spotlight on the potential negative impacts of gambling. Created by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in 2003, the core goal is to increase public awareness about gambling harms, while spotlighting prevention, treatment and recovery services. Another key initiative is encouraging healthcare providers to screen individuals for problem gambling during regular health evaluations.

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This year's edition features a new theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” to help emphasize the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. These communities can include friends, families, educators, healthcare providers, local partners and policymakers, all of whom are encouraged to come together to make real change. Unfortunately, there is often shame and stigma associated with problem gambling, so the hope is that silence can be replaced with support, and isolation is replaced by community connection.

Over the past two-plus decades, Problem Gambling Awareness Month has grown into a major movement involving state organizations, healthcare providers and key industry stakeholders. Together, we can highlight the importance of communities and groups across the U.S. participating in awareness-building events, screenings and educational initiatives.

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Problem Gambling support & resources

A key part of those awareness-building efforts is spreading the word about where to turn for support in case issues ever arise. If you or someone you know may be struggling with gambling-related problems, it is critically important to get connected with proper specialized help.

Birches Health has a nationwide team of specially trained, certified counselors providing confidential online treatment to help individuals struggling with gambling addiction on their path to recovery. The care program can include elements of individual counseling, group therapy, couples counseling and peer support, all of which can be covered by insurance or state funding.

Reach out to Birches Health today to learn more or schedule a clinical evaluation by visiting bircheshealth.com or emailing help@bircheshealth.com.