Honoring Veterans and Addressing Gambling Challenges
As November unfolds, we shine a spotlight on our veterans and their families during National Veterans and Military Families Month. This is an important opportunity to acknowledge the unique challenges veterans face, particularly when it comes to veteran gambling issues. Let’s explore these challenges and discuss how we can provide meaningful support.
As November unfolds, we shine a spotlight on our Veterans and their families during National Veterans and Military Families Month. This is an important opportunity to acknowledge the unique challenges veterans face, particularly when it comes to gambling issues. Let’s explore these challenges and discuss how we can provide meaningful support.
Veteran Gambling
Veterans may turn to gambling for a variety of reasons, but the risk of developing problematic gambling behaviors remains a significant concern. Here are some common motivations:
Passing Time: Whether deployed or back home, Veterans might gamble to fill the void during difficult transitions, such as adjusting to civilian life or facing unemployment.
Escaping Stress: The pressures of military life, including missing loved ones and significant life events, can lead to a desire to escape through gambling.
Coping with Emotions: Veterans often deal with a complex mix of emotions, from the adrenaline of past missions to feelings of depression related to loss and trauma. Many grapple with post-traumatic stress, family conflicts, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life.
The Consequences of Gambling
Research reveals alarming facts about the gambling challenges faced by Veterans. Underscoring the need for awareness and support. Here are some key statistics:
Increased Risk: Veterans were over 4 times more likely to have gambled in the past and did so on more activities than non-veterans.
Co-occurring Issues: Problem gambling often coexists with other mental health conditions. 33% of Veterans meet the criteria for co-occurring substance use disorder and gambling disorder.
Suicide Risk: Gambling problems may contribute to suicide risk in Veterans. Compared to the general population, Veterans experience 3 times odds of suicidal thoughts, and 4 times the odds of suicidal planning or attempts.
Homelessness: Gambling disorder is the second most significant predictor of homelessness among Veterans, following illicit drug use.
Finding Help and Hope
In the face of these challenges, there is help and hope available for Veterans and their families.
We can all play a part in supporting one another by sharing resources and connecting individuals with local partners. The Close Connections: Veterans and Military palm card is a free, printable resource designed to raise awareness of veteran gambling and provide guidance.
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.
This November, let’s honor our Veterans not only with gratitude but also by ensuring they have access to the support they need. Together, we can foster understanding and create pathways to recovery.