Since 1875, Heartland Family Service has been strengthening individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services.

Tips for Families

These tips cover a variety of issues that help families to improve communications, increase cooperation and deepen relationships among family members. The information is educational and not intended to replace family therapy. To obtain additional information, click on the links at the end of each article.
 

March Madness Gambling

March Madness Gambling
The college basketball playoffs culminate in March, and it is the one last opportunity that sports betters have to make that one big bundle of money. It’s a good time for employers and loved ones to see the signs of compulsive gambling, which can destroy families and damage businesses.

How are compulsive gamblers different from social gamblers?

They’re “Chasing the losses,” continuing to bet on other events to win back what they have lost. Compulsive gamblers usually don’t think they have a problem, so their solution is to keep gambling until they get ahead.

How do you tell whether a gambler might be in trouble?

She may be looking for a way to get “bailed out” from the legal or illegal consequences. Or she may be worried and could be asking for help.

Would you give the gambler money to protect his safety?

This is a good time to offer an ultimatum to make the gambler get a professional evaluation, because the gambler won’t do it on his own. Just like an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the gambler may have to “hit bottom” before he or she will agree to see someone. Call Heartland Family Service and we will help you and the gambler set up a plan of action that will stabilize your family’s financial situation while we treat the addiction.

What does Heartland Family Service do to help?

  • professional evaluation/recommendations
  • counseling sessions
  • group sessions
  • work with family and often couple counseling (codependency issues) weekly in Omaha & Council Bluffs

Recently Nebraska’s governor and the mayors of Lincoln and Omaha proclaimed March as Pathological Gambling Month. Why is this being done? Gambling is a problem for an increasing number of Nebraskans, so we have decided to lead the nation in calling attention to this serious problem.

For more information on Heartland Family Service’s Compulsive Gambling Program, or to request our brochure “How to Help a Compulsive Gambler,” call 553-3000 or email info@heartlandfamilyservice.org.