Gambling addiction: risk, harm, healing

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December 5, 2011 — Gaming halls in and around Philadelphia are prevalent and easy to get to. Some are within walking distance or a short ride along Interstate 95. Close proximity keeps Pennsylvania gamblers in-state, entices others from other states, generates money for Harrisburg, and creates local jobs. That’s all well and good, but what’s it all mean for the compulsive gambler?

Calls to gambling hotlines have been increasing, and the people who call could be old or young, male or female. But they all have one thing in common: they feel their lives are out of control. Dr. Dan Gottlieb examines gambling addiction in a gaming tolerant landscape. Who’s at risk? How it harms and how to heal. Dan’s guests include Jim Pappas, CP Mirarchi, and Marilyn Lancelot.

Jim Pappas is the President and CEO of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania. C.P. Mirarchi is a clinical psychologist who counsels patients with addictive behaviors. CP was a compulsive gambler himself. Marilyn Lancelot has written about her life as a compulsive gambler. She’s dedicated her life to helping women with gambling addiction. She maintains the website www.femalegamblers.info