Conn. - The whirling season of gift giving and holiday parties is an especially difficult time for problem gamblers, according to a University of Connecticut Health Center psychologist. For most people, spending a little extra money on gifts and parties during the holiday season does not create enormous hardships.
Many people gamble because they are lonely, bored or stressed.
Dr. Petry notes that an estimated 5-percent of the American population is addicted to gambling and is at higher risk for financial woes, family and relationship strains and suicide. In light of the tremendous human costs associated with gambling problems, Dr. Petry has started the country's first organized study of treatment options for problem gamblers. Working in conjunction with the Compulsive Gambling Treatment program in Middletown, Dr. Petry's study will measure the efficacy of three outpatient treatment options for gamblers. Through the study, participants are offered free, confidential and outpatient care for eight weeks. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service.