Free assessments offered during Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The Renz Addiction Counseling Center will offer free gambling assessments throughout March in recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

This year's theme, "Problem Gambling: Awareness Plus Action," focuses on the importance of prevention, treatment and recovery services.

"For most people, gambling is fun and entertaining. But for the problem gambler, it can have devastating losses and deep financial consequences," said Renz Center's Executive Director Jerry Skogmo. "Bringing awareness to the problem gambler can be instrumental in helping him or her understand the need for treatment, and the importance of taking that first step in completing a gambling assessment."

The estimated national social cost to families and communities from bankruptcy, divorce, job loss, and criminal justice costs associated with problem gambling is $6.7 billion, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. "Over 80 percent of adults nationally have gambled in the past year; 15 percent in the past week."

Signs of a gambling problem include loss of interest and participation in normal activities with friends and families, unaccounted time loss, missing possessions or assets and changes in attitude and personality.

Gambling problems may also be evidenced by neglect of personal needs such as food, utilities and medical, secrecy, avoidance when discussing time and money, and depression.

Renz Addiction Counseling Center is offering free gambling assessments throughout March.

All assessments will be held at Renz Center's Two American Way facility in Elgin.

For more information or to make an appointment, call (847) 742-3545.

Renz Center provides a continuum of care dedicated to the prevention, intervention and treatment of addictive behaviors related to alcohol, drugs, and gambling.

Services range from prevention programs for youth in the schools to outpatient treatment programs for adolescents and adults.

Priority is given to pregnant women and women with dependent children. Offices are located in Elgin, St. Charles and Streamwood.

Renz Addiction Counseling Center is licensed by the state of Illinois for its adult and adolescent outpatient treatment programs.

Renz Center is a nonprofit organization funded in part by the federal government, Elgin Township, the Illinois Department of Human Services, Hanover Township, Geneva, and St. Charles 708 Mental Health Boards and other local community organizations.

To find out more about Renz Center's programs, call (847) 742-3545 or visit www.renzcenter.org.