HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-01-06, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2005.
Gambling addiction a grousing concern
In 2004. Canada’s gambling-
related suicides approached all-time
highs and debt-ridden people with
gambling addictions are making
headlines. Many Canadians can
relate to the chase for the buck.
Ontario’s chief coroner reported
that for 2004. the number of suicides
related to casino gambling will reach
a record level in the province of
Ontario. They are nearing 15 this
year - more than double the six
gambling-related suicides reported
two years ago.
Families often do not confirm the
addiction because of the stigma
surrounding gambling: therefore,
suicides are not reported as being
related to gambling.
A disturbing fact released from an
Ontario study this year suggested
that people with gambling problems
account for 36 per cent of the
estimated $4 billion spent at the
province’s casinos, racetracks and
lottery kiosks.
An estimated 10 million adults bet
$11.3 billion in 2002 .on gambling
venues such as slot machines, lottery
tickets, bingo and casino games;
four times the $2.7 billion spent ten
years ago. In 2002. three-quarters of
adult Canadians spent money on
some form of gambling. According
to Statistics Canada, more than one
in 20 either became or had the
potential to become problem
gamblers.
Judith Glyn Willians. director of
grants operations at Ontario Problem
Gambling Research, stated that this
source of government revenue is
feeding off vulnerable populations.
Premier Dalton McGuinty stated
in November 2004 that “there is no
doubt about it. we have come to rely
on gambling revenues.” McGuinty
said "perhaps in a better world we
wouldn't, but the fact of the matter is
it’s here, it’s here to stay.”
McGuinty was responding to the
results of the disturbing Ontario
study released in 2004.
Research has shown that less than
five percent of the adult population
has gambling problems. Problem
gambling is harder to detect than
other addictions because it is less
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3. Beans or legumes. For protein,
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- News Canada
obvious to others. When people
gamble, they don't look drunk, they
don’t look impaired, so it’s harder to
identify. The influx of gambling
establishments throughout the
country has made gambling more
accessible to people.
Most individuals now have a
gambling venue within 50 miles of
where they live.
Individuals who lack confidence
or experience low self-esteem often
fall victim to the lure of casinos.
Canadians between the ages of 55-
64 spend the highest amount of
Winners
The Brussels Public School winners of the Brussels Legion Remembrance Day contest for
primary colour poster, with Comrade Ross Bennett are, from left: Jessica Miners, third,
Kristen Pipe, second and Jacob Miller, first. (Photo submitted)
Looking for local heroes
There are so many people out there who do
so much to improve their community.
Now you have a chance to say thanks.
Nominate that special person for the 20th
Annual Citizen Citizenship Awards.
Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area
and Brussels and area communities to receive an award for contribution to the
community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the ballot
and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee
should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and he or she didn't win,
please feel free to try again.
I nominate--------------------
as Citizen of the year for
I feel she/he deserves this award because
Nomination Deadline April 30, 2005.
Name and phone number of nominator-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------—----------------------------------------------
money on gambling. In addition, we
know that when young people
gamble, they are more likely than
adults to get into serious trouble;
youth are two to four times as likely
to develop serious gambling
problems than adults. Gambling is
risky business.
Il is no secret that the increase of
gambling venues in Canada is
creating enormous financial and
social implications for individuals
and their families. The cost to our
society is rising. How do individuals
protect themselves?
□ Blyth I | Brussels
& area & area
Bclizaire, a man who lived in
Quebec, became hooked on
gambling. At his lowest point, he
realized that gambling was
controlling him. He made a decision
to end it all and jumped from the
Jacques Cartier Bridge. The fall
broke this back and he is now a
paraplegic.
Belizaire suggests that “you have
to be aware of your weakness. You
have to be aware of some pattern
that will make you go and either
drink a beer or go gambling.”
Given your awareness, he feels
you'll be able to face the fact that
you have a gambling problem.
It is helpful to share your problem
with someone. Professional support
is available. If you or a family
member is struggling with a
gambling problem, call Huron
Addiction Services, a part of the
Huron County Health Unit at 482-
3416. If calling long distance dial 1-
877-837-6143. A gambling
counselor will support you with your
concerns. All calls are confidential
and there is no fee for their services.
0 Avoid being outdoors in the
coldest part of the day.
0 Wear a hat and layers of
clothing made of tightly woven
fibers, such as wool, which trap
warm air against your body.
0 Keep vulnerable areas
such as fingers, toes, ears, and
nose protected and covered.
0 Drink plenty of warm fluids
to help the body maintain it's
temperature. If hot drinks are
not available, drink plenty of
plain water. Avoid caffeine and
alcohol, which hinder the body's
heat-producing mechanisms.
0 Take frequent breaks from
the cold to let your body warm
up to better withstand brief
periods of exposure to extreme
cold
Canadian Red Cross