Oregon Doctor Addresses Gambling Problems

Gambling disorders are on the rise, and many experts attribute it to the increase in on-line gambling making access easier.  The Oregon Health Authority reports nearly 90,000 Oregonians have moderate to severe gambling problems.  Kaiser Permanente Northwest psychiatrist Dr. Eric Tran says treatments vary per individual.

"Really look at the patient and see what they value, what circumstances they're living in, what tools they have available to them, what resources are meaningful to them and how they access those in a way that makes sense to them as an individual person."

Help Comes In A Variety Of Forms

Online gambling is easily accessible, leading to an increase in young people with gambling disorders.  Tran said help comes in many forms.

"Since a lot of people who suffer from one addiction often suffer from many, the organizations are often linked to each other, so looking at local AA meetings, Smart Recovery, Gamblers Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous."

Tran added it's important to understand addiction is a life-long disorder and there will likely be slip-ups along the way.

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