Beginning this month, victims of problem gamblers will have an opportunity to find comfort, support and education in a confidential environment on campus. The new support group, “Voices for Victims of Problem Gamblers,” will meet every other Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. in UNMC’s Wittson Hall, Room 3037. The first meeting is March 12.
“There is a crisis of gambling addict victims who need to be recognized and consoled,” said Charlene Trout, who has testified twice before the Legislature’s General Affairs Committee. “There is at least one victim for every addict.” Trout, who is organizing the brown bag meetings, is a victim’s advocate after a five-year experience with a problem gambler in the late 1990s.
The group is not meant to replace professional help, but is designed to offer encouragement, empowerment and hope, she said. It will provide a positive atmosphere where people can spend time with others who are dealing with the same problem. “I hope to be an example that they no longer have to be victims, and there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” Trout said.
Anyone can become an addict’s victim, she said, because a gambler presents himself/herself to be someone they are not. Victims are deeply affected by a compulsive gambler’s actions and have a longer recovery time than the gambler, she said.
“Victims have a difficult time trusting others and often have been isolated, controlled, threatened or abused by the compulsive gambler. Full recovery is possible with support, understanding, and education,” Trout said. “Trust is an issue because compulsive gambling and compulsive lying go hand-in-hand. I hope the support shown within the group provides victims the courage to believe in their own inner strength and that living life can be a glorious experience.”
For more information, call Trout at 559-4192.