Best cure for problem gambling? Don't ever start

One of the ironies of Nebraska's lottery system is that it includes funding for treating the addicts it helps create.

Now, the state has begun a two-week ad blitz on TV, billboards and newspapers to persuade problem gamblers to get help and information by calling (800) 522-4700.

Money for the "education campaign" comes from a requirement that 5 percent of the lottery's advertising budget, or about $220,000 a year, must be used for prevention and education.

Altogether, about $771,000 in lottery income last year was used to help compulsive gamblers last year -- but that only lasted about nine months. For the last three months of the year, no new problem gamblers were accepted into the program.

Amendment 3 on the November ballot will sit aside another half-million dollars from lottery profits to see the treatment system through the rest of the year.

As with any affliction, gambling is best treated when it is caught early -- thus the thrust of the current campaign to urge problem gamblers to seek help right away, before they fall into the "must win" spiral.

It's especially important in McCook, where keno has recently been reinstated after several year of absence.

How can we tell we, our friend or loved one has a gambling problem? Here are some of the signs:

* Gambling more than they intended

* Others suggesting they may have a gambling problem

* Feeling guilty about the way he or she gambles.

* Wanting to stop betting but feeling like they can't.

* Hiding betting slips, lottery tickets, gambling money or other signs of betting

* Arguments over how they are handling money

* Borrowing money and not repaying it.

* Losing time from work or school because of gambling

* Preoccupation with gambling (reliving experiences, planning the next one or thinking of ways to gamble)

* Gambling larger and larger amounts of money to get the same "buzz."

* Unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling

* Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to slow down or stop gambling

* Using gambling as a way to escape problems or bad moods such as helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression.

* Returning to gamble after losing money gambling

* Lying to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling

* Committing illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement to finance gambling

* Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, education or career opportunity because of gambling.

* Relying on others to get out of debt

If you recognize any of these problems, call the number above to get help.

Better yet, don't start gambling in the first place.