New York Doctor Warns Of Gambling Addiction In Young Kids
A New York doctor reports a surge in gambling disorders among kids and young adults, citing easy access to online betting as a major factor. This trend may have serious consequences for their financial and emotional well-being.
Original reporting · hudsonvalleypost.com
Original: “New York Doctor Warns of Gambling Addiction in Young Kids”
Read “New York Doctor Warns of Gambling Addiction in Young Kids” at Hudson Valley Post →
How this was written. Westchester Made wrote this article with a language model from Hudson Valley Post’s reporting (model: @cf/meta/llama-3.3-70b-instruct-fp8-fast); it describes that reporting rather than adding to it. The original, linked above, is the full story.
Key points from Hudson Valley Post’s report
- Dr. Michael Adler, a licensed clinical psychologist, has seen a surge in gambling disorders among kids and young adults in Rockland County.
- Children as young as 11 are bypassing age restrictions on online betting platforms using their parents' payment methods.
- Dr. Adler urges parents to talk to their kids about the risks of gambling and warns that fantasy football leagues can be a gateway to more serious addiction.
- Treating children with gambling addiction can be challenging due to their lack of impulse control and underdeveloped prefrontal cortex.
- Resources are available for those struggling with addiction, including a hotline and online support groups.
A licensed clinical psychologist in Rockland County, Dr. Michael Adler, has noticed a significant increase in gambling disorders in children and young adults, according to Hudson Valley Post. He specializes in treating gambling addiction, substance abuse, and emotional disorders at Rockland Addictions in New City, NY. Dr. Adler's patients range in age from 11 to their twenties.
Children are able to bypass age restrictions on online betting platforms by using their parents' payment methods on smartphones and tablets, Dr. Adler explains. This easy access to online betting is a major contributor to the rise in gambling disorders among young people. As a result, Dr. Adler is seeing more and more young patients struggling with addiction.
Treating children with gambling addiction can be particularly challenging, Dr. Adler notes. Because they are still developing, children lack impulse control and have an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex, making it harder for them to understand the consequences of their actions. Additionally, many children do not see being in financial debt as a problem, assuming that their parents will cover their expenses.
Dr. Adler urges parents to talk to their kids about the risks of gambling, as they are constantly exposed to gambling messages while watching sports on TV. He also warns that participating in fantasy football leagues can be a gateway to more serious gambling disorders. By educating their children, parents can help prevent addiction and promote healthier habits.
The rise in gambling disorders among young people is a concerning trend that may have long-term consequences for their financial and emotional well-being. Dr. Adler's work at Rockland Addictions aims to address this issue and provide support to those struggling with addiction. For those affected, resources are available, including a hotline and online support groups.
New laws in New York State may also impact the way gambling is regulated and addressed, although the specifics of these laws are not yet clear. As the state continues to evolve its approach to gambling, it is essential to prioritize education and support for those affected by addiction. By working together, parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers can help mitigate the risks associated with gambling and promote healthier habits among young people.
Dr. Adler's warning serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing gambling addiction in young people. By acknowledging the risks and taking steps to prevent addiction, we can work towards creating a healthier and more supportive environment for children and young adults. Hudson Valley Post reported on Dr. Adler's concerns, highlighting the need for greater awareness and education on this issue.
Questions and answers
What is the age range of Dr. Adler's patients with gambling disorders?
Dr. Adler's patients range in age from 11 to their twenties.
How are children able to bypass age restrictions on online betting platforms?
Children are able to bypass age restrictions by using their parents' payment methods on smartphones and tablets.
What can parents do to help prevent gambling addiction in their kids?
Parents can talk to their kids about the risks of gambling and educate them about the consequences of addiction.
