As Director of Planning and Resource Development, Marcia Goodman – Hinnershitz sits down with Yvonne Stroman to talk about problem gambling, its pervasiveness, behaviors and attitudes associated with problem gambling and what resources are available for people living in Berks County who may be living with a gambling addiction, but do not know where to turn for help.

Marcia indicates that she has been with the Council on Chemical Abuse for more than 15 years and she has witnessed the growth of the agency to include problem gambling and gambling addiction as a problem behavior that needs to be addressed. “In the beginning, COCA focused on alcohol and other drugs”. As time passed the Council on Chemical Abuse began to address and appropriate services that address other problem behaviors such as problem gambling.

Once casino gambling became legalized in Pennsylvania, more monies became available to financially support prevention and treatment efforts. Marcia talks about the availability of prevention and intervention services for problem gambling as well as the hope that awaits individuals and families.