March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and with the beginning of one of the most popular gambling events of the year, “March Madness,” health officials are reminding Iowans of the resources available to people struggling with a gambling addiction. Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is offering a seminar, “Addiction to Gambling and Gaming,” on March 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Timmerman Shelter House in City Park. Organized by MRHC’s Recovery Center, the City of Manning, and New Opportunities, the program aims to educate Iowans about the potential risks of excessive engagement in activities like gambling and gaming. Recovery Center Director Taya Vonnahme says, “We know that we live in a tech-filled world, and this has made activities, such as gambling, easy to access and indulge in, to the point of affecting lives and relationships. The same goes for gaming; this is at anyone’s fingertips, including children. We are hoping to educate the community on how these behaviors can lead to addiction and how to get help if needed.” The seminar will cover identifying addiction symptoms, recognizing lifestyle changes related to gambling, understanding associated risks, and addressing the onset of gambling behaviors in adolescence. Additionally, it will dispel myths about sports betting, explore the parallels between video games and gambling, and shed light on how game developers create addictive experiences. The free, come-and-go program on March 12 is open to all ages.
