Some call it the most exciting 2 weeks of sports of the year. It is the chance to root on the old alma mater, or a favorite college. 75,000,000 people fill out brackets. Office pools are everywhere- even those who don’t follow college basketball get caught up in the excitement.

For most people, March Madness is a fun activity. But for some who like to gamble, it is a riskier activity, especially if gambling has begun to interfere with other aspects of their life. It could be the event that pushes them from social gambling into problem gambling. For those who are already experiencing problems, it can push them deeper into that financial, spiritual, moral and emotional hole.

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ offers some questions that gamblers can ask themselves, before or while participating in March Madness, to see if they might be at risk:

• Has fan fever been replaced by gambling fever?

• Is betting on the game more interesting to you than enjoying the game?

• Are you hoping for that one shot that will bail you out from your losses?

• Are you controlling gambling, or is gambling controlling you?

• Are you one of the 6-8 million Americans whose relationships, well being and finances are damaged by out of control gambling?

Project Turnabout and The NJ Council reminds gamblers, as well as their families and friends, that help is available to anyone who has concerns or is looking for more information.

According to Executive Director Donald Weinbaum, “The Council’s helpline can direct callers to counseling, self-help meetings, and other resources that can help them overcome this addiction. It’s as simple as calling their states helpline and it’s free and confidential.”

Weinbaum adds, “Now may be the time to pick up that phone and talk to someone who cares. With that first step, you can begin to stop the ‘Madness’ of March and perhaps find some gladness in your life again.”

To find help in your state please click here.

Minnesota’s Problem Gambling Hotline – 1-800-333-4673 (HOPE)

Article Credit:  Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ, Inc.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17^th in honor of the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.  St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland and is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history.  Although St. Patrick’s Day is notorious for green beverages, there are many ways to celebrate responsibly and have fun, while also safeguarding your recovery.  

Here are five tips to help you out: 

1. Avoid the bar scene:  Of course this seems obvious, but it is really a great plan to avoid getting caught up in something you don’t want to do. 
2. Cook at home:  Corned beef and cabbage are really easy to make in the crock pot.  Anyone can do it! When you get up in the morning, toss the corned beef into the slow cooker, as well as the cabbage and anything else you want in there, some spices, a little water and cook it on low all day.  It will be amazing and rewarding; you cooked your own awesome holiday meal and avoided the alcohol that will be everywhere if you eat out!  A great way to celebrate a sober Saint Patrick’s Day.
3. Go to a meeting:  Especially if you feel the urge to drink or feel lonely or bored.
4. Host a “Green Eggs and Ham” Brunch:  Invite a group of friends over to enjoy a hearty brunch of Dr. Seuss’ famous “Green Eggs and Ham.”  You can even bring the kiddos along and have story time during breakfast; a fun, family activity for all.  
5. Hang out with sober friends: Get together and play board games.  Serve snacks and nonalcoholic drinks.  Make it an annual gathering and begin your own tradition of having a sober Saint Patrick’s Day!

You can break the tradition of drinking on Saint Patrick’s Day and reframe it into something more positive; a good time with friends and family, sober.  Wouldn’t this be an honor to Saint Patrick?  

How are you spending your sober Saint Patrick’s Day?