Powerball mania can be a trigger for gambling addicts

While many of us were dreaming of big money, those struggling with a gambling addiction are trying hard to avoid trouble.

“The same way somebody who has an addiction to a substance and they have triggers that trigger that craving, this is basically what people are seeing on the screen right now: ‘Oh my gosh, over a billion dollars’,” said Gordon Horne, LLAADC.

A board-certified addiction specialist, Horne said with Powerball mania everywhere, gambling addicts are surrounded by dangerous feelings.

“The triggers are being pressed, they are a person who’s probably going to do an unwise thing and spend too much money on a really risky behavior,” said Horne.

Horne said it’s often an addiction that’s overlooked. Only about one in10 gambling addicts end up getting help.

“Just like (with) any addiction, there is the chance for recovery. The lie is you can’t get better, the truth is you can,” said Horne.

The California Lottery contributes $130,000each year to help fight gambling addiction. If you need help or know someone that does, you can call 1-800-GAMBLER.