Gambling addiction can cost people massive amounts of debt and disrupt relationships and careers. But it’s not as identifiable as substance addictions, according to Mercedes Kent. “It’s not a matter of willpower,” she said. “This is a brain disease.” Kent is a treatment provider and supervisor at Gateway Foundation, which runs addiction treatment centers, including one in Springfield. Gambling expansion is a moneymaker for the state, but as it expands, so do the rates of gambling disorders, Kent said.
Kent spoke as part of a recent weeklong series, hosted by Gateway, addressing gambling addiction throughout Illinois. Speakers included public health and addiction treatment professionals and various lawmakers, both Dem…
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