Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/16/2018 -- National Prevention Week, which takes place between May 13 and May 19 this year, is an annual health initiative aimed at increasing awareness of and promoting action around mental illness and substance abuse in communities across the country.

This cause is meaningful for the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) as many problem gamblers, including those betting on sports in East Rutherford, NJ, struggle with disordered substance use and mental illness. This organization is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action throughout New Jersey.

The theme for this year's National Prevention Week is: "Action Today. Healthier Tomorrow." Through community involvement, partner engagement, and resource sharing, we can help spread awareness of the scope of the problem and help those individuals affected by mental illness and substance abuse get the help they need.

Through their community of members and online followers, the CCGNJ is spreading awareness about these critical public health concerns during National Prevention Week, while also sharing resources for support and encouraging individuals to take action to help those in need seek help.

"It is important that we at the CCGNJ take action during National Prevention Week as many of our disordered gamblers battle mental illness and substance abuse," stated Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the CCGNJ. "By helping prevent these public health concerns, we can save countless individuals from the pitfalls of disordered gambling."

Individuals who struggling with disordered betting on sports in Atlantic City and other disordered gambling behaviors are at a higher risk of substance use disorders and mental illness, but there are organizations that can help. Visit the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey online at https://800gambler.org or call or text their 24/7 helpline at 800-GAMBLER.

About The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is a non-profit, private organization dedicated to helping individuals seek help for their disordered gambling problem, and for concerned friends and loved ones to confidentially express their concerns about someone close to them. Their 24/7 hotline is 800-GAMBLER. The Council also works to train professionals in the fields of gambling addiction and recovery.