The task force assembled by a partnership between The Harvard Medical School’s Cambridge Health Alliance and the National Center for Responsible Gambling is dedicated to addressing problem gambling among college students.  The group believes that in order to successfully reduce the number of problem gamblers found among college students, it will be necessary for campuses to begin treating addiction issues the same way they treat physical issues.

There is a culture among colleges to punish students for addiction issues.  The problem is that most addiction issues, whether it is gambling at online casinos or drinking alcohol, are legitimate psychological issues.  Based on that idea, it would be helpful if instead of punishment, colleges promoted finding ways of encouraging recovery.

“We know if a student presents with a physical problem…the college will bend over backwards to help, but addiction is in a different category,” said task force chairman Peter Emerson.  Emerson is also an associate for public policy with the Cambridge Health Alliance's division on addiction.

Lehigh University is sort of a front runner in embracing several suggestions but forth by the task force.  The suggestions thus far have offered very simple solutions to the problem.  It is almost impossible to completely root out problem gambling, especially with several states expanding gambling and the popularity of online casinos.  The task force only recommends colleges increase counseling options for students.  It also promotes heightening gambling addiction awareness.  And not just publicizing the problem but creating awareness that it is a mental health issue.