Maryhaven

02/13/2026

Maryhaven and our own Abdullah Mahmood were featured by NBC4 as part of coverage from the annual Problem Gambling Network of Ohio Conference - a powerful gathering of leaders, clinicians, advocates, and individuals in recovery working to address a growing public health concern.

As gambling continues to expand across Ohio and the country, more people are reaching out for help. Abdullah spoke to the deeper issue behind recent sports betting scandals, reminding viewers:

“Whether you’re betting on the games yourself or shaving off points in pursuit of money, it all comes from the same mechanism. Gambling disorder impacts millions of Americans.”

The conversation isn’t just about headlines - it’s about real people, real families, and real consequences. And it’s also about hope. As awareness grows, so does support.

We’re proud to have Abdullah representing Maryhaven in these important discussions - helping normalize the conversation, reduce stigma, and ensure people know that help is available.

If you or someone you love is struggling with problem gambling, you are not alone.

📞 Call 614-445-8131 or visit maryhaven.com to learn more about our Gambling Intervention Program.

Read the full article here: https://maryhaven.com/nbc4-solutions-to-problem-gambling-mulled-at-conference/

02/12/2026

Abdullah has been having an incredible few days at the Ohio Problem Gambling Conference - connecting, collaborating, and helping shape the future of gambling prevention and treatment.

He recently moderated a forum with Dr. Timothy Fong (UCLA), Professor of Psychiatry, and is continuing conversations with national and international experts from across the country and beyond. Today, Abdullah is also presenting at the conference, sharing Maryhaven’s perspective and on-the-ground experience.

In addition, Abdullah is meeting with Dr. Adil Nayeem (UK) to discuss RecoverMe, a new app created with his partner to support individuals with gambling concerns by helping them learn more about the condition, understand risk factors, and assess personal susceptibility.

We’re proud to see Maryhaven represented at this level and grateful for Abdullah’s leadership in advancing innovative, compassionate solutions that help people better understand gambling disorders and find a path toward recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with problem gambling, Maryhaven is here to help.

📞 Call 614-445-8131 or visit maryhaven.com to learn more.

02/11/2026

Day one at the Ohio Problem Gambling Conference and we’re proud to see Maryhaven’s Abdullah Mahmood and Janet Thode sharing their expertise and representing our community in such a meaningful way.

Today’s conversations focus on critical topics like innovative uses of digital health tools for gambling disorders, along with collaboration, prevention, and treatment strategies that help meet people where they are and support long-term recovery.

Even more powerful is the opportunity to connect with leaders from across the state and nation who are working together to strengthen services, reduce harm, and help more people restore their lives.

We’re grateful for Abdullah and Janet’s dedication to advancing problem gambling prevention and treatment - and for the collective momentum toward a healthier, more informed community.

If you or someone you love is struggling with problem gambling or addiction, help is available.

📞 Call Maryhaven at 614-445-8131 or visit maryhaven.com to get started.

02/10/2026

We’re proud to share that Maryhaven’s Abdullah Mahmood and Janet Thode will be presenting at the 2026 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference at Ohioan Hotel & Event Center this week - February 11–12, 2026.

This important statewide conference brings together national experts, state leaders, and local innovators working in problem gambling prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, research, and safer-play - highlighting how gambling, substance use, and mental health are deeply interconnected.

Abdullah Mahmood, LSW, LICDC-GAMB, ICGC-I, OCPS, ICPS, serves as Administrative Coordinator of Maryhaven’s Gambling Intervention Program and brings extensive experience across prevention, treatment, administration, and direct client care.

Janet Thode, M.A. Education, OCPS, Maryhaven’s Gambling Prevention Coordinator, has spent years leading prevention efforts across Central Ohio, educating communities on substance use, brain development, and social-emotional learning.

We’re honored to have their expertise representing Maryhaven and advancing conversations that help strengthen prevention, expand access to care, and save lives.

02/10/2026

The big game may be over, but for some, the impact of gambling doesn’t end when the final whistle blows.

If you or someone you love is noticing warning signs like:
• Thinking about gambling all the time
• Feeling the need to bet more money, more often
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back
• Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences

- you’re not alone, and help is available.

At Maryhaven, we support individuals and families affected by problem gambling with compassionate, confidential care. Recovery is possible, and reaching out is a sign of strength.

If this resonates with you, we’re here to listen and help.

📞 Call 614-445-8131 or visit maryhaven.com to take the next step.

02/06/2026

Meet Ron Pollard.
Client. Counselor. Commitment.

Ron’s journey with Maryhaven spans nearly four decades and reflects the very heart of our mission: meeting people where they are and walking alongside them toward stability, dignity, and recovery.

Ron came to Maryhaven in 1986 seeking treatment. Today, with nearly 39 years of recovery, he has dedicated his life to helping others navigate addiction, homelessness, and complex systems of care - serving as a case manager, outreach advocate, and steady source of hope for so many.

“At the core of Ron’s work is a simple belief: Somebody kept a door open for me - and it was Maryhaven.”

We are endlessly grateful for Ron’s compassion, perseverance, and the light he brings to our community every day. He truly embodies what it means to restore lives.

02/05/2026

From Maryhaven’s Problem Gambling Expert, Abdullah Mahmood

“As a problem gambling expert, I was recently asked by reporters at NBC4 and 10TV to comment on a federal criminal indictment of 26 people, including 20 college basketball players.”

In his latest blog, Abdullah breaks down how betting “the fix” - from prop bets to micro-wagers - isn’t just changing the way fans watch sports. It’s increasing the risk of gambling harm, especially among young athletes and casual bettors who may not realize how quickly behaviors can escalate.

At Maryhaven, we see firsthand how constant promotions, easy-to-access apps, and social pressure can blur the line between entertainment and addiction. Problem gambling doesn’t just affect the person placing the bets - it impacts families, relationships, mental health, and financial stability.

Our Gambling Intervention Program provides support for individuals struggling with gambling behaviors and for the loved ones impacted by them. If sports betting is starting to feel overwhelming or harmful, that’s a sign it’s time to reach out.

Recovery is possible. Help is here.

Read Abdullah’s full blog on our website.

02/05/2026

✨ “The moment I walked into detox, everything changed.” - Darla ✨

Today, we’re honored to share Darla’s powerful story of courage, healing, and choosing recovery for herself - and for the life she always deserved.

She admitted she feared being judged.
But instead, she found compassion.
She found support.
She found a team of people who truly care.

“The staff here is like no other. They’re passionate about what they do, and they really do care. There are people out there who want to see you succeed, stay sober, and make something of yourself - and that’s exactly what I’ve experienced at Maryhaven.”

Darla is now living her recovery to the fullest - with gratitude, strength, and a belief in herself that grows every day.

As the 2025 Columbus Top Pick for Addiction Treatment, as voted by the Central Ohio community and the Columbus Dispatch, we’re proud to be a trusted place for hope and healing.

💙 To everyone still searching for hope: you’re not alone.
💙 To everyone supporting our mission: thank you for helping moments like hers happen.

If you or someone you love needs help, we’re here 24/7 at 614-445-8131 or maryhaven.com

02/04/2026

Pause before you Play. Good advice and our very own Experts at Maryhaven can help you with this. https://maryhaven.com/gambling/

🏈 The Super Bowl draws some of the highest betting volumes all year. If you plan to bet on Sunday, these tips from Pause Before You Play can help you do so responsibly and keep the Super Bowl fun!

Learn more here: https://pausebeforeyouplay.org/

02/03/2026

For 72 years, Maryhaven has grown and evolved alongside the communities we serve - and leaders like Kiera Toliver, our Community and Referral Partnership Manager, help make that possible every day.

Kiera is on the ground across Columbus and Central Ohio, building connections, strengthening partnerships, and making sure people know help is here when they need it.

As community needs change, Maryhaven continues to adapt - expanding services, meeting people where they are, and offering support across the full continuum of care, from detox and treatment to recovery, prevention, and outreach.

Because of dedicated advocates like Kiera, we’re able to stay connected, responsive, and rooted in our mission: providing compassionate care, removing barriers providing compassionate care, removing barriers to treatment, and making sure no one is turned away.

We’re grateful for Kiera’s leadership, heart, and commitment to showing up for our community.

Her work reflects who we are at Maryhaven - always listening, always learning, and always growing to meet the needs of Columbus and Central Ohio.

02/03/2026

Black History Month is a time to honor the resilience, leadership, and lasting contributions of Black individuals who have shaped our communities and our country.

At Maryhaven, we recognize that Black history is not just something we reflect on in February - it’s something we live every day through our commitment to dignity and access to care for all.

We are grateful for the Black leaders, clinicians, advocates, and community members whose voices, strength, and compassion help guide our mission and inspire healing.

This month, we celebrate Black excellence, acknowledge the ongoing work toward justice and health equity, and recommit ourselves to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to restore their lives.

01/30/2026

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, millions of people will place bets - but for many, this isn’t harmless fun.

A recent article from GamblingHarm.org highlights how major sporting events can trigger or reignite problem gambling, especially for those in recovery.

We’re proud to see Abdullah Mahmood, Administrative Coordinator of Maryhaven’s Gambling Intervention Program, featured as a trusted expert in this national conversation.

Abdullah brings deep clinical expertise and real-world compassion to an issue that affects far more people than most realize.

As he shared in the article, “People can eventually enjoy sports without thinking about betting, but they need the support system in place.”

His guidance centers on relapse prevention, identifying safe supports, and reminding people they are not alone when urges show up - especially during high-risk moments like the Super Bowl.

With nearly 60% of NFL bettors wagering more than they can afford to lose, moments like the Super Bowl can quietly turn from entertainment into risk.

Abdullah’s voice cuts through the noise with practical, compassionate guidance- encouraging people to plan ahead, lean on trusted supports, and protect their peace.

Maryhaven’s Gambling Intervention Program has been helping individuals and families in Central Ohio since 2009, supporting not only those struggling with gambling but also the loved ones impacted along the way.

Conversations like this matter. They reduce stigma, raise awareness, and remind people that enjoying sports does not have to include betting.

If the Super Bowl - or gambling at any time - feels overwhelming, help is available. You’re not weak for needing support. You’re human.

📞 1-800-MY-RESET
📍 Or reach out to Maryhaven for confidential gambling support and treatment.

We’re grateful for leaders like Abdullah who continue to show up, speak up, and help keep our community informed, supported, and safe.

Read the full article here: https://gamblingharm.org/super-bowl-gambling-addiction/