GIA posters promote help for problem gamblers
By Neil Peterson
Executive Director
Gaming Industry Association
Last fall I had the privilege of attending the Montana Council on Problem Gambling’s fall workshop on gambling treatment. The Council is vigorously supported by the Montana Gaming Advisory Council, Montana Coin Operators Association, Gaming Industry Association, Montana Tavern Association, and the Montana Gambling Control Division.
Neil Peterson
The workshop was designed for social workers and professional counselors who provide treatment for problem gamblers. The main presenter was Linda Graves who is the Problem Gambling Program Manager in the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse for the state of Washington.
Attendees were given information on the different types of gamblers, on screening and assessment instruments, on how to develop treatment plans and on recognizing behaviors and the impact on spouses and children resulting from living with problem gamblers.
The good news is that only small percentages (1-2 percent) of individuals who engage in gambling activities become problem gamblers and more important is that the disease is treatable. While the small percentage is good news, problem gamblers cause difficulties for themselves and others.
That’s why the Montana Council on Problem Gambling is so important to Montanans who need help when they have a problem. The council’s “Hope and Help” treatment regimen provides the most comprehensive program for treating problem gamblers and their families offering individual, group and educational programming.
However, the program is no good unless folks who have a problem get help. The Council maintains a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week toll-free hot line for those seeking help. The number is 1-888-900-9979.
The Council strives to make treatment affordable for all clients. We in the business, in addition to our financial support for the Council, can help in this effort by posting information concerning the Council in our business locations. Helping get the word out about this valuable service may get the necessary help someone needs.
Please contact me if you would like to receive posters for your establishment advertising the Montana Council on Problem Gambling. My e-mail is <n.peterson@bresnan.net> and my phone number is 406-449-2481.
Thanks for your continued support of the Council.
[i]Source: The Montana Tavern Times, January, 2009, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.[/i]