Problem gamblers' center nears readiness

The 16-bed center, perhaps also the nation's first of its kind, will be for gamblers in the most critical phase of addiction, said Reece Middleton of the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling.

The association has been awarded a one-year contract from the state to set up and run the 25- to 35-day treatment program.

"I'm unaware of any other state-funded residential treatment center in the country for compulsive gamblers," said Middleton, who has contacts in the treatment field nationwide and overseas.

To cover start-up and operating costs, the state will provide up to $438,000 of the $1.5 million a year in gambling revenue it has dedicated to gambling addiction treatment.

The state chose Shreveport-Bossier City as the site because of its status as Louisiana's leading gambling market and the experience of agencies here in dealing with gambling addiction.

But the inpatient program will accept compulsive gamblers referred from across the state. An existing building to house the program hopefully can be selected within two weeks, Middleton said.

"Our area has received tremendous economic benefits from gambling, but we still need to deal with problems it creates," said state Rep. Cedric Glover D-Shreveport.

Middleton said the residential program will help compulsive gamblers who have been unable to stop through other help. Participants will receive individual and group counseling and training in the 12-step recovery process and be encouraged to attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings.

Payment for treatment will be on a sliding scale. "But the reality is that most gamblers who've reached the desperation phase don't have any money. No one will be denied treatment for inability to pay," Middleton said.

"The desperation stage includes deep feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, the committing of illegal acts and alienation from family and friends."

The program will accept compulsive gamblers referred by private practitioners, private treatment centers, ministers, 12-step programs, the state Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and other sources.

Middleton noted private residential treatment centers offer similar help but that compulsive gamblers can't always afford them.

Asked if the state-funded center's 16 beds would make much of a dent in the number of late-stage compulsive gamblers, Middleton said: "It will for the first time provide another option for them. It will begin to chew away at that elephant (problem)."

archive