Cost to treat Gambling Addiction: $5,800 per individual

Program pays for gambling addiction treatment

By Jan Biles
THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL
Most people consider gambling a source of entertainment and a chance at winning some money.

But for some Kansans, casting dice, playing the lottery or betting on horse races can become an addiction that depletes personal bank accounts, jeopardizes jobs, ruins relationship and increases destructive behaviors, such as criminal activity and suicide.

A 1999 National Prevalence Study revealed about 18,614 Kansans were pathological gamblers. Officials say that number likely has increased as television shows spotlight large winnings at poker tournaments and the number of casinos in the state grows.

"The chemical reaction in the brain when they are in the mode (of gambling) is the same as the chemical reaction in a cocaine addict," said Carol Spiker, coordinator of the Responsible Gambling Program for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.

"Gambling isn't necessarily about the money, but (about) an action,” she said. “If it was about the money, they would have quit years ago because the chance of winning money is so small."

Dena Dean, prevention/intervention specialist with Prevention and Recovery Services, said Kansas on Feb. 1 began offering treatment assistance to problem gamblers, their family members and concerned friends through the Kansas Problem Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund.

The assistance program is funded by a percentage of the money generated at Boot Hill Casino and Resort, a state-owned casino in Dodge City. State-owned casinos in Mulvane and at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., are expected to open in 2012. A portion of their revenues also will go to the program.

Dean said getting assistance begins with a call to the toll-free, confidential 24-hour Kansas Problem Gambling Help Line, (800) 522-4700. Problem gamblers who call the help line are referred to Gamblers Anonymous or a certified gambling counselor near their hometown for an evaluation to see if treatment is needed.

Similarly, family members and concerned friends of the problem gambler who call the help line are referred to Gam Anon or counselors who work with families dealing with addictions.

In both cases, the Kansas Problem Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund pays for the individual’s treatment. Spiker said the cost of gambling addiction treatment averages about $5,800 per individual.

"Historically, there has been no funding for this treatment, and most insurance (companies) won't cover it," she said. "(Treatment) helps them to begin understanding what addiction is and how to rebuild their lives."

Spiker estimates about 50 individuals will have received treatment through the assistance program by June 30, the end of the current fiscal year.

The incidence of problem gambling among youths, college students and military personnel is rising, Spiker said. Surveys indicate about 23 percent of college students report gambling weekly, and about 6.3 percent of military personnel experience at least one gambling-related problem in their lifetime.

Because of the stigma associated with gambling addiction, Spiker said, people are hesitant to seek help.

"We are starting to see more people reach out and hope people will access this new service," she said.

For more information, visit the Kansas Responsible Gambling Alliance website at ksgamblinghelp.com.



PROBLEM GAMBLING? The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as "gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life psychological, physical, social or vocational." Here are some warning signs of problem gambling: Hides gambling losses from family members. Preoccupation with gambling. Borrows money to fund gambling. Talks only about wins, not losses. Withdraws from family and friends. Gambles as a way to escape from problems. Inability to stop or cut back on gambling. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, call the toll-free, 24-hour Problem Gambling Help Line at (800) 522-4700.