Help available in northern city

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Problem gamblers now have another option for treatment in northern Alberta. The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) opened a residential treatment program at the Northern Addictions Centre in Grande Prairie on Jan. 3.

Most adult Albertans gamble responsibly as a social activity and do not develop problems, but about five per cent of adult Albertans experience moderate to severe problems as a result of their gambling. Their lives are negatively affected in major areas such as family and relationships, employment and finances. They may have severe symptoms of emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, difficulty thinking or problem solving, or have thoughts of suicide. Physical distress related to gambling problems includes sleep and eating disturbances and an inability to stop gambling.

"This is a very specific approach that we are using," said Kathy Landry, manager of the Northern Addictions Centre. "Clients will live away from their normal environment. This helps them recognize the reasons for their addictive behavior, draw upon their personal strengths and make positive changes in their lives."

In groups of four, clients will live at the Northern Addictions Centre for two weeks and participate in an intensive program that focuses specifically on gambling behaviors. This is not an Aboriginal cultural-specific program, but it is a gambling-specific program, staff at the centre said. "Cognitive behavior counselling is very effective," said Landry. "Also, we do try to explore with the clients their whole person: spiritual, emotional, mental and physical," she said.

The treatment program includes daily interactive workshops and lectures, group counselling, and a variety of leisure activities. Participation in community-based 12-Step groups such as Gambling Anonymous is required. This pilot program will be evaluated as it goes along. Cost for the residential program is $15 per day for Alberta residents.

Adult family members may also get involved by attending sessions during the first week-end, because they are also dealing with the negative impact of the gambling behaviors.

Family members may want to attend the Recovering Gambling Family Program, which is for people who are affected by the gambling behavior of someone they care about.

AADAC and its funded agencies offer a range of problem gambling treatment services in 49 Alberta communities. For information about this new residential program for problem gamblers and for related programs contact AADAC in Grande Prairie at (780) 538-6403. You may also call the 24-hour toll-free AADAC Help Line (1-866-332-2322) or visit the Web site at AADAC.com.