News Release Archive
HEALTH--PROVINCIAL INITIATIVE TO BENEFIT PROBLEM GAMBLERS ------------------------------------------------------------ The Department of Health today announced plans to enhance its province-wide prevention and treatment programs for problem gambling. "We are now in the position to implement more comprehensive programs to help Nova Scotians with gambling problems," said Health Minister Ron Stewart. The introduction of video lottery terminals brought attention to the issue of problem gambling in Nova Scotia. Acknowledging gambling's increasing popularity, the province mandated Drug Dependency Services to provide treatment for problem gamblers and their families. In 1993, a budget of $462,500 was set aside for treatment for the first time. Video lottery terminals are still the most common outlet. It is estimated the new treatment programs will benefit approximately 4,000 to 8,000 people with gambling problems, including their families. The enhanced provincial treatment program for problem gamblers will feature a toll-free 1-800 telephone number staffed by professional counsellors 24 hours a day. It will offer confidential counselling and information on problem gambling, and will also provide a direct referral to treatment programs and to Gamblers Anonymous groups. Prevention and education programs will generate widespread awareness of problem gambling to help increase the support network available for people needing assistance. Research programs will try to determine the causes of problem gambling, who it affects and how it can be prevented. The Department of Health will also work with the Department of Education and Culture to include prevention programs in the school curriculum. "The majority of Nova Scotians will never develop a problem with gambling," said Dr. Stewart. "However, we do want to emphasize prevention and educational programs to reduce the risk of people developing problem gambling in the province, while at the same time offering quality treatment for people who currently need assistance." The Department of Health is injecting $1.2 million of new money into the prevention and treatment of problem gambling in Nova Scotia. This money is in addition to the $462,500 spent annually in this area. The new funding will come from revenues generated by casino operations and video lottery terminals. Funding for prevention and treatment programs in other provinces ranges from $400,000 in Quebec to $1.5 million in Saskatchewan. The new funding from casino operations and the video lottery terminals will be allocated as follows: $460,000 will be spent on prevention/education/information; $565,000 for treatment; and $250,000 on research and evaluation. The previously allocated money, totalling $462,500, will be spent on treatment services. The department will oversee the development of the programs, which will be implemented by the private and not-for-profit sectors. In developing the newly strengthened program, the department consulted with many groups including: Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, Nova Scotia Gaming Control Commission, the Department of Education, members of Gamblers Anonymous, Canadian Foundation on Compulsive Gambling, National Council on Problem Gambling (U.S.) and the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. ------------------------------------------------------------ PROBLEM GAMBLING TREATMENT BACKGROUND Most people who gamble never develop a problem. But for those who need help, treatment is available in Nova Scotia. Treatment is based on an assessment by therapists employed by the Department of Health's Drug Dependency Services. A typical treatment plan identifies key issues in a client's lifestyle and helps the client to develop coping mechanisms to address problems. Family involvement is also encouraged. Often families receive treatment to help them cope. Clients treated by Drug Dependency come from all parts of Nova Scotia. They are served through a community network as well as regional Drug Dependency offices. Clients come from all walks of life. The substantial new funding for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling will be directed at several areas including youth, community action and public awareness. Education programs directed at youth will help them to avoid the behaviours that lead to problem gambling. Problem gambling will be added as an issue to school curriculums, in much the same way as substance abuse and cigarette smoking are discussed today. Since more needs to be learned about problem gambling, funds will be allocated for research and evaluation. Anyone interested in learning about current treatment for problem gambling should call: Eastern Region Drug Dependency, Sydney (902) 563-2050 Northern Region Drug Dependency, Pictou (902) 485-4335 Central Region Drug Dependency, Halifax (902) 424-5623 South Shore Drug Dependency, Lunenburg (902) 634-8801 Crosbie Centre Association, Kentville (902) 678-7381 South West Drug Dependency, Yarmouth (902) 742-2406 ------------------------------------------------------------ -30- Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 trp Nov. 08, 1995