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