New Jersey Human Services is awarding six organizations a total of $720,000 to include gambling treatments in their services with mental health issues and/or substance use disorder. The following organizations are receiving $120,000 each to support responsible gambling in New Jersey:
- Legacy Treatment Services (Atlantic County)
- Legacy Treatment Services (Burlington County)
- Integrity Inc. (Essex County)
- Legacy Treatment Services (Camden County)
- Monmouth Medical Center (Monmouth County)
- Eva’s Village, Inc. (Passaic County)
According to Human Services Commissioner, Sarah Adelman, those with a gambling disorder are usually experiencing another mental or substance issue. The money provided is going to help with both, she said in a statement:
“More than 90 percent of individuals with gambling disorders have a co-occurring behavioral health need, and the impact of these challenges affects families, workplaces, and our communities. “
“Through these provider partnerships we will widen the availability of mental health and substance use disorder providers in the state who also have the expertise to identify and treat gambling disorders.”
How providers are going to treat gambling addictions
Each of the aforementioned organizations are going to hire, at a minimum, one full-time clinician who specializes in gambling disorders. The clinician is going to treat the patient through the following steps:
- Provide a full gambling assessment for individuals identified as at risk for a gambling disorder.
- Include gambling specific treatment in clients’ care plan when a gambling disorder has been identified.
- Provide psycho-education on problem gambling to all participants in the treatment program.
- Provide treatment of gambling disorders through individual, group therapy, and/or family therapy for those with an identified gambling disorder or individuals whose behaviors indicate that they are at risk of a gambling disorder.
- Link individuals with recovery support activities such as Gamblers Anonymous Meetings, relaxation techniques, stress reduction, finance, budgeting, SMART recovery, and peer recovery services.
Deputy Commissioner for Health Services, Valerie Mielke, said in a statement:
“This is about working more efficiently to reach people struggling with addiction. By integrating gambling disorder services, we hope to bring co-occurring gambling disorder into the mental health and substance use disorder treatment network, so more people can get the services they need to support their recovery.”
Gambling addiction often tied to other health issues
As Adelman noted, more than 90% of individuals experiencing gambling problems have another need that needs to be treated. Adding gambling treatments to the curriculum makes it much more complete.
Assistant Commissioner, Renee Burawski, who oversees Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, said:
“We continue to work to expand access to treatment because we know recovery is possible with adequate support.
“These providers will now be able to deliver more comprehensive care, and offer support and resources to individuals in need of gambling disorder services, so they can rebuild their lives.”
Those who need to need help and wants treatment can call or text the national helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, which is available 24 hours a day.
