Compulsive Gambling
Like any other addiction, pathological
gambling is a persistent and dysfunctional behavior that can disrupt the
individual's personal, family, and vocational life. When the individuals
borrowing resources are strained, the person may resort to such things as
forgery, theft, fraud, or even embezzlement to obtain money. He/she may lie to
a family and friends about the gambling, the money lost. It is reported that
20% of the compulsive gamblers even have attempted suicide.
How can you tell if you have a problem?
Have you experienced:
Later symptoms may include:
What We Offer
The solution is based on the premise that compulsive gambling is an illness that can be arrested. The goal of treatment is lifelong abstinence from all gambling activities. Both a general and an individual approach is employed. Since people with gambling problems often share certain characteristics, people can work together to help themselves and each other.
Family members often can be instrumental in determining whether
the person decides to begin recovery or continue with the compulsive gambling.
Families are encouraged to participate in the treatment and recognize and eliminate
co-dependent behavior.
The individual plays an active role in the treatment plan and
counselors are culturally competent and diverse. The primary care of the
individual is directed by a Missouri Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor.
Treatment is reality oriented and base on belief that changes
in behavior can lead to increased understanding, self-awareness and
self-esteem. These changes when suggested and monitored for progress is made in
graphic, concrete, visual modes. An emphasis on financial debt repair and
planning is a core component of treatment. With consistent effort and an
ongoing support system, addictions can be arrested.
Other Services
Research has noted that 50% of those with
gambling addiction problems also are chemical abusers. Many are also dually
diagnosed (have other mental health disorders needing treatment). Therefore,
treatment includes an individualized treatment plan, which focuses on financial
reimbursement, the triggers for the gambling addiction and interrelated
problems. The CMHS/Renaissance West addiction recovery services include:
CMHS offers short-term residential care
(Gateway), addiction recovery for individuals, families, and group treatment.
Clients progress through residential to aftercare post treatment care, depending
upon the needs of individuals and their families.
Renaissance West provides residential
addiction recovery treatment to men, women, and women with children. It is one
of only two residential treatment programs in the city to provide for women and
their children. Additionally social detoxification, community support, family education,
therapy, outpatient individual, and group services are also provided.
CMHS CSTAR for youth provides care targeted
toward adolescent youth with addictions.
COMBAT funded prevention and education
services are provided in school districts in the eastern Jackson County area.