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For Problem Gamblers and Families Help is a Phone Call Away

3/17/2016

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A recent problem gambling prevalence and awareness survey revealed the extent to which Kansans are exposed to the risks associated with problem gambling. Problem gambling is considered a behavioral disorder that can be diagnosed and treated by certified problem gambling counsellors who are licensed by the Kansas Department For Aging and Disability Services. 

The vast majority of Kansans who gamble do so responsibly. But for the segment of gamblers who succumb to disordered gambling behavior the consequences can be devastating in terms of financial consequences, harm to relationships, job loss, mood disorders and even suicidal thoughts. 

Making matters worse, there is evidence of strong correlations between problem gambling and other behavioral and mental health disorders including substance abuse disorders and other psychological illnesses. 

When the Kansas Legislature enacted legislation authorizing state-owned casinos, the Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund was created to provide treatment, communications services, community support, and public awareness programs to mitigate the harmful consequences experienced by problem gamblers and their families.

The breadth of services is comprehensive but conveniently accessed through a single Problem Gambling Helpline where trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

1-800-522-4700 will connect problem gamblers, friends, and families to information about the warning signs and symptoms of a problem gambling disorder and the options available to individuals and their families. 
  • Referral to certified problem gambling treatment counsellors located throughout Kansas 
  • Information about state-funded reimbursement for treatment which is available at no cost to problem gamblers, family members and others affected by the problem. The State of Kansas will supplement insurance co-pays, deductible, or the entire cost for uninsured families including associated transportation costs for up to 12 counselling session for anyone diagnosed with a gambling addiction. Treatment beyond those 12 sessions is available if a mental health professionals considers it necessary. 
  • Contact information for Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon. 
  • Information and referral to the Voluntary Exclusion program that gives Problem Gamblers the option of self-exclusion from entering any of the state-owned casinos in Kansas. In addition they will be prohibited from cashing checks or using credit cards and will be removed from casino mailing lists. 
Calls to the Problem Gambling Helpline are confidential. 

According to Kansas Coalition For Problem Gambling president Joyce Markham many gambling addicts report substantial financial losses. “The problem gambler may feel the only way to quickly get back that money is to gamble more and more, desperately chasing their losses. This can lead to a downward spiral of increasingly negative consequences. The longer you gamble, the more likely you are to lose,” according to Marham. 

Data collected at the commencement of problem gambling treatment indicates over 80% of those with the disorder have outstanding gambling debt and nearly as many relied on others for money. About 30% engage in illegal acts to cover their outstanding debt or filed for bankruptcy. Not surprisingly the majority of problem gamblers suffer trouble with personal relationships. 
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With expansion of state-owned casinos planned for Southeast Kansas and increasing availability of internet gaming, Kansans’ access to gambling will continue to grow. But so is the availability of services and programs Kansans have to mitigate the associated risks and potentially negative consequences that can arise when gambling becomes problematic. 
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The Difference Between Gambling and Problem Gambling Is Worth Knowing

3/14/2016

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State and Community Coalitions Promote Awareness and Helpline

Gambling is a popular form of entertainment for many Kansans. Planned expansion of casino gambling to Southeast Kansas, the fourth state owned venue, attests to the continued appeal of gaming and allure of upside economic impact it can bring to the host communities.

There is, of course, another less appealing outcome: the harmful consequences for families when someone develops a gambling problem and the detrimental effects on personal finances and relationships, job loss, criminal activity, and even suicide. 

The stark contrast between those scenarios for communities and families warrants understanding the difference between responsible gambling and a gambling problem.  That’s the premise of a statewide awareness campaign coordinated by the Kansas Alliance For Responsible Gambling and the focus of a tool for gamblers and their families that is highly predictive of gambling behavior that can put them at risk.

The Kansas Alliance For Responsible Gambling and Kansas Coalition For Problem Gambling have partnered with the State of Kansas Department For Aging and Disability Services to provide information to Kansans who gamble, problem gamblers, their affected and concerned friends and family, and the community coalitions devoted behavioral health prevention programs and problem gambling treatment services. 

A self-­assessment tool being promoted in the campaign is referred to by behavioral and mental health professionals as the NODS (National Opinion Diagnostic Survey)  CliP, three direct questions that are highly predictive of whether a gambler has crossed the line into a gambling disorder.  Like other disorders, friends and family may recognize the warning signs before the disordered individual themselves.  In either case, gamblers and their families are encouraged to take a moment for self-­‐assessment that could mean the difference between gambling being an enjoyable form of recreation and the distress brought on by problem gambling. 

The “CLiP”questions revolve around problem gamblers’ obsession with gaming and trying to stop, cut down, or control their gambling; and lying about gambling behavior and losses.  The NODS CLiP questions and other similar diagnostics help gamblers understand if they’re in the zone of responsible gambling or are dealing themselves a losing hand.  

Among the resources is a website www.ksgamblinghelp.com where the diagnostic questions can be found as well as links to statewide and community information and contacts for counseling. 

At the center of those resources is the Kansas Problem Gambling Helpline 800-522-­4700 where trained professionals are available 24/7 to answer questions about risks, treatment options, casino Voluntary Exclusion programs, and state reimbursement policy and resources for counseling professionals. 

For those who choose gambling as a form of recreation and their families it’s important to understand the warning signs that you or someone you care about might be at risk.   These information channels are a convenient, confidential, and no-­‐risk place to start. 
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    National Opinion Diagnostic Survey Problem Gambling Self-Assessment
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Do You Know the Difference Between Gambling & Having a Gambling Problem?

3/10/2016

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Knowing the difference between gambling, and having a gambling problem, is worth knowing. For example, have you ever tried to stop, cut down or control your gambling? Have you ever lied to family members, friends or others about how much you gamble or how much money you lost gambling? Have there been periods of two weeks or longer when you spent a lot of time thinking about your gambling experiences or planning future gambling ventures or bets? 
Click here to take a more detailed self-assessment now. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with a gambling problem, no cost help is available by calling 800-522-4700.
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 Governor’s Proclamation Recognizes Community Efforts At Promoting Responsible Gambling 

3/9/2016

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PictureGovernor Brownback Signs Proclamation Declaring March 2016 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
In commemoration of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Governor Sam Brownback commended community groups and statewide coalitions in Kansas that promote awareness of the services and programs available to problem gamblers and their families. 

In the proclamation, Brownback cited the Kansas Coalition Problem Gambling, the Kansas Responsible Gambling Alliance and community task forces in the gambling zones surrounding state-owned casinos in Dodge City, Mulvane, and Kansas City. 

The Southwest Kansas, Northeast Kansas, and South Central Kansas Problem Gambling Task Forces are comprised of diverse community stakeholders who implement community prevention programs, disseminate information, offer education programs and provide problem gambling treatment services in their locales. 

“The volunteers who join the regional task forces make an invaluable contribution to ensure Kansas communities enjoy the economic benefits of state owned casino gaming while mitigating the potential negative consequences associated with all forms of problem gambling.”

Task force volunteers represent multiple community sectors including behavioral health prevention and treatment professionals, educators, public safety officials, representatives of the gaming industry, civic and youth organizations, business, government and faith-based organizations. To continue strengthening their capabilities and resources, the Kansas Department For Aging and Disability Services that administers the Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund invites community stakeholders to get involved with these regional prevention efforts through KDADS or www.ksproblemgambling.com that contains contact information and links.

Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting thousands of Kansans Americans of all ages, races, and ethnic background and can have a significant societal and economic cost for individuals, families, businesses and communities. Problem gambling is treatable and treatment is effective in minimizing this harm to both individuals and society as a whole.

These individuals, professionals and organizations have dedicated their efforts to the education of the public about problem gambling risk factors, the availability of treatment, and harnessing community resources so those exposed to the risks and negatively impacted by problem gambling can get the support they need. 

KDADS Secretary Kari Bruffett echoed the Governor’s proclamation. “Kansas is fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers across the state who work tirelessly in community outreach and developing local programs to mitigate the personal and social risks associated with problem gambling. The regional task forces bring perspective, community relationships, prevention and treatment expertise, and the ability to mobilize resources needed to engage community stakeholders and the Kansas families who are at risk.” 

Those risks are persistent so there’s an ongoing need for others across the spectrum in those communities to get involved by contacting their regional Problem Gambling Task Force. 

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    The SW Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force raises awareness and provides education to individuals, families and communities to reduce the harmful effects of problem gambling.

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