OASAS Awards Funding for Problem Gambling Prevention Services

ALBANY, NY (04/29/2009)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today awarded funding for 10 additional prevention programs to educate New Yorkers about the warning signs of problem gambling and to raise awareness that help is available.

"Problem gambling can lead to serious issues such as depression, loss of relationships, alcohol and substance abuse problems, family hardships and even suicide," said Commissioner Carpenter- Palumbo. "New Yorkers need to know that there many resources available to support their recovery from this addiction."

This cycle of awards, totaling $592,300, will be used to further expand problem gambling prevention services statewide to a total of 42 programs.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo added, "Problem Gambling is the hidden addiction that effects nearly one million adults and adolescents in our state and we want to ensure that they are aware of the information, tools, support and services available to help them change their lives for the better," the Commissioner said.

According to OASAS data, statewide it is estimated that problem gambling affects 5 percent of all adults, a figure totaling nearly 700,000. Among New Yorkers ages 12 to 17, problem gambling is impacting 160,000, or one out of every 10 youths. An additional 160,000 are at risk of developing problem gambling and may need treatment. Approximately 25 percent of this 160,000 have both a substance abuse and gambling problem.

A study conducted by The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, it is estimated that the aggregate annual costs of problem gambling caused by job loss, unemployment benefits, welfare benefits, poor physical and mental health, and problem or pathological gambling treatment is approximately $5 billion per year, in addition to $40 billion in estimated lifetime costs. The report also noted that children of compulsive gamblers are more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and using drugs, and have an increased risk of developing problem or pathological gambling themselves.

Some warning signs of problem gambling include: thinking constantly about gambling; increasing bets to sustain the thrill; exhibiting agitation when cutting back on gambling; gambling as an escape; "chasing" or trying to offset losses with more gambling; lying to conceal gambling activity; financing bets through illegal acts; jeopardizing significant relationships with family and friends; relying on others to bail them out, and an inability to control or stop gambling.

OASAS has established a Policy Steering Committee comprised of prevention and treatment providers, special interest groups and OASAS staff to develop recommendations on problem gambling prevention, treatment, recovery and research.

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day. Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, the agency hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness.

Addiction is a chronic disease and New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. Individuals can get help by calling the toll-free, 24-hour 7 days a week NYS HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

The following is a list of the award recipients, including information regarding how funding will be implemented:

Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County ($60,000) - Targeting 6-12 graders, seniors, Adults/parents, and CD patients and Treatment professionals. Infusing Problem Gambling curriculum into the current school based curriculum. Also holding one-day seminars at senior citizen facilities for education of professionals as well as seniors. Will be developing media campaigns, educational curriculum and trainings. Phone: (845)294-9000

Onondaga Council on Alcoholism-Addictions Inc. ($59,800) - Targeting school and youth serving community programs to increase awareness and education on Problem Gambling issues. Will train core professionals who work directly with youth, parents and families to ID risk factors and protective factors regarding problem gambling. Develop media awareness materials via radio, television, billboards and posters. Phone: (315)471-1359

Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism and Addiction Foundation Inc. ($60,000) - Targeting Otsego Ccounty residents, college students to increase awareness of issues of problem gambling with self, family and friends. Will partner with local colleges to develop and conduct focus groups with the MS/HS population and their parents. Increase knowledge of key stakeholders on possible dangers of problem gambling and underage gambling. Phone: (607)432-0090 or 1-800-339-1894

Council for Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Inc. ($60,000) - Will increase knowledge and awareness of the risks of youth gambling behaviors within local schools. Educate key leaders, merchants and other youth serving professionals about the risks associated with youth gambling behaviors. Distribute brochures, fact sheets and campaign materials regarding problem gambling. Provide gambling prevention materials to local colleges and reach out for collaboration with them. They will implement a mass media campaign targeted at youth and populations that work with youth. Phone: (518) 746-1527

Alcoholism and Substance Abuse council of Hamilton, Fulton and Montgomery Counties - Hamilton County ($60,000) - Plans to run counter gambling advertising which will promote the NYS HOPELine number (1-877-8-HOPENY), conduct public education programs or in-services for various audiences such as PTAs, community coalitions local community groups and church organizations. Will include problem gambling curriculum into already existing school prevention curriculum. Phone: (518)736-8188

County of Oswego Council on Alcoholism and Addictions Inc. ($60,000) - Plans to establish a Center for Gambling Information. Prevention and Referral for the county. Will target local college students, high school students and county residents to increase awareness potential risks of problem gambling. Will develop media literacy and awareness campaign. Phone: (315) 342-2370

National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependence / Putnam (NCADD) ($60,000) - Plans to target parents and reduce favorable attitudes regarding gambling and increase the awareness of the consequences associated with youth gambling, create Public Service Announcements, media campaigns and billboards aimed at changing community norms around youth gambling. Phone: (845)225-4646

Alcoholism and Substance Abuse council of Hamilton, Fulton and Montgomery Counties - Fulton County ($60,000) - Plans to run counter gambling advertising which will promote the NYS HOPELine number (1-877-8-HOPENY), conduct public education programs or in-services for various audiences such as PTAs, community coalitions local community groups and church organizations. Will include problem gambling curriculum into already existing school prevention curriculum. Phone: (518)736-8188

Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady-Saratoga BOCES-Schenectady ($52,500) - Targeting youth, county adults, peer leaders, School District Health coordinators. Increase knowledge about the impact of gambling problems and addiction. Provide gambling prevention through media, community based presentations and material distribution. Phone: (518)736-8188

Family Counseling Services of Cortland County, Inc. ($60,000) - Targeting county youth in grades 7-12, adults in CD treatment. Will develop local media campaign and school presentations. Continue to partner with local schools to infuse problem gambling into the curriculum. Phone: (607)753-0234