Oklahoma Gains National Affiliate Office to Help Citizens with Gambling Problems
OKlahoma Association of Problem & Compulsive Gamblers earned its national accreditation and became the OK affiliate for the National Council of Problem & Compulsive Gamblers. Since April of 2005, OAPCG has trained and certified more than 40 counselors to help problem gamblers and their families, currently 44 more are in the certification program. The goal is to have 100 trained counselors available by the end of 2006. The organization is also establishing a statewide hotline to be available to Oklahomans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tulsa, OK (PRWEB) February 25, 2006
300 million dollars: that’s the jackpot for this week’s Powerball drawing. The idea of winning that jackpot will have tens of thousands of Oklahomans handing over their money for a chance to win the big prize. With Powerball, lottery tickets, race tracks and casinos, Oklahomans have more choices than ever for gambling. But the reality is, thousands of them will not be able to stop. In fact, the National Council for Problem Gambling estimates between 3 and 5 percent of Oklahomans are compulsive or pathological gamblers.
The Oklahoma Association for Problem & Compulsive Gambling (OAPCG) is here to help people with gambling problems. And this week, OAPCG earned its national accreditation and became the state’s affiliate for the National Coalition of Problem & Compulsive Gamblers. The agency is now the state’s official resource to help problem gamblers and their families in Oklahoma. OAPCG does not take a position for or against legalized gambling. It is an advocate for problem gamblers.
Since April of 2005, OAPCG has trained and certified more than 40 counselors to help problem gamblers and their families, currently 44 more are in the certification program. The goal is to have 100 trained counselors available by the end of 2006. The organization is also establishing a statewide hotline to be available to Oklahomans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As the popularity of gambling grows in Oklahoma, it is the goal of OAPCG to partner with the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse as well as the various gaming enterprises to create a positive infrastructure within Oklahoma to address the needs of problem gamblers and their families.
Problem gambling occurs when playing the game compromises, disrupts or damages the person’s family life or career. Problem gamblers become irritable, sometimes depressed and preoccupied with playing: betting more money more often. It’s a problem that knows no boundaries and can affect anyone at any time.
“Even people who have money or fame can fall victim to problem gambling. That became evident this past week with Janet Gretzky’s admission of a gambling problem. It is our goal to help all people before gambling becomes a compulsion,” Said Executive Director Michael H. Smith, PhD.
For a complete list of counselors and for more information on our organization, please visit our website at www. oapcg. org. To arrange an interview with Executive Director Michael H. Smith, PhD, call Jessica Powell at 918-408-6760.
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