While many Michigan residents enjoy casinos, the lottery, internet gambling or other games of chance for recreation, a growing number of people find they have a serious gambling addiction.
An estimated 300,000 residents or 4% of the Michigan population will have a gambling problem sometime in their lifetimes, often resulting in dire consequences for their finances, work and family relationships.In March, the state officially recognizes Problem Gambling Week and funds have been set aside to help people access treatment through a hotline administered by the Bureau of Substance Abuse and Addiction Services. Holland Hospital Behavioral Health Services is now a State of Michigan “paneled provider” – meaning we are one of a limited number of providers who are authorized to be part of the referral program and receive reimbursement for state-sponsored treatment.
BHS therapist Mark Bombara, MA, LLP, LMSW, CAAC, recently completed the required 30 hours of training for problem gambling therapy and is currently the only paneled provider in Ottawa and Allegan counties. “This is a significant concern that deserves a dedicated effort to reach out and improve access to care,” says Bombara. “With professional help, problem gambling can be treated effectively. We are pleased to be part of the program and offer this state-reimbursed service locally.”
When someone calls the Problem Gambling Hotline at (800) 270-7117, a trained helpline worker asks some questions about the caller’s gambling to identify the severity of the problem. Based on the need, they will connect the person to an authorized provider where they can receive multiple state-funded therapy sessions. Reimbursement comes from a fund of approximately 3.2 million dollars set aside by Detroit casinos, horse tracks and the Michigan Lottery.
Free, confidential walk-in screenings for problem gambling are available at the Behavioral Health outpatient offices at 854 S. Washington, Suite 330. For more information, contact Paula Seastrom at Behavioral Health Services at (616) 355-3937 or visit hollandhospital.org. You may also learn more about problem gambling at michapg.com or ncpg@ncpgambling.org.