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8 - The Canadian Champion, Tueaday, May 16, 2000 01918 us ait 47 lamierA et u i Program helps families of problem gamblers By KATHRYN DUNMORE Special to The Champion Problem gamblers aren't the only ones who suifer because of their disease. A Gambling Partner's Group is being held for friends, family and partners of problemn gam- hiers. This six-week program la open to ail resi- dents of Halton. The confidential and free service is being offered by the Burlington-baaed Halton Alcohol and Drug Assessment Prevention and Treatment (ADAYT). "The majority of the referrals (of a problem gambler) so far have been from, Burlington," said Glen Ricketta, ADAPT problemn gambling coun- sellor. "That can be representative of Burlington's population size compared to other communities because we're more established here than the other outieta, or mayhe hecause of the newer opening of siot machines." Gambling too accessible Mr. Ricketts helieves a lot of problem gam- bling bas occu-red because of the increase in the number and promotion of gambling facilîties. "Research shows the number one factor with problemi gsmbiing is the accessibiliîy to gam- bling." Jim Cronin of the Ontario Lottery Corporation said, beginninig Isst year, 2 per cent of slot machine revenues ($10 million minimum) wiIl be allocated annuaiiy 80 implement s probiem gambling prevention straiegy. Mr. Cronin added there are posters for coun- selling in every gaming facility and help-iine phone numbers on every siot machine. "People who are problema gamblers would find gaming facilîties wherever they may be," he said. "New openingo don't make a pathological gambier." Youths like to gamble However, effects of problem gambiing stili need to he deait with. The types of probiem gambling ADAPT han- dies are mostly casino gambling, track players, bingo, stock market and Intemnet gambling. Statistica show s hîgher percentage of youth gamrble (about 9 per.cent) than aduits (about 6 per cent). "The majority who come in for treatment are older maies," said Mr. Ricketts. "The average age looking for treatment la 35-40. However, seniors have a notable pereentage as well due to many free days and the availability of shuttles to casinos." Thse Gamabling Partner's Group is specificaiiy for friends, partners or spouses and shlows them Photo by GRAlHAM PAINE ADAPT counisellors belleve a lot of problem gambllng has occurred because of the Increase ln the number and promotion of gam- bllng facllltles like the siots et Mohawk Raceway. to get the treatment they need. They can join even if the probiemi gambier is not being treated. Probiem gambiing usualiy ends up hurting the home life and famiiy invoived. 11t has a trickie down effect on the famiiy. The mortgage won't be paid or car paymenia wiil be ieft unpaid. A apouse may find an unknown credît card with many cash advances taken out on it," said Ricketts. -There's a breach of trust that exista because the probiera gambler la in deniai and dishonest to the spouse. It usuaily takes a financiai criais for the spouse to find oui" He added gamblers are usuaily mentally and emotionaliy absent from the family because they're so invoived in winning back their losses from gambiing. Can lead to abuse Sometimes this emotional stress on some gam- hiers and their familles can i&ad to abuse and neglect. "Househoida invoiving probiemn gambiing show higher levels of spousal and chiid abuse and higher leveis of separation and divorce because of stress invoived," said Mr. Ricketts. Partners of problemi gambiers cas cai ADAPT to register for the aix-week counselling session. Initiaily, they wiiI be screened individualiy for thse areas that need to, be deait with in group qounseiiing, including physicai and emotional abuse, finascial instabilities or prevention mes- suret' "Usuaily, what bringa them in is a financial criais or as abusive reiationship because of the gambling thse gambier is not desing with," said Mr. Ricketts. "Their situation bas downward- spiraiied sud is getting continuaily out of con- trol." For information asd registration, cail ADAFU at 639-6537 between 8:30 s.m. asd 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. ~iii~NP~ r'r"COGECO 14 Programming Schedule - May l5th, 2000 - May 22nd, 2000 loam , lia n, Nom P Ngd hl 10a , l am, No s HuW o M ! 13' l n Nom PW gn In!9 W ii 4 P sogsnsr w il N on Se ssi Veto a iW No Pm rm 503,63,ýe * d 5 6:30,7»p Ri lin!,1e N~d w w w . c o g e c o . c a 8.O TheTa La " ~6Is ms 6s 8» M swap oso Tâ L ! s« The Lod Sm e Actes Ma 85ts I 8CJIC Hao tlegion C Adtos. ON L7J IV9 My9 519-853-1270, or 853-4700 atMure this week:"Senlor Showcae" - Producod by seniors for sieniors! - Tuesday, 6pni