All of our gamblers come to us with a common problem, yet all bring unique situations and experiences. For this reason we believe that individualized treatment planning is most effective. Comprehensive assessments will identify a number of factors to consider when recommending a specific plan. For example, most of our clients suffer some level of depression. Staff will investigate whether the depression was brought on by problematic gambling or was it preceding the gambling experience. A person with a thirty year history of problem gambling will require a different treatment intensity than someone presenting with recent onset. Family support, financial implications, legal and vocational situations will all contribute to a specific course of treatment. Some clients will present with a coexisting disorder (e.g. mood disorder), while others will not. Some may require medication therapy (prescribed by their physician) to improve outcomes, while others will not. These are just some examples supporting the need for individualized treatment planning. Currently the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care funds forty-five outpatient treatment sites in Ontario. Clients can be seen as often as necessary and may vary from individual sessions with their primary counsellor, group therapy or both. Obviously a more severe case will require more frequent visits while an early intervention may require less frequent visits. Windsor Regional Problem Gambling Services has recognized a gap in the continuum of care and has made recommendation to the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care to introduce day programs and residential treatment for the treatment of gambling addiction. In April 2003, the Ministry announced the introduction of residential treatment for problem gambling, and that a Request for Proposals process would determine the location of four Provincial sites. We are hopeful that this initiative will move forward in the near future to better meet the needs of our clients. Nick Rupcich For Previous Issues of "The Chase" please Click Here |
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