Gambling with an addiction

Gambling with an addiction
By Natasha Lee,
Pacific edition, Friday, September 12, 2008

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Marine Corps addiction counselors estimate that more than 500 servicemembers and dependents on Okinawa may be battling a gambling disorder.

To tackle the issue, more than 50 psychologists, social workers, treatment specialists and financial counselors from bases across the island gathered this week to learn how to screen for and treat problem gamblers.

Vernon Harris, clinical program manager of Camp Foster’s Substance Abuse Counseling Center, said the goal is to decrease the stigma surrounding addiction and catch people before their gambling becomes uncontrollable.

"Most of the people we service seek us as a bailout. ... They have severe family problems; they’re broke," Harris said. "We want to see them before they get to that point."

The clinical training, which kicked off Monday, is part of an ongoing effort by the Marine Corps Community Services and the Joint Substance Abuse Counseling Center, officials said. The U.S. Naval Hospital at Camp Lester also provides help through its gambling addiction treatment program.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=57354