Michigan Offers Layers of Treatment For Gambling Addiction

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Gambling addiction should not be underestimated.

Advocates are emphasizing the intricacy of addressing addiction during Responsible Gambling Awareness Month.

The advocates who hold this view believe that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Jody Bechtold, CEO of the Better Institute, emphasized at Michigan’s 14th Annual Problem Gambling Symposium that every decision should prioritize minimizing harm rather than adding to it.

Knowing all of the available tools is crucial for individuals seeking treatment.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is the most significant voluntary measure that gambling addicts can take, as it effectively eliminates the possibility of gambling by means of legal documentation.

There are two types of Self-Exclusion: the Disassociated Persons List and Responsible Gambling Database.

Being physically banned from the three Detroit retail casinos is the scope of the Disassociated Persons List, while tribal owned properties are not included in its coverage.

This agreement is a voluntary legal commitment aimed at prohibiting entry, access, or collection of winnings from the aforementioned three casinos. After a period of five years, individuals have the option to submit an application for removal from this list.

By submitting your application to the Responsible Gambling Database, you voluntarily exclude yourself from accessing online sportsbooks and casinos. This exclusion is applicable to all legally authorized operators within Michigan.

The duration of self-exclusion periods on the Responsible Gambling Database can be either one year or five years. Once the chosen period expires, individuals need to reapply to remain on the database. While certain states provide lifetime bans, Michigan does not currently offer this option.

According to Bechtold, it is important to provide people with additional choices rather than just lifetime options. However, Bechtold believes that many individuals do find lifetime options advantageous.

Blocking Software

Although putting oneself on self-exclusion lists is a significant measure towards stopping problem gambling, it does not completely remove an individual from the gambling environment.

Although online gambling is not accessible to excluded individuals, they remain susceptible to various other temptations.

By suppressing the surrounding noise, blocking software enhances the treatment process with an additional layer.

Blocking software such as Gamban, Gamblock, and Betblocker are specifically designed to perform this task.

Gamban, a highly successful product in the UK, effectively prevents access to online gambling on various digital devices. This comprehensive blocking feature encompasses:

• Tablets
• Phones
• Laptops
• Desktops

Gamban also extends its reach to include global restrictions on both regulated and unregulated products. Additionally, it incorporates the blocking of various other forms of gambling and gaming.

• Bingo
• Lottery
• Social casinos refer to online platforms that offer virtual casino games and gambling experiences without involving real money.
• Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are a type of digital asset that cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis with other tokens due to their unique properties.
• Crypto
• Affiliates involved in the realm of gambling.
• Trading platforms are software applications that allow traders to buy and sell financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, through an electronic system.
• Platforms for competitive online gaming, also known as esports platforms.

Inpatient Therapy

Inpatient therapy is another alternative that is currently at an early stage of development in Michigan.

Advocates argue that although there are numerous outpatient therapy options available, there is a pressing need for a significant expansion of inpatient treatment alternatives.

“The need to establish additional inpatient treatment centers is paramount. We possess the necessary funds; they are readily available. Therefore, let’s proceed with opening inpatient programs,” proposed Michael Burke, the Executive Director of the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling.

Burke emphasizes the importance of making these programs accessible without any charges.

According to Burke, it is crucial for programs to be offered for free. This is because individuals with gambling addictions typically only seek treatment in two scenarios. Firstly, when they are caught by a spouse or loved one. Secondly, when they have completely depleted their financial resources and have nothing left. Burke believes that if gamblers had any money remaining, they would choose to spend it on gambling rather than seeking treatment. Therefore, offering free programs is of utmost importance in addressing this issue.

Currently, Mariners Inn in Detroit is one of the facilities providing inpatient treatment services for individuals seeking assistance with gambling disorder.

The program offers intensive residential substance abuse treatment for a duration of 30 days to adult males, with the goal of addressing addiction to gambling and related compulsive behaviors, ultimately reducing their negative impacts.

To obtain further information about the program, feel free to reach out to Brittany Miles via email at [email protected] or by calling 313-962-9446 extension 233.

Overcoming the stigma

One major obstacle that hinders gambling addiction treatment is the enduring stigma surrounding individuals acknowledging their problem.

Burke emphasized the need to encourage individuals to feel at ease when discussing their gambling issues, as the prevailing stigma surrounding it is significant.

Burke claims that only 10% of compulsive gamblers acknowledge their problem.

Burke emphasizes the significance of aligning treatment approaches with the rapid growth of online gaming, as gambling opportunities continue to expand.

Burke stated that the current state of gambling addiction is similar to where substance abuse was 50 years ago. Speaking from personal experience, as someone who struggled with substance abuse half a century ago, Burke emphasized the need for society to address gambling addiction. He stressed the importance of educating people that it is not merely a personal weakness, but a recognized addiction that can be treated medically. Both the gambler and their family should receive treatment and support.

In contrast to individuals afflicted by substance abuse disorders, who often exhibit visible signs of their addiction, a gambling addict has the ability to conceal their challenges from others.

Burke emphasized the need to include addiction in our discussions, just as we do with substance abuse. While drug and alcohol use visibly indicate addiction, gambling does not display any outward signs. Therefore, it is crucial that we openly address and educate people about gambling addiction in order to make progress in its treatment.

In case you or someone you are acquainted with requires assistance concerning gambling-related problems, please reach out to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.

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