Behavioral Health

Gambling Treatment and Prevention Program

Contact Person for Treatment Services:
Marilyn Heins, (541) 265-6611 ext: 2261

For Education and Prevention, call:
(541) 265-6611 ext: 2530

For most people, gambling is a form of recreation, pleasurable – though not often profitable. For some, however, the pleasure of gambling has spiraled out of control. It has become a serious problem that is similar to an addiction to alcohol or other drugs. The problem or pathological gambler can't stop – even when gambling becomes destructive.

Warning Signs of a Gambling Problem

Preoccupied with gambling
Secretive about gambling habits, and defensive when confronted
Trying unsuccessfully to control, cut back, or stop gambling
Bragging about gambling, exaggerating wins and minimizing losses
Restless and irritable when not gambling
Gambling to "feel better"
Borrowing money for gambling
Lying to hide time spent gambling or unpaid debt
Committing crimes to finance gambling
Frequent unexplained absences
Chasing losses (gambling to win back losses)
Losing work time because of gambling
Doing something illegal to get money for gambling
Jeopardizing a significant relationship or job by gambling
Relying on others to bail him or her out to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

Getting Help

Lincoln County Gambling program provides gambling prevention, education, and treatment to Lincoln County residents.

Our services include PREVENTION, EDUCATION and TREATMENT programs such as:

community awareness presentations
classroom presentations
educational materials, handouts, pamphlets
consultation to community groups
information for parents, educators, health professionals and others
evaluations and group treatment

TREATMENT

Gambling TREATMENT is available in Lincoln County for problem gamblers, their families or employees. Treatment works; it is free, it is confidential.

Call the Help Line at 1-877-2-STOP-NOW. 24 hours a day,
- or -
call Lincoln County Gambling Treatment Program
and request services directly at (541) 265-6611 ext: 2261.

PREVENTION / EDUCATION

The goal of PREVENTION and EDUCATION is to increase the awareness of problem/pathological gambling and increase treatment referral to Lincoln County Health and Human Services Department.

To request education information contact
Lincoln County Gambling Prevention Program
at (541) 265- 6611 ext: 2530.

Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

In Oregon, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who is worried about their gambling, and for concerned family members.

Whether you want to be referred to a free treatment program, want immediate counseling or just want someone to talk to about how gambling is affecting you or someone you know – call the Problem Gambling Help line at:

1-877-2-STOP NOW (1-877-278-6766)

Trained professionals are there 24/7 to help you.

Three Levels of Help

Three different levels of help are available, depending upon your needs:

1. GEAR (Gambling Evaluation And Reduction)
What:	A confidential, educational, phone-based program to help participants steer away from potentially harmful gambling patterns – without going to a treatment center. GEAR combines phone consultation with certified counselors, workbook exercises, and referral resources to give participants the tools and motivation to make good choices about if and how much to gamble.
Cost:	Free.
Enroll:	It is easy to enroll. Simply call these toll-free numbers: 877-278-6766 (24-hour help line) or 877-870-0177 (8 AM-5 PM, Mon.-Fri., PST). A qualified advisor will talk to you about your gambling to determine if GEAR is right for you.
2. Outpatient Treatment
What:	Professionally delivered, face-to-face interventions at our agency. This free treatment includes assessment, individual treatment planning, one to one counseling and/or case management sessions, group counseling, family involvement, if appropriate, and aftercare planning.
Cost:	Free.
Enroll:	Contact Marilyn Heins, (541) 265-6611 ext: 2261 to schedule an appointment.
3. Residential Care and Crisis Respite Services
What:	For those for whom GEAR or outpatient treatment does not work, crisis-respite or inpatient gambling treatment is available. These interventions are more intensive in that the client resides, either briefly (crisis-respite) or for a longer period of time (residential) in a treatment facility.
Cost:	Provided free of charge.
Enroll:	Individuals utilizing this level of care must be referred from an outpatient gambling treatment program. ONLY Newport has Addictions treatment

Problem Gambling Links

TREATMENT: Oregon Problem Gambling Help Line
where to go for help or treatment
PREVENTION: Oregon Addiction and Mental Health Division
prevention resources, web links, resource library, downloads
Oregon Addiction and Mental Health Division
statewide program administration and data: overview of Oregon services, downloadable resources, sample presentations, data and more
Oregon Gambling Addiction Treatment Foundation
reports and research on problem gambling in Oregon
National Council on Problem Gambling
general information on problem gambling

Call the Help Line at 1-877-2-STOP-NOW. 24 hours a day.

dice STOP - NOW!

Our Mission: Through leadership, collaboration and services, we improve health, wellness and quality of life in a manner that shows respect for and defends the dignity of citizens and our employees.

[Last modified: 05/25/2007]