For over 15 years, a program at McNeese State University has provided free treatment for problem gamblers.

“We are trying to combat the stigma attached to problem gambling and make the public aware of McNeese’s program,” Mari Harris, a counselor, is quoted as saying in a story on the program’s website.

“The program offers screening and assessment services, individual and group-based treatment services, along with family-based services depending on client need,” reads another page on the program’s site.

“According to some studies, 5 percent of the population suffers from problem gambling,” reads a page.

“That means roughly 3,700 people in Lake Charles are putting their livelihood at risk every day in truck stops, bars, casinos or in online gaming,” Harris is quoted as saying on the site.

The website says that over 80 percent of those who complete its program no longer engage in gambling.

Harris said in the story on the site that gambling addiction doesn’t discriminate and that “this is a problem that transcends race, gender, age or level of income.”

Harris said this week by phone that “some of the saddest stories I’ve heard are ones in which people have lost their marriages, jobs and retirement savings.

“Seeking help is a very hard thing to do and it’s especially difficult for gamblers because there can be a problem there for a long time but there might not always be overt signs that you would see like you do with alcohol or drugs.

“People gamble because it’s rewarding and they get a quick emotional release. Nobody gets into gambling thinking that it will become a problem, but sometimes it turns into a problem for them.”

Although there may not always be obvious signs of a gambling problem, Harris said, there may be a couple of red flags that can alert a person that he or she has a problem or that a loved one might have a problem with gambling.

“Lying to people about your gambling is one thing that’s a huge red flag,” said Harris. “And another one is if the person is spending more and more money on gambling.”

Harris said the program sees about 50 people but has the ability to serve more.

“I think there are so many more we could be helping, but either people don’t know about us, aren’t ready to reach out for help yet, don’t realize there is no cost to our program, or any number of other reasons,” she said.

“Something else that people may not realize is that we can also help the families of a gambler.

“Sometimes, a woman may be encouraging her husband to get help for his gambling, or a husband may be encouraging his wife to get help. But we can help the entire family as well.

“The effect that problem gambling has on a family is the biggest toll. There’s a financial devastation in the family as well as an emotional devastation there. It’s a brokenness.

“It greatly affects the gambler as well. Gambling, depression and anxiety sometimes all go together.”

Harris said that when people think about gambling they mistakenly think of it as related mostly to casinos.

“We see a lot of younger people more focused on online gambling while others prefer video poker or slot machines. We know there are a lot more problem gamblers in our area that we could be helping, so we hope they will get in touch with us.

“Anytime there is a mental health treatment, though, there can be a stigma attached to it and that may be one reason that we don’t hear from people that we could be helping.”

Reaching out for help with gambling addiction is “not admitting a weakness,” Jimmy Trahan, another counselor in the program, is quoted as saying on the website.

“It actually shows a real inner strength when you can admit you have a problem controlling your gambling behavior,” he is quoted as saying, in a story posted in March for Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

For more information about problem gambling and the McNeese program, call 475-5964 or visit www.mcneese.edu/gambling.

(Special to the American Press)