New York Expands Problem Gambling Care to Six Addiction Treatment Centers throughout the State
The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services said they expanded residential care for gambling addiction to six different treatment centers. In New York state, problem gamblers receive treatment at the six NYS OASAS Addiction Treatment Centers, known as ATCs.
After recent policy changes, the centers are allowed to treat individuals with problem gambling as their primary diagnosis. Previously, treatment for compulsive gambling could only be a secondary matter.
Gaming Commissioner on Smart Gaming Policy
Robert Williams, the executive director of the New York State Gaming Commission, said that the ATCs are a part of New York’s ongoing attempt to mitigate the social effects of compulsive gambling.
Williams said, “As part of New York’s smart gaming policy, we are committed to making sure that individuals who need help with gambling addiction have access to services in their own communities.”
Arlene Gonzales-Sanchez on ATC Expansion
Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez, the commissioner of the NYS OASAS, said, “This expansion will help more New Yorkers across the state get the treatment and support they need to get their lives back on track and join the millions of Americans living in recovery from addiction. I encourage anyone struggling with problem gambling to connect with our Addiction Treatment Centers.”
Mrs. Gonzalez-Sanchez added that “New York State leads the nation in offering quality addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery services.”
Williams: “Tools and Resource…to Provide Care“
Robert Williams said, “These Addiction Treatment Centers have the tools and resources necessary to provide quality care to those who need it. I applaud Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez and the staff at NY OASAS for their work in helping to foster a safe and responsible gaming environment in the state.”
All six ATCs now have clinicians who are trained to treat problem gambling. Patients can stay up to 30 days at the treatment centers. They are admitted regardless of ability to pay for services.
Location of New York Addiction Treatment Centers
The six Addiction Treatment Centers are found at the Creedmoor Addiction Treatment Center in Queens Village, the Kingsboro Addiction Treatment Center in Brooklyn, the Richard C. Ward Addiction Treatment Center in Middletown, the John L. Norris Addiction Treatment Center in Rochester, the Margaret A. Stutzman Addiction Treatment Center in Buffalo, and the St. Lawrence Addiction Treatment Center in Ogdensburg.
Jim Maney on Expanded Treatment Policies
Jim Maney, the executive director for the New York Council on Problem Gambling, praised the expansion of treatment and services for gamblers. Maney said, “This expansion of State-funded inpatient treatment is unprecedented.”
“We commend Governor Cuomo and OASAS Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez for their commitment to expanding problem gambling services and to increasing access to more levels of care for problem gamblers and their families in New York State.”
Contact Information for NYS HOPEline
To learn more about getting help for your gambling issues, call the New York State HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 (1-877-8-HOPENY) or by texting “HOPENY”. The short code for the New York State Hopeline is 467369.
Problem gamblers in the state of New York have a variety of different resources they should know about. If one of the hotline resources offered does not assist your problems for any reason, or is busy at the time you need help, you should refer to one of the other resources offered on this page. Below are second and third options for compulsive gamblers.
The New York Council on Problem Gambling
Those who wish to contact the New York Council on Problem Gambling should dial 518.867.4084 for their office or call the helpline at 877.846.7369. Those who wish to fax NY Council on Problem Gambling’s offices at 100 Great Oaks Boulevard (Suite 126) in Albany (zip: 12203) should dial the number 518.467.4087.
The email for the New York Council on Problem Gambling is Nmmilea@nyproblemgambling.org.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is another resources New Yorkers can use to help their gaming addiction. Those who wish to call the National Problem Gambling Helpline should dial 1-800-522-4700. Those who prefer to text with a trained counselor should use the same number: 1-800-522-4700.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline also has a live chat feature. To chat with a NPGH hotline member, click on the https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/chat/ link.
