Residential treatment program for problem gamblers opens in Alberta.

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB -- The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission has opened a residential treatment program for problem gamblers at the AADAC Northern Addictions Centre (NAC) in Grande Prairie.

NAC Gambling Treatment Program has four spaces available for adults experiencing problems as a result of their gambling activities. Clients will live at the Northern Addictions Centre during the two-week program.

The program is based on the idea that living in a treatment centre, away from their normal environment, helps clients recognize the reasons for their addictive behaviour, draw upon their personal strengths and make positive changes in their lives, according to Kathy Landry, manager of the AADAC Northern Addictions Centre.

The program will focus specifically on gambling behaviours. The NAC also offers gambling stabilization as part of the program for clients who require immediate assistance with a severe gambling problem. About five per cent of adult Albertans experience moderate to severe problems as a result of their gambling, according to AADAC statistics.

AADAC and its funded agencies provide a range of problem gambling treatment services in 49 Alberta communities including outpatient counselling, residential treatment, referral to self-help groups such as Gambler's Anonymous, and gambling stabilization for individuals experiencing acute physical or emotional problems. 780-538-5210