ACCOMPLISHMENTS
With Donations primarily from Arizona Indian Nations who operate casinos, the Arizona Council facilitated and implemented the first ever training program for professional health care providers in the treatment of compulsive gambling in the State of Arizona for Professional Health Care Providers. About eighty professionals from Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and California attended a 16 hour training program held at St. Luke's Hospital in November of 1994. This training was accredited by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.
The A.C.C.G. Inc.has a toll-free HELPLINE in operation. In the early years it was installed in one of the Council members residence and used voice mail when the individual was not available to answer the phone. Currently the phone rings in the council offices during normal working days and is answered by volunteers after hours and weekends.. The most widely known of 1-800 phone numbers for gamblers with a problem is 1-800 GAMBLER, the phone is located in New Jersey. All calls placed to that number from and Arizona Area code phone number are automatically answered by the ACCG in Arizona.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (Washington DC) national help line number (800) 522-4700 is also answered by the ACCG when dialed from any Arizona area code.
We have intervened with literally thousands of Arizonans who have called our helpline in desperation as a result of compulsive gambling.
We have designed and provided training programs on compulsive gambling to County and Federal Probation Departments, to Arizona Department of Correction Officers, to Tribal Gaming Employees and others.
We have provided educational programs on gambling to a number of schools, including elementary, Jr. High and High Schools. We have assisted Universities in developing programs.
We have mailed thousands of packets of information on compulsive gambling to Arizonans who have requested information.
We have provided education on Compulsive Gambling to our state legislature, our representation to the United States Congress and to the Arizona Lottery.We have provided expert testimony on compulsive gambling in numerous Arizona courts.
Treatment currently available for Compulsive Gamblers in Arizona:
Professional Certified Counselors
Treatment Programs offered by the State of Arizona as well as private practice programs and hospitals are available.
Modified October 11, 2002