New Jersey Awards $720K in Grants to Help Gambling Addicts
New Jersey has allocated $720,000 in grants to improve services for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, particularly those who also face mental health challenges or substance use issues.
$720,000 awarded to treat gambling addiction in New Jersey.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The Department of Human Services said that the funding has been awarded to six organizations across the state, including Eva’s Village in Passaic County and Integrity Inc. in Essex County. The initiative aims to expand access to specialized care throughout the state.
More than 90% of individuals with gambling disorders have a co-occurring behavioral health need, and the impact of these challenges affects families, workplaces and our communities. Through these provider partnerships, we will widen the availability of mental health and substance use disorder providers in the state who also have the expertise to identify and treat gambling disorders.
Organizations to Hire Full-Time Specialists
Each of the selected organizations will hire at least one full-time specialist trained to address gambling-related issues. These professionals will provide targeted services such as screenings, therapy, and counseling tailored to gambling addiction in order to complement the organizations’ existing mental health and substance abuse programs, officials said.
Additionally, the organizations will connect clients with support resources such as Gamblers Anonymous, financial counselling, and stress management programs.
The announcement comes amidst rising concerns about gambling addiction in New Jersey. According to an October poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University, 10% of men aged 18 to 30 reported struggling with gambling problems, compared to just 3% of the general adult population.
Sports betting, which became legal in New Jersey following a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2018, has fueled much of the activity, with state residents betting nearly $34 billion since legalization.
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Addressing the Challenges of Gambling Addiction
The specialists funded by the grants will assist clients with a range of challenges, including managing debt, rebuilding relationships, resolving legal issues, and accessing community services.
New Jersey has also launched additional initiatives to combat gambling addiction, such as establishing a task force to study the issue and recommending stricter controls on specific types of sports wagers.
The $720,000 in funding will be distributed equally among six organizations. Each of the following will receive $120,000:
- Legacy Treatment Services (Atlantic County)
- Legacy Treatment Services (Burlington County)
- Legacy Treatment Services (Camden County)
- Integrity Inc. (Essex County)
- Monmouth Medical Center (Monmouth County)
- Eva’s Village Inc. (Passaic County)
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