| CCCF helps inmates with gambling problem |
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June 14, 2004
Contact: Nadine Jelsing, (503) 945-5950
Program Contact: Jeff Marotta, Ph.D., Problem Gambling
Services Manager, (503) 945-9709
New program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility helps inmates with gambling problems
Preliminary data from Oregon’s first program to help female inmates overcome an addiction to gambling suggests a high incidence of gambling-related crime.
“This is a ground breaking program,” says Jeffrey J. Marotta, Ph.D., problem gambling services manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). “It’s the first time we’ve ever assessed problem gambling in a correctional setting.”
To investigate the relationship between problem gambling and female criminal offenders, 120 female inmates at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville were surveyed and their responses showed that 20 percent to 30 percent had a history of problem gambling and 86% of the problem gamblers admitted to committing crimes related to gambling.
“Aside from a casino at 2 a.m., there’s a higher proportion of problem gamblers in prison than almost anywhere else,” says Marotta. “It only makes sense to bring our services to where they are needed. Our intervention targets inmates who have vulnerabilities related to gambling and are about to be released into an Oregon landscape that is filled with gambling opportunities and enticements. This program is designed to help these people succeed in improving their lives by staying free of gambling problems.”
Problem gamblers are defined as people whose gambling compromises or damages their personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Problem gambling has a wide severity spectrum from occasional over spending to a severe addiction. Problem gamblers usually hide their problem due to shame and lack of awareness. Left untreated, problem gambling can devastate lives, finances, and families.
“While there are a few other programs in the country that offer gambling services for inmates,” says Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare Program Manager, Peter Walsh, “ I believe our program is the only one that is open to inmates who don’t directly have a gambling problem but need help in dealing with a family member’s problem.”
According to Walsh, there’s been enthusiastic class participation, and inmates say it’s a needed and valuable service.
“I prostituted myself, did identity theft, sold dope to get gambling money. I’d spend all the money and start all over again,” says one female inmate who completed the program.
“I am so grateful this program has come to Coffee Creek – I need it desperately,” says another.
During a preliminary informational meeting, certified problem gambling counselors meet with inmates in a pre-release program and explain what problem gambling is and how to recognize it. Following the meeting, inmates can sign up for the four-week program – called Gambling Evaluation and Reduction Program (GEAR) – that includes weekly 90-minute group sessions with a gambling counselor and homework from a self-help manual.
The project is a partnership between DHS, the Oregon Department of Corrections and Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare. One of the objectives of the program is to examine the relationship between gambling and criminal offending and to help prevent inmates from re-offending in the future.
“We’re very pleased to partner with DHS and Cascadia to bring this pilot project to Coffee Creek,” says Lory Humbert, assistant superintendent for program services. “It’s giving many women the tools and skills they need to deal with their own or a family member’s gambling problems prior to release which could ultimately reduce recidivism – and make Oregon a safer place to live.”
The GEAR program at Coffee Creek is funded by state lottery money earmarked for gambling treatment and prevention programs. It has been offered at Coffee Creek since March. Thirteen women have graduated from the program. Eight women are currently enrolled.
A presentation about the program will be made later this week at the National Conference on Problem Gambling in Phoenix.
Free and confidential problem gambling treatment for gamblers and family members of problem gamblers is also available to the general public by calling 1-
877-2-STOP NOW (877-278-6766).
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