“Gambling becomes a serious problem when you can’t stop,” said Karen Stubbs, assistant secretary of the Office of Behavioral Health. “A problem gambler loses control and cannot stick to limits, even when gambling is causing serious financial, family, work or other problems.” There are multiple resources in Louisiana to provide support to gamblers and their families. The state offers counseling and treatment programs at no cost to Louisiana residents including the country’s premiere residential treatment facility, The Center of Recovery (CORE), located in Shreveport. Since it opened in 1999, CORE has treated more than 3,200 compulsive gamblers. If you or a loved one is struggling with problem gambling, hope and help is available anytime. Please call the Louisiana Problem Gambler’s Helpline at 1-877-770-STOP (7867), chat live at www.helpforgambling.org. This toll-free helpline handles on average, 2,400 calls or direct requests for help each month.
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