A new state-funded program has been created to help Californians battle their gambling addiction, the North County Times reports.
More than 1 million Californians battle gambling addiction. The state's Office of Problem Gambling, in connection with the Gambling Studies Program at UCLA, has created a program which will offer problem gamblers and their family members eight counseling sessions with a licensed therapist at no cost, the NCT said.
"It's a godsend," said Suzanne Graupner Pike, a psychologist who treats gambling addicts in North County told the paper. "I didn't think I'd live long enough to see this.
Gambling addiction creates chaos. Problem gamblers usually end up losing their jobs, leaving them without money or health insurance to help them deal with their problems.
Some insurance companies do not cover gambling addiction. Pike says this is why the state needed to step in.
As of right now, there are four state-licensed therapists offering free counseling sessions for gambling addicts in San Diego County.
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