For immediate release: Feb. 11, 2009
Contact: Anne McMillin, APR
Health Science Communications
Office 775-682-9254
Mobile 702-292-4247
amcmillin@medicine.nevada.edu
School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences conducting research project for problem gamblers
Interventions for problem gambling line available statewide
LAS VEGAS/RENO, Nev.— The University of Nevada School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in Las Vegas is conducting a research study named “Brief Intervention for Problem Gambling Line” which provides a free confidential hotline for those struggling with a gaming addiction.
The project’s goal is to provide statewide telephone-based brief interventions for problem gambling with the hope of demonstrating the effectiveness of reducing or eliminating problems associated with gambling for those who are unable to travel to a clinic or attend group or face-to-face sessions.
The project has two components:
• The first component involves an initial research survey and two research survey follow-up calls at 35 and 70 days from the original call to the hotline to determine outcome and the effectiveness of the services received. The research component is voluntary and services will not be denied to an individual who does not want to participate.
• The second component is a free service delivery for Nevada residents who are 21 years or older. The service is delivered in two groups and includes educational and support elements, a self-help work book, counseling sessions at 14, 30 and 60 days from the initial call.
These services are available by calling toll-free: 1-866-503-8444 on weekdays from 1 to 7 p.m. with referral to a 24-hour voicemail after hours.
The services are delivered by gambling counselors and/or counselor interns as specified by the State of Nevada, Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors.
As the state’s only public medical school, the University of Nevada School of Medicine has been a leader in healthcare, medical education and research in Nevada since 1969. The School of Medicine includes 16 clinical departments including family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and five nationally recognized departments in basic science including microbiology and biomedical engineering. The more than 185 doctors of University Health System, the school’s clinical practice, offer care in more than 40 medical specialties and subspecialties with eight physician offices in the Reno/Sparks area and seven in Las Vegas. The school is committed to a best practices approach to medicine and is dedicated to exceptional healthcare for Nevada now and in the future. For more information visit www.medicine.nevada.edu.