On November 1, 2019, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the opening of its second in-patient treatment center for disordered gamblers. The first facility opened in 1972 at the VA Medical Center in Brecksville, Ohio. More facilities like these are needed because disordered gambling is more prominent in military veterans than the general U.S. population. The following video explains why military personnel are particularly prone to disordered gambling:
About the Las Vegas VA Residential Recovery & Renewal Center (LVR3)
LVR3 hosts in-patient treatment programs for disordered gambling and substance abuse, two issues that often go hand-in-hand. The facility’s program Manager, Roxanne Untal, recognizes that there is a “great need for this here in Las Vegas,” and states that the biggest goal is to provide care that Veterans simply can’t get from outpatient treatment programs.
According to a VA press release announcing the opening of LVR3, the program will include treatment from Recreational Therapists, who provide instruction in various activities such as yoga, horseback riding, and archery. Needless to say, the VA is doing great things over at LVR3 — and we hope to see more facilities like this one open in other key locations in the United States.
Could New Jersey Be Next in Line for a VA Gambling Treatment Center?
If you asked a stranger where gambling disorder treatment facilities are needed most, they would probably say Las Vegas, because it’s essentially the casino capital of the world. With that being said, the next logical step would be to address America’s second most popular gambling destination: New Jersey. People have been gambling at casinos in AC for decades, but with legalized sports betting and online casinos now in the mix, more recovery resources are needed. Individuals from East Rutherford, NJ, and across the state can now access sports gambling sites at the push of a button on their phones — and that can be a major problem for veterans, who have a higher likelihood of developing gambling disorders than the general population.
If you know someone who needs help from a facility like LVR3 but lives too far away, helpful resources are still available. You can call or text 800-GAMBLER anytime day or night to reach our confidential helpline for disordered gamblers and their families. Support, treatment, and hope for recovery are just a phone call away.