Resolutions strain resources of treatment centers

The influx of people making resolutions to seek treatment for drug, alcohol and gambling addictions also strains the resources of residential treatment centers throughout Reno-Sparks in the first weeks of the year.

George Howell, senior counselor for the Reno Problem Gambling Center on Humboldt Street in Reno, says the staff of two full-time counselors and one part-time counselor is hard pressed in January and February to serve the 40 percent rise in people coming in for help to curb their gambling habits.

The fact that most people coming in are in dire straits in their emotional and personal relationships, as well as in financial distress, makes for even more challenging January and February months, Howell adds.

Reno Problem Gambling Center doesn't add additional staff for the New Year. Groups get larger and counselors busier. Programs run about eight weeks, and problem gamblers are asked to pay what they can afford based on their financial situations.

"Nobody is turned away because of lack of funds," Howell says.

Tammra Pearce, executive director of Bristlecone Family Resources, says the residential center on East McCarran just south of the Truckee River experiences increased wait times after the New Year's holiday.

Wait times for a bed double from a standard three to four weeks which typically means people suffering under substance abuse and gambling addictions typically can't receive the help they need, Pearce says.

"If we can't get them in the door we will probably lose them," she says. "Odds are we won't see them again. When you have bigger crowds try to get in the door the wait list grows."

Although many treatment centers experience sharp dropoffs after the first few months of the year, some dedicated resolution-makers do stick with it, says Howell of Reno Problem Gambling Center.

"A lot of resolutions are made because people feel hopeless about something, and they are trying to make changes in their lives so they can be hopeful," he says.