The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia created a training program for therapists specializes in recognizing and helping gambling addicts.
According to a 2005 study on problem gambling, there are more women gamblers than men gamblers. The preparation of the study took 5 years and it includes information collected from 4,260 people who approached the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline, which helps problem gamblers from all over the state.
West Virginia gambling addicts can also approach Raymond Pawson, a therapist of Slanesville who specializes in gambling addictions. Pawson went through 35 hours of training in analysis and treatment of problem gamblers.
The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia had created the training program. Steve Burton, clinical director of The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia, says Pawson training program put an emphasize on warning signs and the risk factors of gambling addicts. The rest of the training dealt with different treatment methods in problem gambling.
