It's a problem that affects people from all walks of life. Compulsive gambling is often difficult to overcome. And it was the allure of the black jack table that led "J.D." into the world of addiction. "If I won a lot, I was going to win more. If I lost, I was going to be back the next day trying to win it back." Within 4 months he was hooked. "Unfortunately it took me basically losing everything before I was able to accept the fact that I did in fact have a gambling problem. Tuesday morning Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti was at the CORE gambling treatment facility announcing a new initiative aimed at helping gamblers like "J.D." overcome their addiction. "It helps address their addiction. It helps address recidivism. It helps bring the family back together. It helps bring restitution to the victim," said Foti. Quite often compulsive gamblers turn to criminal activities like forgery, theft and writing bad checks to help support their addiction. The "Gambling Treatment Referral Program" is geared toward helping these types of offenders get their lives back together without having to spend time in jail. Their progress is tracked by the D.A.'s office. "To let us know that the people that are in this program... Are they going to their counseling sessions? Are they making restitution, do they have a job?" said Schuyler Marvin, District attorney for Bossier and Webster Parishes. Participants will get help from the C.O.R.E. gambling treatment facility. "They're coming here instead of going to jail," said Reece Middleton, Executive Director of the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling. "And if they do not respond to the requirements of the court system, then they will be incarcerated at that time." C.O.R.E. is the same place where J.D. Found the help he needed to get his life back on track. He's been in recovery now for four years. "Working this recovery program has allowed me to resume a relationship with my children that exceeds anything like I've felt before... It's wonderful.” The gambling treatment referral program is the first of its kind in the nation. And you don't have to be a convicted criminal to participate. It's open to everyone who needs help. Services are provided free of charge. Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling: http://www.laprobgamb.org/
