Months after the government passed legislation to regulate the web shop industry, noted therapist Dr. David Allen announced yesterday that he will establish a gambling addiction program.
Allen, director of the Renascence Institute, said he has treated several gambling addicts in the last few years. But he said with the legalization of the industry, there may be a 10 to 20 percent increase in the amount of people who will become compulsive gamblers.
"This is a hidden illness," he said, adding that family members never see the signs until it's too late.
"Sadly it's very common among women. Women even have the ability to hide it more subtly."
Andre Chappelle, a volunteer at Teen Challenge Bahamas and a former drug addict, will head the new program.
"I speak as one who knows full well the compulsive nature of addiction," Chappelle said yesterday.
"Many people know my story, the Andre Chappelle story. I lived the compulsive addicted lifestyle so I understand the mindset and its patterns of thinking. I am also very confident that this gambling addiction program will help stem the coming tide of impulsive, addicted gamblers."
Allen said family members need to be vigilant with compulsive gamblers. He said spouses should ask to see receipts for all bills paid, including utility bills, insurance payments and mortage payments.
He said a relative told him that they found out that their home was up for sale because their significant other was gambling away the mortage for almost a year.
The program begins today and will take place twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
In addition to Chappelle, Prescola Williamson, a licensed gambling addiction therapist who worked in Louisiana, will assist in the program.
Addicts will have to invite their family members to meetings, Chappelle said.
The meetings will also be open to family members who are concerned about the habits of a relative, even if that relative refuses to attend, he said.

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