Problem gambling help line sees increase in calls

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Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005 | 9:40 a.m.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Since a state-funded lottery hotline began handling calls from people with gambling addictions this spring, at least 14 people have called seeking help, officials say.

Tennessee's 2-year-old lottery, however, is still relatively new and that number could increase as people are just now developing compulsive gambling problems, according to Stacy Bernard, a specialist with the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and other Addiction Services.

"It's not really gotten to the point where people say, 'I need help,' " she said.

The General Assembly set aside $200,000 in 2004 to pay for services to prevent and treat gambling addictions. The money is being used to pay for outpatient treatment programs and to expand the scope of the lottery hotline Tennessee Redline, which also handles drug and alcohol abuse-related calls.