FAQ
Do I have a private room?
No, all room accommodations are shared with 1-3 other residents.
What should I bring?
Just your personal belongings and items from the list we provide for admission. CORE supplies the bed linens, towels, and has 3 washers and dryers for residents use.
How often will I see my counselor?
You will have group therapy sessions Mondays-Saturdays with your counselor, and all individual sessions will be scheduled as needed.
Can I have visitors?
Yes, on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm-5pm. Saturday visitation is contingent on attending a multi-family lecture at CORE.
Can I use my cell phone?
No, we provide telephones for residents to use at appropriate times. If there is a family emergency, we recommend your family call our direct CORE #.
What is your success rate?
Our last outcome study showed upwards of 78%. Recovery depends on the person’s willingness to take care of their individual needs when they leave CORE.
Do we allow psychiatric medications to be taken?
Yes, in fact, if someone calls and is in immediate psychiatric distress, we will refer them to help before admission to CORE.
Is CORE a state facility?
No, we are a private non-profit organization that works closely with the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals- Office of Behavioral Health (DHH-OBH) for some of our funding.
Is CORE JCAHO accredited?
No, our license is through the Louisiana DHH-OBH accreditation. We are licensed as a 21 –bed residential facility for treating adults-male & female.
Do you have any free care or scholarships to CORE?
Not at this time.
Is my family member’s gambling a problem?
Yes, if there is time they can’t account for, not answering phone calls, borrowing money for what sounds like legitimate things, getting angry when confronted about it, bill collectors calling and money missing from accounts. You can also review the signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling that our website provides.
What can we, as a family, do to help?
Try to educate yourself on gambling addiction. This is different than alcohol and drug addiction. Next, set boundaries with the gambler and stick to them. Receive support from others on these boundaries and check into who may be offering financial bail outs to the gambler. Encourage them to stop this behavior. You can discuss with a professional the option of conducting an intervention, if necessary.
How long is treatment?
Our average length of stay is 36 days.
Can spouses come in together?
No. We will take one family member at a time and can offer referrals to other facilities if the need is immediate.
Will you prescribe Medicine should I need it?
Our Medical Director will review any possible medication needs as they arise.
Do you take Insurance?
No. We will provide an invoice for payment and services rendered at completion of treatment so you can file with your insurance company, if you like.
Are there Halfway Houses for Problem Gamblers?
In the United States there are a few, please contact the Louisiana Problems Gamblers Helpline at 1-800-877-7867 for those referrals.
How come your program is so much lower cost-wise than other programs I've seen?
Our Board of Directors wanted to provide cost effective affordable quality treatment to those suffering with a problem that usually negatively affects their finances. We are able to allow people with financial stress great services at reasonable rates. We live what we teach- be on a budget!
What if I have specific dietary needs?
Our Dietary/Kitchen Manager will meet with you to discuss your special needs. We are used to addressing different medical conditions and food plans.
What if I have other addictions?
If you have an alcohol or drug addiction, we will refer you to substance dependence treatment and/or detox. Since our facility is not licensed for providing detoxification nor has medical staff on duty daily, we are unable to properly address these concerns. If you suffer from other addictions, i.e.; nicotine, sex, food, we can offer referrals post discharge from CORE.
Can I bring my pet?
No, our Health code laws prohibit this, however, we are all animal lovers on staff!
What is your capacity? Men vs. women ratio?
Generally, our census is 50/50 men to women.
Can I smoke?
CORE is a non-smoking facility. There are designated areas outside and away from the facility for smoking.
I've tried GA, didn't work, why will this?
CORE is a treatment facility that provides skilled, professional counseling for compulsive gambling problems. Whereas, Gamblers Anonymous is a highly successful support group, some people have found they need the adjunct help from counseling for successful recovery to begin.