#United States #Raleigh #Behavioral Health #Gambling Addiction #NC Addiction

Two New Centers for Addiction Care in North Carolina

The Addiction Professionals of North Carolina (APNC) recently announced the establishment of two new centers aimed at addressing significant issues in the state's addiction landscape. This initiative, funded by the NC Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Use Services, marks a substantial commitment to improving the behavioral health workforce and combatting the gambling crisis that has increasingly impacted residents.

The Center of Excellence for Addiction Policy and Practice (CEGAPP)

One of the two centers, CEGAPP, has been created to confront the rising challenges posed by gambling addiction. In recent years, the deregulation of sports betting on personal devices has made gambling more accessible across various demographics in North Carolina. CEGAPP aims to provide essential resources to addiction service providers, thereby allowing them to better assist individuals in need. This center will focus on improving state policies to ensure effective prevention and treatment methods while raising awareness about gambling-related issues.

Sara Howe, the Chief Executive Officer of APNC, stated, "Gambling is the most accessible addiction in our society today, yet behavioral health has historically not addressed it with the urgency it deserves. That’s why we created this new center — to become the leader on this issue."

The initiatives of CEGAPP will encompass:

• - Resources for Providers: Offering essential tools for effective intervention.
• - Education and Training: Equipping professionals with knowledge on gambling prevention, treatment, and recovery.
• - Thought Leadership: Acting as a voice on issues concerning problem gambling and addiction.
• - Policy Initiatives: Advocating for measures to support prevention efforts and treatment options.

The Professional Development Center (PDC)

The second center, PDC, has been established to address the essential professional development needs within the addiction workforce. Recognizing the gap between recruitment and the continued professional growth of individuals in the addiction field, PDC is designed to strengthen core skills through training, mentorship, and leadership development.

As noted by Executive Vice President Morgan Coyner, “Workforce development has been a focus for several initiatives in our field, but APNC members noticed a gap between workforce and professional development. Once we recruit individuals into our field, how do we ensure they are successful and prepared for not just their current job but a dynamic career path?”

Key offerings from the PDC include:

• - Focus on Professional Skills: Tailoring training to improve professional etiquette, communication, and workplace habits.
• - Leadership and Supervision Education: Providing insights to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• - Networking Opportunities: Connecting emerging professionals with experienced leaders to foster growth and retention.

Conclusion

These two centers represent a significant stride in addressing the dual challenges of gambling addiction and workforce development in North Carolina’s addiction services. For more information about these new initiatives, interested individuals can visit apnc.org or email [email protected] for inquiries.

About Addiction Professionals of North Carolina

Established as the professional trade association for substance use professionals in North Carolina, APNC provides a unified voice for individuals and organizations within the addiction sector. The association advocates for impactful policies, offers technical support, and encourages collaboration within the industry to improve the health and wellness of North Carolina residents.