OFFICERS
Pam Koopman, Executive Director
Teri Erickson, Vice President
David Turner, Treasurer
Jacque Wolfgang, Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mike Brubaker (in memoriam)
Teri Erickson
Sue Figueroa
Steve Feinberg (in memoriam)
Pam Koopman
Marc Lefkowitz
Bobbe McGinley
Mo Michael
David Turner
Jacque Wolfgang
ACCG is a 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt non-profit organization and an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling
THE DIRECTOR'S CORNER
Where we are today...
As gambling becomes more widely available, accessible and acceptable, more recreational gamblers are crossing the invisible line into gambling disorder, creating an increasingly negative economic and social impact. Suicide, embezzlement, theft, family violence, business failures, and bankruptcy are just a few of the gambling-related issues that strain the resources of our state and local agencies, burden our legal and correctional systems, and challenge the private sector. ACCG seeks to train these entities to refer gamblers (and their families) for education, awareness and proper treatment programs before the societal and economic costs escalate further and more lives and families are destroyed.
Our recommendations,,,
ACCG strongly recommends a 12-step or other support program as the cornerstone of any successful recovery effort. In addition, ACCG firmly believes that compulsive gamblers will have a better opportunity of sustained recovery if they are counseled by a behavioral health professional who is trained and certified in the treatment of the disorder. We also recommend casino and other self-exclusions as important components of any recovery program.
ACCG is a nonprofit organization with Federal tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status. We have a serious mission of education, awareness, and training on issues of compulsive gambling. We are neither anti nor pro gambling.
IN MEMORIUM
A Tribute to Don Hulen
Donald "Don" Hulen co-founded the Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling (ACCG) in 1993. The Council was established as a non profit agency to bring education and awareness of compulsive gambling--and its social and economic impact--to the public and private sectors.
Don served as ACCG's executive director from 1993 until his death on February 15, 2010. For over 17 years, Don worked tirelessly for education, awareness, treatment and prevention, both in the state of Arizona and nationally.
For thousands of compulsive gamblers and their families, Don's was the first voice on the other end of the phone, offering hope in the midst of fear, confusion, despair, and devastation. Don became their first ally--and their best line of defense, support, and guidance--in their battle with this powerful, insidious and deadly addiction.
For his ceaseless efforts, Don Hulen was honored in 2005 by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) as a pioneer in the field of gambling awareness.
Thank You, Don! You will be greatly missed, and you will never be forgotten. Rest assured, the Arizona Council is committed to continuing your pioneering and life-saving work.
FUTURE PROGRAMS
The FAIR (Financial Accountability in Recovery) Program
FAIR (Financial Accountability in Recovery) is a funded program that will help compulsive gamblers and their families achieve a normal, balanced financial future.
FAIR will mobilize the resources necessary to preserve income, manage ongoing financial obligations, and restore the household to financial security. stability. and confidence.
ACCG will work toward finding community partners to fund FAIR and secure its future success.
GamePlan: Gaming Management Apps for Kids & their Families
Development and distribution of age-appropriate, customized apps for grade school, middle school, and high school students. The apps will ask students “What’s your Game Plan?” and enable them to create a blueprint for balancing their video, online and/or mobile gaming with other activities, interests and commitments, supported by a hand-picked “team” of loved ones, peers, and teachers.
ACCG hopes to make GamePlan a reality for Arizona's kids.
An Arizona Gambling Treatment Diversion Court (GTDC)
An Arizona Gambling Treatment Diversion Court (GTDC)
In Addiction Neuroethics, 2012, Stephen J. Morse suggested that, with respect to gambling-motivated crime, “provision of adequate treatment in the community, rather than involuntary civil commitment, is the wiser course.”
In 2018, a GTDC was established in Las Vegas, NV. Today, it is the gold standard for gambling addiction reform and treatment.
ACCG will work toward creating Arizona's first GTDC.
SUPPORT OUR CURRENT & FUTURE PROGRAMS
ACCG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your generous contribution will enable us to provide peer support to Arizona's problem gamblers and their families.
