Recorded presentation

Tamara Petro, MPH, Program Director, Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, 47 Clapboard Hill Road, Suite 6, Guilford, CT 06437, (203) 453-0138 x 4, tamarap@ccpg.org

With the increase in the availability of legalized gambling and loss of social stigma, there has been a marked increase in the number of problem gamblers, and a greater demand for specialized prevention and treatment services. The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling will present data collected from its toll-free Helpline, which provides referral information and support to problem gamblers and their families. Helplines are one of the most important services provided by Problem Gambling Councils, in providing immediate assistance to callers in distress. Helpline data provide a profile of callers and illustrate the need for prevention and treatment services. Problem gamblers have experienced depression (76%) and anxiety (78%); suicidal thoughts (21%) and attempts (5%); neglect (53%) and abuse (12%) of spouse and children.

Problem gambling causes serious negative public health consequences that span mental, physical, and spiritual health as well as societal costs such as productivity reductions, increased social services, debts, creditor losses, and even suicide and criminal activity. Since 1980, the American Psychiatric Association has identified pathological gambling as “ a disorder of impulse control” and incorporated it into its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. National prevalence rates for pathological gamblers in 1998 were approximately 1.2% or 2.5 million Americans, and problem gamblers 1.5 % or 3 million Americans (National Gambling Impact Study Commission, 1999). Over 25% of problem gamblers also experience cross-addictions. This presentation will address the environmental and personal risk factors that contribute to problem gambling and will raise awareness of aforementioned problem gambling issues.

Learning Objectives: 1.Describe the information, skills, behaviors, or perspectives participants in the session will acquire through attendance and participation. Participants will learn to

~ Differentiate between recreational versus problem gambling, and problem versus pathological gambling ~ List the American Psychiatric Association's criteria for a clinical diagnosis of pathological gambling ~ Identify intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, institutional, and public policy risk factors for problem and pathological gambling.
• Clearly identify the outcomes or actions participants can expect to demonstrate as a result of the educational experiences. Participants will
  ~ Gain an awareness of prevalence and impacts of problem and pathological gambling. ~ Be able to recognize signs and symptoms of problem gambling among clients and individuals in the community ~ know where to refer problem gamblers to specialized treatment and support services
  • Write the learning objectives that relate to these outcomes and that reflect the content of the session. a. Participants will learn how problem gambling impacts gamblers and their significant others. b. Participants will learn how problem gambling is diagnosed and will be made aware of treatment options. c. Participants will learn of the function of a Helpline in creating linkages to problem gambling treatment and support services.

  Related Web page: www.ccpg.org

  Presenting author's disclosure statement:
  Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling
  I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

  Recorded presentation

  Psychiatric Epidemiology

  The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA