From Craps to Candy Crush Problem Gambling Behaviors in Adolescents

What is Gambling? What has value? Money Time Freedom Relationships Health Anytime you make a wager on something with the possibility of losing something of value.

Types of Gambling Card games Casino games (slots, roulette) Lotteries Bingo Raffles Internet gambling Stock market Betting (sports, animal fights, games of skill) Online gaming

Gambling Online Gaming is Gambling Anytime you make a wager with the possibility of losing something of value It is easier to view games as harmless online activities. Most online games do not reward short and unscheduled periods of play. Money Time

Addictive Online Gaming is Addictive Most addictive games have no pre-defined ends. Online games often have some form of in- game currency. –Games are more addictive when in-game rewards are based on a leveling system.

Addictive Online Gaming is Addictive The more addictive games often encourage play and collaboration with gamers worldwide. –Social connections –Virtual world –Status

“The Silent Addiction” Socially Acceptable Invisible Symptoms Often masked by other Issues

Risk Factors for Problem Gambling: Family Predisposition Family/Friends that Gamble Gambling at a Young Age Other Addiction Community/Media Highly Competitive Personality Low Self-Esteem Boredom

Signs and Symptoms Signs of Problem Gambling: Loss of Control Lying Preoccupation Symptoms of Problem Gambling: Isolation Getting irritated more than usual. Hides gambling from loved ones. Feels guilty about gambling. Loses time from school, work, or family to gamble. Borrows/steals money. Wants to stop but can’t.

ADOLESCENT GAMBLING The FAMILY may notice: Frequent late night calls Secrecy Missing money Family violence The SCHOOL may notice: Tardiness Truancy Grades falling Stealing Mood swings The COMMUNITY may notice: Criminal activity Vandalism Gang activity Theft Threatening calls Robbery Assault with deadly weapon Insurance fraud

Case Study Dave and Rob Could you identify any signs/symptoms of problem gambling? What do you think Dave’s family noticed? –His school? –His peers? How could you support Dave as a student? What would you do? –What about Rob?

ADOLESCENT GAMBLING Current research depicts a neurological imbalance in the brains of adolescents making them more susceptible to addictions. →possess powerful reward system that demands constant stimulation & encourages risk taking →have underdeveloped judgment centers which impairs optimal decision making and impulse control →problem & pathological gambling rates are more than 2X higher for adolescents than adults (Ken Winters, Ph.D. NAPAFASA)

Adolescents are Actually More Likely to Become Pathological Gamblers Than Adults. (Gupta and Derevensky, 2000 Impulsivity Developmental nature Susceptibility to peer influence Emerging egos The attraction of winning Their belief that nothing negative can happen to them Their lack of understanding that there can be a downside to gambling

LIE-BET Problem Gambling Screen A yes answer to one or the other of the following two questions, or a yes to both questions, should indicate a need for full assessment for problem and pathological gambling. A no to both may indicate no gambling concerns. 1.Have you lied to cover up the extent of your gambling? 2.Have you bet increasing amounts of money to achieve the level of desired excitement? –Johnson, Nora et al Las Vegas VA Hospital, Nevada

South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) Valid And Reliable Instrument May Be Self Administered Most Widely Used Screen Available in 25 languages Has been revised for use among adolescents (SOGS-RA)

Have the Conversation! Talk to students about the types of gambling and the risks involved. Provide information related to the signs and symptoms of problem gambling. Offer support and resources for students who identify as a problem gambler. Gambling is not a risk free activity!

Gambling Prevention “Beating the Odds” Evidence Based Practice for at-risk youth –Contact Marcia Goodman Hinnershitz –(610) ext.112

Helpline Numbers GAMBLER Pennsylvania Problem Gambling Hotline (877) Caron Counseling (610) Problem Gambling Resources