Integrating Problem Gambling Awareness into the Curriculum

Project Team: Our Presenters CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010 Meryl B. Menon, M.A.T., M.Ed Education Consultant Susan D. McLaughlin, M.P.A., CPP Prevention Services Coordinator, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Problem Gambling Services Rosemary Nichols, B.S. Education Service Specialist & Health Educator, Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), Technical Assistance and Brokering Service (TABS) Division Webinar and wiki photos courtesy of GAMES (Gambling Awareness in Monroe through Educating Our Students). Special thanks to students and staff at Jockey Hollow Middle School and Masuk High School, Monroe Connecticut.

Some Tech Issues Showing and Hiding the Control Panel Raising hands Writing in the Question/Chat area CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

What caption would you give this photo? Please use the chat area for your response. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010 AP Photo/The Forum, Britta Trvgsted

Did you know… More young people gamble than experiment with alcohol and other drugs? Connecticut high school seniors graduate with dozens of educational hours in Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD), yet have no required hours on the risks and responsibilities of gambling? In a recent statewide survey, over 10% of high school students were classified as “probable problem or pathological gamblers”. Study of CT High Schools,1998 and CT Youth Gambling Report, 2008 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Did You Know… The rate of problem gambling among youth is more than double the rate of adult problem gambling? Study of CT High Schools,1998 and CT Youth Gambling Report, 2008 Youth who gamble have higher rates of depression, anxiety, crime and delinquency; are more likely to participate in ATOD use; and have lower self esteem, poorer coping skills than young people who do not gamble? Shaffer, et.al, 1999 In the recent Connecticut survey, over 11% of all students have worry/concern over the gambling of a close family member? Study of CT High Schools,1998 and CT Youth Gambling Report, 2008 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

How do we know? Work Group Partners included State Dept of Education, Regional Action Councils, Regional Educational Service Centers Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. Full report available online at Youth Gambling Prevention Initiative, CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

What did we learn? CT school administrators cited the following as challenges and barriers to problem gambling awareness/education efforts in schools: lack of available class time, lack of funds, lack of knowledge of effective youth gambling prevention strategies? CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

In response… The CT State Departments of Education and Mental Health and Addiction Services have partnered to create a free, flexible, and informative program on Problem Gambling that can be easily adapted to meet teachers’ needs. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Goals By the time CT students graduate from high school, they will have an awareness of problem gambling as potentially risky behavior; an understanding of how to reduce the risk of developing a gambling problem; the knowledge of how to recognize and refer for help people who may have a gambling problem. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Objectives 1.To create an awareness in educators of gambling and problem gambling; 2.To empower educators to embed gambling as a risky behavior in lessons on addiction; 3.To provide feedback and support to educators as they incorporate these concepts in their teaching. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Objective 1: To create an awareness in educators of gambling and problem gambling CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

DMHAS Problem Gambling Services Ten Years of Prevention Experience Partners with Regional Action Councils (RACs) Two Programs, “GAMES” and “Taking Charge”, recognized by “Service to Science”. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

The Public Health Model for Gambling Awareness: Protect vulnerable groups from gambling related harm; Foster and promote personal & social responsibility in all populations. (Korn & Shaffer, 1999) CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Goals of PG Prevention Education Create awareness: of gambling as a “risky behavior” similar to alcohol use; of gambling attitudes & behaviors; Develop good decision-makers; Increase capacity during times of transition and across the lifespan. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Gambling is Similar to Alcohol Use Legalized gambling is a recreational activity enjoyed by many people. There are age restrictions limiting use by minors. Opportunities to gamble are numerous and widely promoted. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Attitudes and Behaviors Gambling behaviors are so “normative” that often certain activities are not even considered “gambling”.. Visiting the casinos has become a regular pastime for many special populations. Even though they are not old enough to legally play the Lottery, young people often receive lottery tickets as gifts. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

When we talk about gambling, we help to increase “Protective Factors”. Problem Gambling Awareness teaches people to: Examine their attitudes and behaviors; Make healthy choices; Set personal limits; Feel more empowered and better about themselves; Reduce risk of addiction. “Talking about gambling becomes a conduit for open discussions about risky behaviors in general and communicates messages of self-control and limits.” duBay Horton, 2008 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Three Core Concepts 1.It’s O.K. to choose not to gamble. 2.It’s not O.K. to participate in illegal or underage gambling. 3.If you choose to gamble, it’s important to know how to reduce the risk of developing gambling problems. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

How do we define gambling? Gambling is the act of risking something of value, including money and property, on an activity that has an uncertain outcome. Problem Gambling is gambling behavior that results in problems with work, school, family, or finances, but does not meet the number of criteria to be recognized as: Compulsive/Pathological Gambling meets the APA Diagnostic & Statistical Manual IV criteria for the impulse disorder of pathological gambling. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Populations At Risk Youth: underage & college students Athletes Women Substance abuse, mental health clients and people in recovery Older adults who gamble Internet users Cultures of luck/numbers People who live within 50 miles of a casino (The rate of PG doubles within 50 miles of a casino). NGISC, 1999 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Warning Signs of a Gambling Problem Might be similar to signs of alcohol and other drug problems Lying to friends/family about gambling; Avoiding/neglecting responsibilities/problems due to preoccupation with gambling; Frequent mood swings; Gambling to solve problems & change mood; Conflicts in relationships; Making unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop; Seemingly irresistible urges to gamble; and… CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2009CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Additional Warning Signs of a Gambling Problem Borrowing $ to gamble; “Chasing” after lost $ by further gambling; Theft of goods or $ to gamble. If it causes a problem, it IS a problem. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2009CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

“Age of Onset” “The earlier people begin gambling, the more likely they are to experience problems from gambling.” National Academy of Sciences, % of students classified as possible “problem or pathological gamblers” reported starting gambling at age 8 or younger. CT Youth Gambling Report, 2008 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Prevalence of Problem Gambling One out of twenty CT citizens will develop a gambling problem at some point in their lives. Each problem gambler impacts eight other people. Adult lifetime rate of problem & pathological gambling combined: 6% DMHAS PGS, 2003 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Rates of Problem Gambling Across the Lifespan Carlson & Moore, 1998; Shaffer & Hall, 2001; Moore, 2001; Volberg, 2001 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Impact of Parent Attitudes & Behaviors on Youth Gambling Parents’ attitudes do have critical impact on a child’s gambling. Parents’ modeling and engagement in gambling with teens increases likelihood of teen gambling. duBay Horton, GAMES Evaluation, 2008 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2009CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

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Youth Gambling at School from CT Youth Gambling Report % of respondents witnessed youth gambling at school. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Youth most vulnerable to developing gambling problems: Have problems with impulsivity, hyperactivity; Have been diagnosed with ADHD; Have a need for excitement, are truant, or are early users of ATOD; Have emotional vulnerabilities, such as low self-esteem, depression, feelings of alienation and loneliness. Deverensky & Gupta, 2007 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Some Additional Risk Factors Age/Gender Child of a compulsive gambler Belief that skill is involved Feeling that one must chase loss with more gambling Early age of onset (8.5 years for pathological gamblers; 11.5 years for non-pathological gamblers) Other risky behaviors, ATOD An early big win CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2009CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

“Speed of Play” The more rapid the “play”, the more risky the activity, making electronic gambling (slots, internet gambling, lottery vending machines, etc.) more potentially addicting than other forms of gambling. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2009CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

How does gambling relate to what we now know about adolescent brain development? Visit this website to view a 5-minute film by psychologist Ken Winters: Register with name/ . 2. Click on “enter site”. 3. View video in lower right corner of screen. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Problem Gambling Helpline NO BET For people with gambling problems and those impacted by them. 24/7, Free, Confidential, Interpreter services available CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services Prevention Services Susan McLaughlin, Primary Prevention Services Coordinator Visit our website: For information on your local Regional Action Council, visit

Questions on Objective 1 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

10-Minute Break

Objective 2: To empower educators to embed gambling as a risky behavior in lessons on addiction (Poll) CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Incorporating Gambling Awareness into the Classroom CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010 History of Youth and Problem Gambling Project

What is Health Literacy? CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010 Health literacy is the capacity of an individual to obtain, interpret, and understand basic health information and services and the competence to use such information and services in ways which are health-enhancing. Joint Committee on Health Education Standards

Healthy and Balanced Living Framework CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

The National and Connecticut Health Education Standards CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

National and Connecticut Health Education Standards CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

National and Connecticut Health Education Standards CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Three Core Concepts 1.It’s O.K. to choose not to gamble. 2.It’s not O.K. to participate in illegal or underage gambling. 3.If you choose to gamble, it’s important to know how to reduce the risk of developing gambling problems. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Think through the activities you use with your students and see where you can incorporate gambling awareness into the skill-related health education standards:  Accessing Information  Self Management  Analyzing Influences  Interpersonal Communication  Decision Making  Goal Setting  Advocacy What Can be Taught? SKILLS! CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Let’s walk through a sample lesson to see how gambling can be incorporated. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Remember this photograph? Can you think of a caption for the photograph now that you have listened to the information we have given you related to gambling? AP Photo/The Forum, Britta Trvgsted

Has your caption changed? CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Lesson with students Let’s take what we have done and look at steps for a lesson that you can do with your students. 1.Show them the photograph we showed you. 2.Ask them to come up with a caption for it. 3.Record the students’ responses on the board so all the students can see them. 4.Show them selected sections of the Beat Addiction DVD. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Now show the picture again and ask your students to create a caption for it. Discuss with your students any changes in their captions. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010 AP Photo/The Forum, Britta Trvgsted

Beat Addiction: Overview CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010  Beat Addiction is a program created by the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling. It consists of a DVD and a Facilitator’s Guide that includes video, lessons and suggestions for how to integrate gambling into discussions of addiction. It is designed to be used for 7th-12th grade students.

CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010 Beat Addiction was originally released in At that time it included a 12 minute video that focuses on one woman and her family’s struggle with addiction. The revised Beat Addiction was released in 2008 and is 28 minutes in length. It contains four testimonials and reenactments about teens that have battled various addictions (gambling, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and alcohol).

The Beat Addiction Program includes suggestions for small group discussion topics such as the following: Identifying Warning Signs of Addictions and Destructive Behaviors Consequences of Addiction Risk Factors and Healthy Choices Destructive Behaviors CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Objective 3: To provide feedback and support to educators as they incorporate these concepts in their teaching. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Resources and Collaborative Opportunities Wiki : a web site for collaboration Choose the Right Path wiki m/ m/ where participants can access information and contribute to discussions the link in a follow-up message that participants will receive one day after the presentation. instructions for required work for CEUs on one page CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Table of Contents: Choose the Right Path Wiki

CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

To Review Think how to use the information presented today in your own setting. Explore the wiki for resources and activities: Read Instructions for Participation and follow the steps for contributing to it Become familiar with the health standards. CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

For use in the classroom Read the Facilitator’s Guide of the Beat Addiction Program. Choose one lesson to explore. Share your comments about it on the wiki. Try it out, if you have a chance to do so, and share how it went. Poll #2 CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Questions/Comments CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, Choose the Right Path, 2010

Thanks for attending our online session. We hope you enjoyed and benefited from it. You will receive a follow- up message with the link to the wiki and a brief survey to be completed at least by November 16. We welcome the feedback and need the completed form as well as participation in the webinar and contributions to the wiki to give CEUs and a Certificate of Completion. Susan, Rosemary, Meryl