Brief Overview of Problem Gambling Prevention State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Problem Gambling Services (PGS) DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

PGS Prevention Timeline 1999: 1 st unified effort to engage SDE to address youth underage & problem gambling. 2000: PG Prevention Program Grants established through Regional Action Councils (RACs). 2005: Special $200,000 Legislative Initiative award to SDE for school-based prevention programs. 2007: Two PGP programs awarded “Service to Science” recognition through NECAPT/SAMHSA. 2008: Launch statewide training for professional school health educators. Release of “Youth Gambling in CT: Status & Challenges”. 2009: Development of “webinar” and “wiki” for school based capacity building. DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

“Prevention”=Health Promotion Prevention is not just about “preventing” something from happening: “ Prevention is a proactive process that promotes the well-being of people and empowers an individual, group, or community to create and reinforce healthy lifestyles and behaviors to meet the challenges, events and transitions of life.” Prevention is building healthy people and healthy communities. DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

Rationale for PG Prevention using the Public Health Model: To protect vulnerable groups from gambling related harm; and to foster & promote personal & social responsibility in all populations. (Korn & Shaffer, 1999) DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

Goals of PG Prevention Education Create awareness of gambling attitudes & behaviors; Increase protective factors; Develop “good decision-makers”; Increase capacity across the lifespan. DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

Important Tenets for Youth PG Prevention Not anti-gambling. Raise awareness: Not a risk-free activity. Move ATOD to ATODG. Create/strengthen Protective Factors. Peer-to-peer and youth-to-adult messages. The Three Important Messages. Multiple strategies/Multiple targets. DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

Why Integrating Problem Gambling Prevention in Education on Addictions is a Good Idea Research demonstrates that young people who participate in ATOD use also gamble, and that those youth who gamble also participate in AOTD. Devorensky, et al Pathological gamblers behave like addicts. Lessieur, Shaffer, et al PGS Prevention programs increase “Protective Factors” in participants. DMHAS PGS Bettor Choice Report 2008 PG Prevention is “Generalizable” (skills to address ATOD and Gambling are interchangable). DMHAS PGS 2009 DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

Three Important Messages 1. It is OK to choose not to gamble. 2. It is not OK to participate in underage or illegal gambling. 3.If you choose to gamble, we want you to know how to reduce the risk of developing gambling problems. DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

Recognized Protective Factors Having a relationship with a caring adult role model; Having an opportunity to contribute & be seen as a resource/support; Being effective in work, play, & relationships; Having healthy expectations & a positive outlook; Having a strong self-esteem & an internal locus of control; Being self-disciplined; Using problem solving & critical thinking skills; Earning meaningful rewards; Having a sense of humor. DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

Prevention Strategies “Multiple Strategies Over Multiple Targets” Information and Community Awareness Education and Skill Development Alternative Activities Community Development, Capacity Building, and Institutional Change Social Policy Early Intervention Strategies with High Risk Populations DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

MULTIPLE STRATEGIES OVER MULTIPLE DOMAINS DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

What Can Educators Do to Promote PG Prevention? Elevate concern about gambling to a level comparable to that of substance use; Raise awareness of all school personnel to recognize and refer students experiencing gambling problems or the gambling probs of a loved one; Infuse gambling into ATOD prevention programs as risky behavior, addiction; DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

What Can Educators Do, con’t. Add gambling questions to all substance abuse and mental health disorder screens & assessment procedures. Review school/team/parent organization policies on gambling & fundraisers and explore practices of allowing/promoting card play, raffles, sports betting pools, etc.; Advocate for increased funding for prevention, treatment, research & evaluation. DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009

CT DMHAS Problem Gambling Services Prevention Services For more information, contact: Susan McLaughlin, Primary Prevention Services Coordinator Visit our website: DMHAS Problem Gambling Services 2009