Session Title

Session 2-1-G: Problem Gambling Treatment Stories and Outcomes

Presentation Type

Event

Location

The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Start Date

8-6-2016 8:30 AM

End Date

8-6-2016 10:00 AM

Disciplines

Gaming and Casino Operations Management | Hospitality Administration and Management | International Business | Mental and Social Health | Psychology | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Statistics and Probability | Substance Abuse and Addiction

Abstract

A recent systematic review of population studies conducted over the last 12 years indicated that 57.5% of individuals meeting criteria for a gambling disorder have a comorbid substance use disorder, 60.1% a nicotine dependence, 57.5% a mood disorder, and 37.4%, any anxiety disorder. In a proportion of these, the comorbid condition predates the onset of gambling disorders suggesting these might represent a vulnerability factor. These findings suggest important implications for gambling prevention and treatments. Instead of promoting only gambling specific interventions and treatments, the emphasis needs to be on a more holistic approach that includes screening for and treating comorbid psychiatric conditions as well as problem gambling. One example of such an approach is the chaplaincy program currently being offered by some clubs in NSW, Australia. This program is an innovative combined venture between ClubsNSW and the Salvation Army, and aims to identify, train and place chaplains in registered clubs to provide practical and emotional support on a variety of issues to patrons. It is argued that a more comprehensive support program targeting emotional difficulties rather than focused on problem gambling may (a) be more acceptable to staff and gamblers, (b) prevent the development (incidence) of gambling disorders in response to mood and emotional disturbances.

Keywords

Compulsive gambling, Problem gambling, comorbid psychiatric conditions, mental health, holistic support service, chaplaincy support program

Comments

Attachment: PDF containing 24 slides

Title slide: The ClubsNSW Chaplaincy Program and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Gambling

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Jun 8th, 8:30 AM Jun 8th, 10:00 AM

Psychiatric Comorbidities in Gambling and the ClubsNSW Chaplaincy Program (Australia)

The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

A recent systematic review of population studies conducted over the last 12 years indicated that 57.5% of individuals meeting criteria for a gambling disorder have a comorbid substance use disorder, 60.1% a nicotine dependence, 57.5% a mood disorder, and 37.4%, any anxiety disorder. In a proportion of these, the comorbid condition predates the onset of gambling disorders suggesting these might represent a vulnerability factor. These findings suggest important implications for gambling prevention and treatments. Instead of promoting only gambling specific interventions and treatments, the emphasis needs to be on a more holistic approach that includes screening for and treating comorbid psychiatric conditions as well as problem gambling. One example of such an approach is the chaplaincy program currently being offered by some clubs in NSW, Australia. This program is an innovative combined venture between ClubsNSW and the Salvation Army, and aims to identify, train and place chaplains in registered clubs to provide practical and emotional support on a variety of issues to patrons. It is argued that a more comprehensive support program targeting emotional difficulties rather than focused on problem gambling may (a) be more acceptable to staff and gamblers, (b) prevent the development (incidence) of gambling disorders in response to mood and emotional disturbances.