What is the problem?

Transcription

1 The Hidden Illness

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3 What is the problem? Actually betting the farm off is a serious problem (psychology today). Role modeling gambling behavior to our children at a very young age. How old were you when you first gambled? What do you think is this a problem and what are some examples that you have seen?

4 Forms of Gambling Other Gambling Machines (Not at a Casino) Dice Games Games of Skills for Money Sports Office Pools Raffles or Charitable Small-Stakes Gambling Trading or Chasing Cards Flipping Coins Dares Bingo Poker Slot Machines Sweepstakes Sport Betting Horse/Dog Racing Roulette Pool Keno Lottery Other

5 Substance Use and Gambling What are the differences? What are the similarities?

6 Similarities Inability to stop Denial Addiction used to escape pain Severe depression and mood swings Chasing the first win/high First win/drink remembered Blackouts/brownouts Preoccupation

7 Continued Similarities Low self-esteem and high ego Dysfunctional families High of gambling similar to rush of cocaine Use of rituals Immediate gratification

8 Differences Hidden addiction Cannot overdose, no saturation point Tremendous financial problems which require immediate attention Can function at work Cannot be tested like drug testing No ingestion of chemicals Fewer resources available for gamblers

9 Continued Differences Perception of disease different Lengthy period of time before hope becomes a reality Activity frequently conducted alone Possibly higher suicide rate High is from internal not external stimuli

10 The Hidden Illness Approximately 3 million adults meet the criteria for gambling disorder each year. Unlike alcohol or drug disorder, problem gambling has few outward signs. Problem gamblers are more likely to have issues with drinking, drugs, smoking and depression. A strong link exists between those with a gambling disorder and suicide. 1 in 5 problem gamblers attempt suicide which is higher than any other addictive disorder. Source: National Council on Problem Gambling

11 The consequences of problem gambling can be severe Financial: debt, stealing, fraud, bankruptcy Psychological: depression, suicide Social: isolation, withdrawal Family: neglect and abuse Vocational: decline in work performance or job loss May experience several consequences before seeking help

12 Know the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Problem Gambling Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford Finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling Having arguments with family or friends about money or gambling Losing interest in usual activities or hobbies Always talking or thinking about gambling Lying about your gambling or hiding it from others Chasing losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble

13 Continued More Warning Signs and Symptoms of Problem Gambling Gambling until all of your money is gone Borrowing money, selling possessions or not paying bills in order to pay for gambling Needing to gamble with larger amounts or for a longer time to get the same feeling of excitement Isolation, withdrawal, secretive behavior (hidden illness) Neglecting work, school, family, personal needs, or household responsibilities because of gambling Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed, or irritable

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15 Treatment Individual Counseling o Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Grief Work, Relaxation Therapy, Credit Counseling Self Help Groups Medication o Naltrexone: Reduces urge-related symptoms o SSRI/Mood Stabilizer: Reduces mental health symptoms o Nasal spray aimed at tackling gambling addiction containing naloxone

16 Gambling Related Services at Chestnut Health Systems Contact Central Access to schedule a gambling assessment ( ) Complete Integrated Assessment o Detailed Gambling History o NORC: A National Organization of Research at the University of Chicago Master Treatment Plan Development Individual Counseling o Chestnut Health Systems Northgate office o TeleHealth Self-Exclusion Credit Counseling

17 Questions and Conversation Thank you for your participation!