in all of our work

National conference on Problem Gambling | July 15, 2016Julie Hynes | Carl Robertson | Susan McLaughlin

The complete slide deck is posted at:

www.preventionlane.org/ncpg2016

Today’s Objectives

3

• Understand how prevention efforts are practical across the continuum of care.

• Understand a nationally supported, common understanding of prevention for gambling disorders.

• Gain tools for integrating prevention in a host of gambling programs.

30,000 Feet Level: The Continuum of Care

5Image source: samhsa.gov

Today

• Big picture of prevention on a national level (Julie)

• Overview of integration• Overview of integration examples

– Maryland (prevention with treatment)– Connecticut (AOD with gambling prevention)– Jaime Costello (tomorrow) will be talking about

youth problem gambling prevention integration

PROBLEM GAMBLING PREVENTION ON A NATIONAL LEVEL• Prevention Committee

development: from 2006 – 2016• Common understanding

of prevention• Overview of integration

NCPG Prevention Committee online: www.ncpgprevention.org

Ground level.

8

Susan D. McLaughlin, M.P.A., C.P.S.State of Ct, Dept. of Mental Health & Addiction Services

Problem Gambling Services860-262-5983 susan.mclaughlin@ct.gov

www.ct.gov/problemgambling

Connecticut Statewide Gambling Awareness Model est.2013

Mission: Moving towards Gambling Informed Prevention, Intervention & Treatment across the Continuum of Care & across the Lifespan in the 5 Mental Health & Addiction Services Regions in Ct.

Region1

Region2

Region3

Region4

Region5

RAC LeadershipTeams

5 Regional Problem Gambling Awareness Teams

Coordinated by designated Regional Action Councils (RACs):

• Quarterly Forum Meetings: Representation from Prevention, Treatment & Community

• Community Assessment/Capacity Building• Cadre of Identified Trainees in PG Awareness• Training/Promising Program Promotion• Serves as Regional Advisory Group

State & Local Data Gathering

• Survey of program participants• Evaluation of programs• Focus Group Project• Youth Interviews• Parent Surveys• Community Surveys

What We Learned

• Gambling not considered as topic of conversation;• Minimal understanding gambling can be an addiction;• Unaware help is available/how to access help;• Disagree that gambling is beneficial to the community;• Sometimes gambling is considered “the solution”

instead of “the problem”.

PGS Prevention Partners

• State Dept of Mental Health & Addiction Svs

• Ct Prevention Network/Ct Regional Action Councils (RACs)

• MH/SA TX: DIG-IN Initiative

• Faith Communities

• Recovery Communities (CCAR/AU)

• Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCS)

• Gambling Awareness for All Ct (G-FACT)

• Gaming Industry: Ct Partnership for Responsible Gambling

• Academia: Yale, UCONN, MXCC, SCCU

Select Promising Programs

Engaging the Community

• Congregational Assistance Program/Community Assistance Program (CAP)

• Faith Community can be “line of first defense”

• Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission Ambassador Program (APA)

• Engaging & honoring the “IP”; they know best

Infuse into Existing Prevention

• Youth Peer Leadership• Gambling informed, leadership & training skills

• Financial Literacy• Gambling infused w/budgeting & money

management

Practical Applications

Tenets of PG Awareness Education

• NOT anti-gambling!• Move ATOD to ATODG.• Create Awareness: of Gambling as a “Risky Behavior” similar

to Alcohol Use; of Gambling Attitudes & Behaviors.• Create/Strengthen Protective Factors.• Delay/Prevent onset of risky behaviors.• Develop “good decision makers”.• Involve Peer Voice.• Increase Capacity Across the Lifespan.• The Three Important Messages.

Three Important Messages

1. Gambling is not a risk-free activity.2. If you choose to gamble, make sure it’s

legal.3. Know how to keep the problem out of

gambling.

Adapted from Svendson/Wintersaaafad

Senior Risk ReductionWallet Card

In Conclusion

Moving Forward• Embed/infuse into ongoing prevention programs excellent

alternative to stand alone;• Employ multiple prevention strategies across multiple target

populations;• Include “Peer Voice”/Engagement across the lifespan.• Skills Learned in PG Awareness are “Generalizable”&

“Transferable”.• Data Dilemma: Start Collecting!• Engage Partners/Network!• Keep it Simple!!!

Carl Robertson, M.R.E., M.DivPrevention Manager

Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling667-214-2120

croberts@psych.umaryland.edu

Prevention Integration

Overview To integrate Problem Gambling Prevention Strategies into the existing prevention programs within Maryland in order to increase the capacity of local communities and community providers in addressing the impact of gambling and problem gambling on individuals, families and communities.

“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” There are six strategies in the SAMHSA prevention model that apply to prevention of gambling disorders: 1. Information Dissemination: Promotes awareness and knowledge on the extent of problem gambling. Usually a one-way communication from source to recipient. Examples include pamphlets, public service announcements, guest speakers and billboards. 2. Education: Promotes awareness and knowledge with the added component of two-way communication between source and recipient and can take place over multiple points of impact, such as a multi-session course. 3. Alternative Activities: Promotes participation of select target populations (such as those who are underage, as well as those exhibiting or recovering from addictions) in activities that exclude alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and gambling in order to offer role model activities that are less risky, and acknowledge and increase protective factors. 4. Environmental Policies: Establishes or changes written and unwritten community standards, codes and attitudes; addresses policies and practices. Examples include: setting and enforcing state laws, school gambling policies, and NCAA rules on athletes gambling. 5. Community-Based Process: Enhance the ability of a select community to more effectively provide prevention and treatment services for alcohol tobacco, other drugs and gambling disorders. A process which evolves over time, includes multiple identified participants and increases skills and abilities. Examples include: technical assistance, trainings, and community coalitions.

6. Problem Identification and Referral: Aims at identification of high risk individuals or populations who participate in risky activities or are perceived as potentially engaging in same. Does not include any activity designed to screen or

Gambling Prevention Integration Strategy

1. Information Dissemination (one-way communication) e.g. Center Brochures; Web campaigns; Fact Sheets (special populations)-Helpline – Health Fairs Super-Bowl; March Madness; Fantasy Sports;

2. Educations (two-way communication)e.g. Education / Training sessions with community stakeholders (coalitions, providers, advocates); Center’s Training Opportunities;

3. Alternate Activities (alternatives to Vegas Nights on Prom Night) e.g. Help integrate gambling prevention into the other ATOD events – student volunteerism; clean up a neighborhood; make something for others; support existing Youth Leadership

4. Environmental Policies (establishes or changes written or unwritten standards) e.g. Promote Lottery Holiday Campaign; provide guidance to schools policies on gambling; courts awareness

5. Community-Based Process (enhance resources to communities addressing any ATOD issues by including Gambling in the discussion) e.g. Smart Choices in the schools and community; participate in active Coalitions or in helping form coalitions

6. Problem Identification and Referral (identify high-risk populations and high-risk behaviors) e.g.: awareness programs focused on special populations: seniors; college students; culturally diverse groups; students. Issues of Domestic Violence and Gambling, especially in holiday time – sporting events – daily fantasy ; Suicide and Gambling; Males vs Females; Financial stress; mental health and SUD triggers

30

Wrap up, Q&A

INTGRATION & involvement

• YOU are valuable! Join us: Saturday, 7:30 –9:00 am in the main ballroom.

NCPG Prevention Committee online: www.ncpgprevention.org

32

For more info: