The Impact of Gambling Disorder: Exploring Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Suicidality
Today, more people have access to, and are participating in, gambling activities than ever before. While many individuals are able to gamble without developing issues, there is a percentage who are unable to maintain safe levels of play. Unfortunately for these individuals, this often progresses to a point where several areas of their lives are impacted in a negative way.
This training will review definitions of gambling, problem gambling, and the bio-psycho-social-spiritual impacts that gambling may have on an individual. Common co-occurring concerns will be explored including substance use, mental health, and the significantly increased risk of suicide among individuals experiencing gambling disorder. The training will focus on those who are at an increased risk of developing a gambling issue and discussion will include screening and intervention strategies that can be utilized to address problem gambling concerns and suicidal ideations among clients.
Objectives
- Discuss the growth of gambling availability and the potential impact it has on individuals, families and society.
- Outline co-occurring gambling, substance use and mental health concerns.
- Discuss the increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts among those experiencing significant gambling problems.
- Identify populations who have an increased risk of developing gambling problems.
- Recognize the benefit of incorporating brief screening tools and assessments into existing practice in an effort to help address gambling related concerns.
- Utilize the tools and resources that are available.
Speakers
A Licensed Professional Counselor and CAADC Greg is the Director of Mid Atlantic Rehabilitation Services (MARS) in Bethlehem, PA, Owner of Monocacy Counseling Associates, Adjunct Faculty member at Moravian Theological Seminary, and a Consultant/Trainer with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA. He is a graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary in 2002 with a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling. He has been a counselor, and program director in the addiction and mental health counseling field for the past 27 years. He was awarded the 2016 Bishop Kortz award for excellence in the field of Pastoral Counseling from Moravian Theological Seminary.
As Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling, Josh leads the organization, direction, and coordination of all administrative functions of the Council. A team member of CCGP since 2013, Josh has also conducted hundreds of trainings and seminars throughout Pennsylvania in an effort to raise awareness of problem gambling. To date, Josh has trained thousands of casino team members, clinicians, students and other professionals about warning signs of gambling problems and available resources for help.