Bea Aikens, CCAR
Although Gambling Disorders have been recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as a mental health disorder since 1980, the addictive nature of gambling has generally not been a part of the national discussion on addiction education, prevention and treatment. With the pervasiveness of legalized gambling (now available in 48 states) and the American Psychiatric Association's 2013 reclassification of Gambling Disorder as an "addiction" vs. an "impulse control disorder", health care and mental health providers, educators, clergy and legal service providers find themselves in need of a greater understanding of this "silent addiction." Ms. Aikens will share her personal experience with gambling addiction and recovery as well as tools to recognize the signs of a gambling addiction.
Objectives
- Compare the difference between social gambling and problem gambling.
- Identify warning signs of problem gambling.
- Apply validated screening tools to identify a gambling problem.
- Relate the correlation between proliferation of legalized gambling and rates of gambling addiction.
- Employ available resources for treatment of problem gambling.
Target Audience: Clinical personnel, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, educators. Intermediate level. CE credits offered = 1.5 contact hours