problem

1. gambling: problem the hidden addiction Presented By: Gulf Shores High School Peer Helpers ‘Know the Rules of the Game’

2. Trends Greater Access + Greater Acceptance= More Gamblers

3. Cell Phone Gambling: Next Wave?

4. “so what?” stats & effects

5. problem gambling Gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life.

6. pathological gambling More serious form of problem gambling; loss of control; often called “gambling addiction”.

7. Video Gambling = Crack?? • Video poker/slots • 7 in 10 Mississippi problem gambling treatment clients say video poker is their game of choice • Internet • Click & Play Lottery games ‘Crack cocaine’ of gambling...

8. College: Quick Facts 50.4%: Male college students who gamble on cards at least once a month Female college students who gamble on cards at least once a month Internet gambling revenue in 2001 Internet gambling revenue in 2006 (even after new anti-Internet gambling law passed) 26.6%: $3.1 billion: $15 billion:

9. Most Common Effects of Problem Gambling • Debt • Crime • Depression/Suicide • Relationship problems • Employment problems • Concurrent alcohol and/or drug problems 1 in 10 attempted 1 in 4 1 in 7 1 in 3 alcohol problems 1 in 10 drug problems

10. Economic/Financial Impact By one estimate, the social-economic cost for each pathological gambler is in excess of $11,000 and over $3,000 for each sub-clinical pathological gambler. If those figures generalized to Mississippi then the annualized socioeconomic costs of problem gambling to Mississippi approximates $449 million.

11. “how do you tell?” signs & diagnosis of the problem

12. Preoccupation with gambling Increases amount of money gambled Unsuccessfully tries to quit Restless or irritable when trying to cut down/stop Gambles as an escape “Chases” losses Lies to others to conceal gambling Has committed illegal acts Has jeopardized relationships Relies on others to bail him/her out Pathological Gambling: DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria Pathological Gambling is defined in DSM-IV as an “Impulse Control Disorder”

13. discussion Given all the characteristics of problem gambling we’ve shared, how would you identify “responsible” gambling? Try to come up with 5 signs.

14. the addiction connection

15. Problem Gambling & Alcohol Abuse • Problem drinkers are 23 times more likely to have a gambling problem than persons without an alcohol problem • Problem gamblers had 7 times the rate of alcohol dependence than nongamblers and low-risk gamblers

16. Problem Gambling & Substance Abuse • Between 25-65% PGs report substance abuse at some point • 9-16% of those with substance abuse issues also found to be PGs

17. Problem Gambling & Mental Health: Mood Disorders • A major depressive disorder: likely to occur in 76 percent of pathologic gamblers • Higher suicide rates • 6% of problem gamblers made suicide attempt within six months prior to entering treatment

18. Playing the Cards Right: addressing theissue

19. Helpful Links www.friends4friends.ca (Responsible Gambling Council -- good link for students) www.npgaw.org (Problem Gambling Awareness Week – good for you; further tools)

20. Who’s in Treatment? Mississippi Gambling Treatment Clients: • Males 47% | Females 52% • Average age: 45 years • Average household income: $36,495 • Race/Ethnicity: White 87% • Marital status: • Married 36% - Divorced 25% • Average gambling-related debt: $23,331