500 likes | 736 Views
Gambling Among Seniors: Pasttime or Past Time . Jane Reynolds, BA Clinical Coordinator Problem Gamblers Help Network of WV. Gambling: The New Boom Industry. The first state lottery started in New Hampshire in 1963 Now almost ALL states have lotteries
E N D
Gambling Among Seniors: Pasttime or Past Time Jane Reynolds, BA Clinical Coordinator Problem Gamblers Help Network of WV
Gambling: The New Boom Industry • The first state lottery started in New Hampshire in 1963 • Now almost ALL states have lotteries • Until 1988, only two states had legalized casino gaming • Now at least 39 states have legalized casino-style games • Simulcast, off-track, Internet, Bingo, Pull tabs • AMERICANS SPEND MORE $$$ ON GAMBLING THAN ALL OTHER FORMS OF RECREATION COMBINED!
Government Sponsored/Regulated Gaming Venues in West Virginia
Who are we? • First Choice Health Systems, Inc, established in 1995 as a statewide network of behavioral health providers, manages various state contracts • Answered RFP in December 1999 to design and implement a statewide gamblers help program • Provided comprehensive treatment program for gamblers in WV for almost 10 years
What is Problem Gambling? • Continuation of gambling behavior in spite of serious, negative consequences
Loss of Control • Makes unsuccessful efforts to stop, control or cut back on gambling.
Chasing • After losing money gambling, returns as soon as possible and gambles more to try to win back lost bets
Preoccupation Often thinking about gambling and/or obtaining money to gamble
Lying • To family members, friends, co-workers, employer, clergy or other important people about gambling
Escape • Uses gambling as a away to escape stress, depression, grief, boredom, loneliness, boredom and other negative feelings
Jeopardized Relationships and Loss of Activities • Has given up other social or recreational activities • Jeopardized family, friendships, career or school in order to keep gambling
Tolerance • Increased size/frequency of bets to achieve desired excitement
Bailouts • Turns to others for money to relieve financial crisis caused by gambling or to get money to gamble
Withdrawal • Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut back or stop gambling
Illegal Acts • Commits forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement to get money to gamble or to resolve financial crisis caused by gambling
DSM-IV Symptoms of a Gambling Problem 5 or more symptoms = Pathological Gambler 1 to 4 symptoms = Problem Gambler
National Prevalence Rates • National Council on Problem Gambling, Washington, DC • 2% to 3% of US Population in any given year • 6 million to 9 million Americans
Prevalence Rates in West Virginia? • Who Knows???? • 37,000 to 54,000 West Virginians???
Risk Factors That may contribute to the likelihood that someone develops a gambling problem
Pre-existing mental health problemsDepression, anxiety, bipolar, alcoholism, drug addiction and others…
Family history of addictionsalcohol, drugs, gambling and others…
Stressful life eventDeath of a loved one, divorce, job loss, injury, illness and others…
Senior Gambling LJust having fun? OOr headed for trouble?
Are Casinos the new Senior Centers? • Casinos offer many perks to seniors • Free or cheap rooms, food, giveaways • Valet parking or shuttle bus • Provide oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, places to dispose of diabetic needles • Cash your social security check • Friendship from other patrons, staff • “We miss you” cards • Remember them on their birthday
Or, are Senior Centers the new Casinos? • Many senior centers sponsor trips to casinos • Most senior centers and nursing home offer gambling activities like Bingo
Prevalence of Senior Gambling • Those over age 65 list gambling as the most common recreational activity • % of those over age 65 who gambled in past year doubled between 1975-1998 (NORC, 1999) • Conflicting reports on whether seniors have higher rates of gambling and if they are more likely to become addicted
Problem Gambling in WV Among Seniors • 25% of West Virginians are over age 55 (2000 Census) • This table shows WV Lottery player demographics compared to general population-% of players over 65 is proportionate to population • 17% of those who have called our helpline are over age 55
Why Seniors Gamble “ Why shouldn’t I throw my money away? “What else am I going to do with my time?” “The people at the casino are my only friends” “I’m so lonely since my husband died” “Maybe I can make some money to pay bills” “It makes me forgot about my back pain” “It’s the only fun I have” “Its something my wife and I can do together” “Its so safe here”
Medications and Gambling Drugs used to treat Parkinson's Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome (Mirapex, Requip) may cause behavioral changes As many as 1 in 6 on these meds report behavioral changes Increased gambling is one of the most commonly reported problems
Treatment implications for Senior Gamblers More reluctant to seek help Cognitive problems may interfere with ability to make sound decisions Underlying issues of loneliness, lack of socialization must be addressed Financial issues may be more pressing Family should be involved Higher rates of suicide
How We Help • Provide outreach to create public awareness
Recruit and provide 30 hours training to licensed clinicians • Counselors, social workers and psychologists • Quarterly Clinical Supervisions around the state • Advanced/Ongoing Continuing Education
All Callers offered free two-hour consult • Includes loved ones! • Scheduled while on the line • Goal is within 30 miles of residence • Within 72 hours of call • Referred to other support services and information mailed
What does our staff do when the helpline isn’t ringing? • Pre-appt courtesy call • Post-assessment follow-up • Treatment pre-certification and utilization review • 6-month, one-year and two-year follow-up • Compile data • Public awareness activities