scholarly journals Co-morbid gambling disorder in a local drug and alcohol service: an audit to determine prevalence

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S175-S175
Author(s):  
John Barker ◽  
Ruta Rele ◽  
Charlotte Cartwright ◽  
Bethany Dinsdale-Young
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Gambling Disorder ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Recording Process ◽  
Substance Related Disorders ◽  
Drug And Alcohol ◽  
Pro Forma ◽  
Brief Screening

AimsNational surveys show that over 56% of adults in England gamble annually, and of those surveyed, 0.5% were problem gamblers, equating to 300,000 problem gamblers at any point. The prevalence of problem gambling in patients with a substance misuse disorder ranges from 20.5% to 55%.The audit aims to improve the care of patients with comorbid substance misuse and gambling disorder by assessing the extent to which the service currently enquires about and records problem gambling in its patient cohort.It is hypothesised that as no formal recording process is in place locally, this information will not be recorded systematically and in a way that is easily retrievable by the service.The audit will allow the service to assess whether changes need to be made to the initial assessment pathways into treatment for substance-related disorders to adequately record this information so that further assessment and onward referral can take place.MethodAll active patients (n = 2824) within the service had both their electronic initial assessments and their entire electronic notes screened for terms such as ‘betting’ and ‘gambling’ and this was recorded using an Excel spreadsheet. Prevalence rates across the teams (opiates, non-opiates and alcohol) were then calculated.ResultThe results showed that 0% of patients had any entries in their initial screening noting any gambling activity. Further scrutiny of the records revealed that only 3.5% (n-99) had ever discussed gambling with a worker in any of the services.ConclusionThe majority (n = 52) of patients who had discussed gambling only had one positive search result, suggesting this was not followed-up in a systematic fashion. Recommendations are to revise the common assessment pro-forma to include a validated brief screening tool (lie/bet), where one positive answer triggers a further assessment with an appropriate clinician for consideration of referral to the local NHS gambling service.

Exploring the Gaps in Programming for Men and Women with a Gambling Disorder in the Correctional System in Canada

2021 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2110137
Author(s):  
Farah Jindani ◽  
Steve Cook ◽  
Jing Shi ◽  
Steve McAvoy ◽  
Chris Myers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
General Population ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Gambling Disorder ◽  
Barriers To Treatment ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Correctional System

The prevalence of problem gambling in the correctional system is about 10 times higher than in the general population, but programming for gambling problems in the correctional system is scarce. Examined barriers to treatment for problem gamblers in the correctional system, sex or gender differences, and options for program design. We conducted interviews with 16 experts who had worked with problem gamblers in the correctional system and analyzed the data in terms of themes. For barriers, the experts discussed a lack of awareness about problem gambling, as well as stigmatization and lockdowns. Experts described the content of current programs as equally applicable to both men and women, but that emotional components were more important for women. Finally, the experts had mixed views on whether programming should be integrated with other programs such as substance abuse. Programming implications for this population are discussed.

Only problem gamblers spend less money when loot boxes are removed from a game: A before and after study of Heroes of the Storm

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Real World ◽  
Complex Pattern ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Gambling Severity ◽  
Reliable Correlation ◽  
Before And After Study

Loot boxes are items in video games that may be paid for with real-world money, but which contain randomised contents. There is a reliable correlation between loot box spending and problem gambling severity: The more money gamers spend on loot boxes, the more severe their problem gambling tends to be. However, it is unclear whether this link represents a case in which loot box spending causes problem gambling; a case in which the gambling-like nature of loot boxes cause problem gamblers to spend more money; or whether it simply represents a case in which there is a general dysregulation in in-game spending amongst problem gamblers, nonspecific to loot boxes.The multiplayer video game Heroes of the Storm recently removed loot boxes. In order to better understand links between loot boxes and problem gambling, we conducted an analysis of players of Heroes of the Storm (n=112) both before and after the removal of loot boxes.There were a complex pattern of results. In general, when loot boxes were removed from Heroes of the Storm, problem gamblers appeared to spend significantly less money in-game in contrast to other groups. These results suggest that the presence of loot boxes in a game may lead to problem gamblers spending more money in-game. It therefore seems possible that links between loot box spending and problem gambling are not due to a general dysregulation in in-game spending amongst problem gamblers, but rather are to do with specific features of loot boxes themselves.

scholarly journals Gambling and Problem Gambling in Canada in 2018: Prevalence and Changes Since 2002: Le Jeu et le Jeu Problématique au Canada en 2018 : Prévalence et Changements Depuis 2002

2020 ◽  
pp. 070674372098008
Author(s):  
Robert J. Williams ◽  
Carrie A. Leonard ◽  
Yale D. Belanger ◽  
Darren R. Christensen ◽  
Nady el-Guebaly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Type Of Gambling ◽  
Community Health Survey ◽  
Electronic Gambling ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Electronic Gambling Machine

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide an updated profile of gambling and problem gambling in Canada and to examine how the rates and pattern of participation compare to 2002. Method: An assessment of gambling and problem gambling was included in the 2018 Canadian Community Health Survey and administered to 24,982 individuals aged 15 and older. The present analyses selected for adults (18+). Results: A total of 66.2% of people reported engaging in some type of gambling in 2018, primarily lottery and/or raffle tickets, the only type in which the majority of Canadians participate. There are some significant interprovincial differences, with perhaps the most important one being the higher rate of electronic gambling machine (EGM) participation in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The overall pattern of gambling in 2018 is very similar to 2002, although participation is generally much lower in 2018, particularly for EGMs and bingo. Only 0.6% of the population were identified as problem gamblers in 2018, with an additional 2.7% being at-risk gamblers. There is no significant interprovincial variation in problem gambling rates. The interprovincial pattern of problem gambling in 2018 is also very similar to what was found in 2002 with the main difference being a 45% decrease in the overall prevalence of problem gambling. Conclusions: Gambling and problem gambling have both decreased in Canada from 2002 to 2018 although the provincial patterns are quite similar between the 2 time periods. Several mechanisms have likely collectively contributed to these declines. Decreases have also been reported in several other Western countries in recent years and have occurred despite the expansion of legal gambling opportunities, suggesting a degree of inoculation or adaptation in the population.

scholarly journals Our Voices Matter: Using Lived Experience to Promote Equity in Problem Gambling Prevention

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Ortiz ◽  
Rachael Cain ◽  
Scott W. Formica ◽  
Rebecca Bishop ◽  
Haner Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Culturally Responsive ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Community Voice ◽  
Men Of Color ◽  
History Of ◽  
Planning Processes ◽  
Gambling Prevention

Abstract Purpose of Review The field of problem gambling has been historically disconnected from the community experience of gambling and people of color, leading to a lack of integration of those with lived experience into programming. The aim of this article is to describe community-centered efforts to prevent and mitigate harm from problem gambling in Massachusetts—including a pilot program, the Massachusetts Ambassador Project, which is grounded within public health and lived experience frameworks. Recent Findings To engage Massachusetts communities in problem gambling prevention, planning processes were conducted to develop culturally appropriate prevention strategies. One of the recurrent themes was the desire of men in the substance misuse recovery community to share their knowledge with others, specifically, men of color who experience racism and health disparities. This finding informed the development of the Ambassador Project, a novel, peer-based, community-centered, and culturally responsive approach for men of color who have a history of substance misuse to engage other men of color in problem gambling prevention. Two organizations pilot tested the project and reached 4388 individuals. The pilot led to several findings in the design and implementation of related projects. Lessons are shared in three categories: structure, support, and implementation. Summary This article demonstrates an innovative approach to connect the field of problem gambling prevention to the community experience, using a public health and social justice lens. Others in the field should acknowledge the disconnect between problem gambling and the lived experience of those disproportionately impacted by creating opportunities for community voice to be at the center of programming.

Young Males Attending a Family-Planning Clinic: Some Ideas about Consequences of Child Abuse

1999 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 529-532
Author(s):  
PEggy B. Smith ◽  
Maxine L. Weinman ◽  
Ruth S. Buzi
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Child Abuse ◽  
Family Planning ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Alcohol Misuse ◽  
Family Planning Clinic ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Drug And Alcohol

33 young males attending a family-planning clinic were asked about the consequences of child abuse as it affects behavioral problems of teens and their interest in programs that deal specifically with these problems. Nine reported they had been victims of abuse. Most believed that drug and alcohol misuse and suicide were the major consequences of child abuse. Fifteen were interested in programs for prevention of child abuse but not for specific problems such as substance misuse and smoking cessation. This study's findings suggest that family-planning clinics with services for males must address their behavioral as well as medical needs.

scholarly journals Visual Analogue Scales as a Tool for Initial Assessment of Tinnitus Severity: Psychometric Evaluation in a Clinical Population

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danuta Raj-Koziak ◽  
Elzbieta Gos ◽  
Weronika Swierniak ◽  
Joanna J. Rajchel ◽  
Lucyna Karpiesz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Tinnitus Severity ◽  
Interclass Correlation ◽  
Bland Altman Method ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Brief Screening ◽  
Analogue Scales

The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of patient-reported visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings. All of the participants (100 Polish-speaking adults) completed a Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) once and a 4-component VAS twice over a period of 3 days. Spearman’s correlation coefficients between the VAS score and global TFI ranged from ρ = 0.52 for VAS-coping (VAS-C) to ρ = 0.81 for VAS-annoyance (VAS-A). Using the Bland-Altman method, the agreement ranged from 93% for VAS-A to 96% for VAS-distress (VAS-D). Interclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.67 for VAS-C to 0.90 for VAS-A. The VAS cutoff points representing significant tinnitus severity ranged from 45 points for VAS-C to 66 points for VAS-D. VAS scales are a valid and reliable brief screening tool for obtaining quick information about tinnitus.

scholarly journals A Genealogical Analysis of the Medical Model of Problem Gambling

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-107
Author(s):  
Sean Wilcox
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Social Control ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Cumulative Effect ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Language Problem ◽  
Genealogical Analysis ◽  
New Form ◽  
Regulatory Decisions ◽  
Confessional Discourse

By applying Foucault’s genealogical approach, this article understands the ascension of the medical model of problem gambling as a happenstance and contingent effect of a new form of social control (biopower). The investigation reveals the cumulative effect of some of the heterogeneous components surrounding the medical model’s creation: discourses; institutions; laws; regulatory decisions; administrative measures; scientific proposition, and philanthropic, moral, and philosophical arguments. In the process, it becomes apparent that the medical model is an effect of a form of control that is embedded in the population itself as a norm and follows the schemata of confessional discourse. This power is disciplining individual bodies and regulating populations towards normality by making problem gamblers critically examine themselves and discursively reveal the results. However, the present subjectivity for problem gamblers (i.e., how they understand themselves and how they are understood by those who would improve them) is an effect of the type of power contained in the confession as well. A certain form of subjectivity is created by admitting ‘I am powerless over gambling.’ While the language problem gamblers use to describe themselves is a mere effect of power, it nevertheless determines how they think of themselves and their relationship with gambling.

Are Responsible Gambling Programs Important?

2019 ◽  
pp. 169-178
Author(s):  
Arnie Wexler ◽  
Sheila Wexler
Keyword(s):  
Gambling Disorder ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
Responsible Gambling ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Gambling Activities

The authors describe their experience with gambling disorder and those who suffer with this condition. Their primary objective is to describe responsible gambling activities and programs from the perspective of a recovering gambler, which differs from that of academics, scientists, clinicians, and policymakers. Gambling disorder is a progressive disease, much like addiction to alcohol or drugs. The authors present guidelines for dealing with problem gamblers and developing and implementing a responsible gambling program. The need for training casino staff and the pitfalls of self-exclusion programs are discussed. The authors emphasize the importance of taking into account the viewpoint of recovering gamblers when setting up responsible gambling programs.

scholarly journals Perceived social stigmatisation of gambling disorders and coping with stigma

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Dąbrowska ◽  
Łukasz Wieczorek
Keyword(s):  
Gambling Disorder ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Type Of Gambling ◽  
Sampling Procedures ◽  
And Coping

Aim: This study concerns perceived social stigmatisation of gambling disorder and its determinants, the self-perceptions of people with gambling disorder (self-stigma) and how they cope with stigma. Design: In total, 30 interviews with persons with gambling disorder and 60 with professionals were conducted. Selective sampling procedures were employed in the recruitment phase. In the case of professionals, the inclusion criteria were employment in facilities where treatment of gambling disorder is offered, and profession. For people with gambling disorder, the criterion was a diagnosis confirmed by a psychiatrist. Results: Elements revealed in past research on stigma-creation processes were reflected in respondents’ statements. The type of gambling, the occurrence of negative consequences, the possibility of hiding, personal responsibility, social status and contact with stigmatised populations are perceived determinants of problem gamblers’ stigmatisation. Gambling disorder sufferers experience anxiety associated with the possibility of rejection and a fear related to their condition being revealed to others. Various manifestations of cognitive distancing and hiding were coping mechanisms identified in the study. Conclusions: People with gambling disorder experience anxiety associated with the possibility of rejection, and they often conceal their disorder, which may hinder their treatment. Therefore the issue of stigma should be addressed in therapy.

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