"Overview of Problem Gambling and Current Trends."

Our February Clinical Grand Round will be: "Overview of Problem Gambling and Current Trends" presented by Kaitlin Brown LPC, LADC, ICGC II, IGDC, BACC and Stephen Matos ICGC II, RSS.

Kaitlin is currently the Senior Director of Programs & Services for the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. In her role she oversees the statewide problem gambling helpline, education, prevention initiatives, and responsible gambling efforts. Kaitlin is also currently a part of the Executive Team for the NCPG Prevention Committee and Co-Chair for both the Prevention and Helpline Committees. In 2021, Kaitlin was honored with the NCPG Jim Wuelfing Prevention Award for her work in helping advance the field of problem gambling prevention.

Stephen Matos is a person in long-term recovery of over 37 years from gambling, alcohol and as a person affected from problem gambling. Stephen is also a Peer Counselor and Recovery Support Specialist. Stephen facilitates recovery groups, family support groups along with seeing clients individually. Stephen works closely with the DMHAS Problem Gambling Services and the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling in the facilitation of trainings, prevention, awareness activities and manages PGS gambling recovery support grant providing recovery opportunities for persons in recovery from problem and persons affected by it.

Synopsis & Objective:

This training will describe the landscape of gambling in CT. We will identify risk factors, warning signs, as well as ways gambling co-occurs with mental health and substance misuse issues.

Research shows that individuals who are currently experiencing other behavioral health concerns are 10x more likely to develop a problem with gambling. We know that many people who receive services for other concerns may not disclose information about their gambling behavior at first. In this training, we will discuss the similarities and differences between gambling and substance use disorders.

We will explore clinical criteria for Gambling Disorder in the DSM-5, brain biology and participate in an interactive activity highlighting risk. Screening and conversation tools will be shared as well as resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the landscape of gambling in CT.

Describe the progression of gambling from recreational to Gambling Disorder.

Identify resources in the community for those impacted by gambling related harms