According to the 2016 Survey of Problem Gambling Services in the United States (Marotta, J., et al, 2017) an estimated 23,639 adult Maine residents are believed to struggle with a gambling problem.Yet, gambling disorder is an invisible condition, causing deep distress for individuals and devastating consequences for families. Though gambling disorder is classified in the DSM-5 as one of the “Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders” which recognizes the similarities between problem gambling and addiction to substances, the severity of the problem is largely underestimated by individuals and society, including professionals who deal with at-risk populations each day. These professionals include clinicians, preventionists, recovery coaches, law enforcement, medical professionals, and those who work with youth, elder populations, veterans and others.

Through the normalization of gambling and increased access to a wide variety of gambling opportunities, as well as the stigma associated problem gambling, it is important to bring attention to gambling disorder, to educate the people of Maine about this public health issue and to find solutions to barriers we are currently facing in the prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery of problem gambling.

This conference will feature expert speakers to lead conversations on trends in Maine and beyond, integrating problem gambling as a co-occurring disorder, recognizing the danger of suicide in problem gamblers and providing interventions and resources for safety, and guiding us to find solutions and ways to bring stakeholders to the table.

The agenda includes:

Updates and Trends: Maine and the Nation

• Brianne Doura, Legislative Director, National Council on Problem Gambling

Gambling as a Co-occurring Disorder

• Fred Fetta and Jeremy Wampler, Problem Gambling Services, State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

There has been a dramatic shift in the past 10 years in both the substance use and mental health fields. Not only are providers recognizing the importance of integrating treatment for multiple substances (e.g. alcohol, drug and tobacco use) but also the need to include mental health disorders into clinical formulations.  However, the screening, assessment and treatment of gambling disorder often falls through the cracks, even in well-developed co-occurring disorder enhanced programs. This training will focus on gambling as a co-occurring disorder and how integration of services can be developed in the current treatment and prevention services realm.

Disordered Gambling Integration

• Fred Fetta, Jeremy Wampler

It is very likely that only a small minority of individuals combating problematic gambling behaviors will seek treatment services. As a result, it is important to find additional and non-traditional ways to raise awareness in our communities. During this workshop, we will focus on how to integrate gambling into existing mental health and substance use disorder programs. We will also introduce new methods to encourage stakeholders in the community to join the conversation.

Suicide Prevention and Intervention with Problem Gamblers

• Greg A Marley, LCSW, Clinical Director, NAMI Maine

An individual exhibiting severe problem gambling experiences many of the shared risk factors of other groups seen as at increased risk for suicide. Deeply distressing feelings of shame, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness coincide with feeling trapped, facing multiple losses of finances, jobs, relationships and general life stability. Someone struggling with problem gambling is also at increased risk of concurrent substance use disorders, anxiety or depression. This session will explore the increased risk of suicide among those with problem gambling and introduce a straight forward intervention and the resources to support safety and stabilization. 

Registration Fee: $45.00
Early Bird Registration Fee: $35
Register and pay by 3/13/20 to save $10.

Date: March 27, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Check-in and continental breakfast begins at 8:30

Maple Hill Farm Conference Center
11 Inn Road
Hallowell, Maine 04937

Continuing Education Credits: Upon successful completion of the training, a certificate issuing 6 Contact Hours of Continuing Education will be available to participants. See the website for full details.

With clarification from the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, AdCare will not be offering LADC CEU's for this event. The Board has determined that gambling addiction treatment does not fall within the scope of work of Licensed Drug and Alcohol counselors.