Problem Gambling Prevention in AlbertaMarch 28, 2003

Z’Anne Harvey-JansenTheresa HermaryRon Beach

Universal Prevention Promote wellness and healthy lifestyles in

the broad population Prevent the onset of the behavior

Examples of Universal Prevention AADAC’s School Strategy Problem Gambling Resources

Youth Framework AADAC’s School Strategy

Enhances services to schools Comprehensive, collaborative approach Curriculum aligned resources Best and Promising practices Focus on key transition grades 4, 7, 9 and 11

Playing for Keeps

Curriculum aligned for Senior High students

Used in schools or community programs Information on adolescent gambling Youth perspectives on gambling

Your Best Bet

School Curriculum for Junior High students

Skill building activities Positive decision making Helping teens to identify high risk

gambling activities

Targeted Prevention

Decrease the prevalence of problem gambling

Promotion of protective factors and resilience

Examples of Targeted Prevention Initiatives Community Projects

Resiliency - Mentoring Problem Gambling - ASSIST

Guiding Principles of Community Projects Strength Based Family Involvement Culturally Sensitive Relevant to Youth Community Based

Resiliency Community Projects Mentoring One-to-one relationships between volunteer

adults and school children identified as at-risk Creating environments that can respond

constructively to risk factors Schools, families and communities become

partners in addressing addiction problems

Recognizing When Gambling Becomes a Problem

ASSIST Community Services CentreEdmonton Chinese Community

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w i l l b e s e l e c t e d t h r o u g h V i e w e r s ’ C h o i c e . S e l e c t i o n r e s u l t s w i l l b e a n n o u n c e d i n

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A S S I S T C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s C e n t r e 9 6 5 3 - 1 0 5 A A v e , E d m o n t o n , A B , T 5 H 0 M 3 E n t r i e s w i l l n o t b e r e t u r n e d . F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e p h o n e 4 2 9 - 3 1 1 1

O r g a n i z e d b y : A S S I S T C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s C e n t r e F u n d e d b y : A l b e r t a A l c o h o l a n d D r u g A b u s e

C o m m i s s i o n ( A A D A C ) S p o n s o r e d i n p a r t b y : W e s t E d m o n t o n M a l l

Problem Gambling Awareness Displays and theatre productions in schools Poetry Contest Workshops Radio Programs Newspaper Publications Family Support Community Collaboration

Goals of the Project Enhance support for families through

supporting integration and reduce barriers to accessing resources and services.

Help schools and other community services to respond constructively to the risk factor of problem gambling in the family

Indicated Prevention Targets people already experiencing a

problem and who may not be ready or able to engage in a formal treatment experiences

The intent is to reduce the harms associated with problem gambling

Examples of IndicatedPrevention Initiatives

Responsible Gaming

Gambling Decisions

Winning Moments

Effects of problem gambling Signs of a Problem Helping Resources How to Help

Employee’s are encouraged to : Be open to talking to patron Point out helpful resources Avoid reinforcing the myths Respect the customer Refer to establishment’s customer service

policy

Gambling Decisions

A Program to Help Clients Control their Gambling

Gambling Decisions An early intervention program for people

whose gambling is starting to cause problems in their lives- problem gamblers.

Program Focus Gambling Decisions provides participants

with a choice of goals.

• Learn to control their gambling

• Decide to abstain altogether

How it works : Clients are screened by phone A six week program is offered before the

problem is too big. Clients who need more intensive help are

referred to abstinence programs

Three formats of the program: 1. Self Help

2. Self Help Plus

3. Group program

Results to Date: Successfully tested in a 1 – year controlled

trial in Edmonton Results published Dissemination plan being developed

Question and Answer