Understanding and Treatment of Gambling Disorder as an Addictive Disorder virtual presentation, Monday, 3/13/2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

Register Here        2 FREE CEUs for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC (IAODAPCA pending)

Training Summary:

This program will provide basic overview of gambling disorder and its clinical presentation as it relates to the disorder’s prior categorization as an impulse control disorder and current categorization as an addictive disorder.  Gambling disorder symptomology will be compared and contrasted to that of substance use disorders, and comorbidity will be explored. Effective interventions for gambling disorder will be reviewed, emphasizing both those that are found to be effective with substance use disorders and the differences unique to gambling disorder. Resources for the gambler, gambler’s loved ones, and clinician will be shared.

Training objectives:

Participants will be able to:

• List 2 features of gambling disorder presentation that are consistent with impulse control disorders, and 2 that are consistent with addictive disorders
• Name 3 similarities between gambling disorder and substance use disorders
• Recite 3 differences between gambling disorder and substance use disorders
• Become familiar with at least 2 each of:
  • Resources for disordered gamblers
  • Resources for loved ones of disordered gamblers
  • Interventions found to be effective in treating gambling disorder
• List 3 screening instruments that can be used to determine the need for further evaluation for gambling disorder

Presenter bio:

Elizabeth Thielen has over 20 years of experience in addictions counseling, and is certified as a Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor. Elizabeth conducts public awareness presentations and speaking engagements for different aspects of the community about gambling disorder, and was a speaker at the National Center for Responsible Gaming’s Annual Conference in 2018 and at the Joint Illinois/Missouri Behavioral Health Conference in 2019, and the International Center for Responsible Gaming’s conference in 2022. Elizabeth was on the Board of Directors for 10 years and served a term as President of the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling.  She has also been an adjunct faculty at the College of Lake County, teaching Process Addictions. Elizabeth is a former amateur athlete, who runs a blog highlighting the unique risks for problem gambling among athletes. https://fightproblemgambling.com/