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
6 / 4 9
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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