Problem gambling: Youth program

CAMH's Problem Gambling Service Youth Specialist currently provides individual counselling to youth under the age of 25. The Problem Gambling Service's approach to working with problem gamblers is particularly suited to youth. Youth are encouraged to choose how they would like to change their gambling behaviour. Options range between setting limits on frequency and expenditure to complete abstinence. Interested clients can learn how to self-monitor for signs of problem gambling, enhance coping skills and work out misunderstandings about the likelihood of winning.

Why was the Youth Program established?
The youth program of the Problem Gambling Service started in 1997 in response to prevalence studies that indicate that youth are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop a problem with gambling than adults. Currently youth seeking services are more likely to seek help for high profile problems such as substance abuse, various forms of abuse, difficulties with mental health, or homelessness. Studies also indicate that youth who are struggling with these problems are also more likely to have a concurrent problem with gambling. This situation suggests that gambling problems are sometimes overlooked or regarded as being less pressing.

What are the effects of problem gambling?
Problem gambling has the potential to undermine a youth's life in much the same way as substance abuse and can become associated with depression or anxiety. Negative consequences commonly associated with problem gambling include financial problems, strained or lost relationships, poor performance at school or work, criminal behaviour, preoccupation with gambling, avoidance of other issues, and lack of progress on goals.

Why are youth more likely to become problem gamblers?
The higher prevalence of youth problem gambling may be partially explained by developmental factors. Youth is a time of growing but relatively untried autonomy. Risk taking behavior can peak during this time and it is not uncommon for youth to act impulsively, fueled by a sense of being invulnerable. Youth are also more likely to be focused on what is happening for them in the present and may be less likely to anticipate negative consequences emerging from their actions. In addition to stage of development factors, youth tend to have more disposable income than adults. Greater inclination towards risk taking and having relatively less financial responsibility can contribute to youth being more vulnerable to problem gambling.

Treatment services: Free, confidential counselling is provided for youth who are either gamblers or family members of gamblers. Contact us.

Public awareness, outreach, and education: Presentations and information sessions on gambling and problem gambling are available for youth and/or youth-focused service providers.

Youth Making Choices: Coping and Critical Thinking: The Problem Gambling Service Youth Specialist, in collaboration with CAMH scientists and Boards of Education, and funded by the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre, has developed a resource package designed to prevent problem gambling. Outcome studies are in progress to determine its effectiveness with high school populations. The package is in the form of a curriculum, and includes

• a 50-page teacher's guide
• Full teacher support
• Clear one-page lesson plans
• Examples, exercises and quizzes
• CD-ROM for self-directed learning

The prevention package targets three areas:

• Enhancing coping skills
  • Feeling prepared to cope reduces stress and helps us feel better
  • Listening and communication skills enhance interpersonal relations
  • Facing challenges effectively enhances self-confidence
• Knowledge about the pitfalls of prediction
  • Winning and losing occurs more by chance than by skill
  • Luck is an illusion
  • The outcome of one bet has no influence on the next
• Learning to recognize and avoid problems
  • Recognize the signs of becoming 'caught up in the moment'
  • Learn ways of stepping back from the situation and re-evaluating
  • Check for signs that you may be developing a problem with gambling

For more information please contact John Macdonald at 416-599-1322, ext. 7408, or e-mail at John_Macdonald@camh.net.

 

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