469 Introduction to Problem and Pathological Gambling: Knowledge and Education
Registration Open
Brown University Distance Learning Program is offering a credited, on-line course on problem and pathological gambling.
This workshop will give you an introduction to gambling and how it has become a serious problem in our society. During the four weeks of this workshop participants will learn and understand what gambling is and the various types of gamblers there are. They will also learn the various forms of gambling that’s is out there. Participants will also learn the phases of gambling and the characteristics of the gambler. We will also discuss how gambling affects the family as well. We will end with learning and understanding the various treatments available for a person with a gambling problem and the family members.
There is a big need for professionals in the addiction field to have an understanding of the seriousness of gambling addiction and how it is affecting our clients and our society today. In 1978 only 2 states had legalized Gambling. As of 2001 only 3 states had not legalized gambling. 38 states have Lotteries and 35 States have off track betting. Studies have shown that 86% of Americans gamble in some form. This does not mean that 86% have a problem with gambling. At the end of this workshop you will have a better understanding of who is considered to be a problem gambler. Studies have also shown that problem gambling is higher in areas where legalized gambling has been around for long periods time. Up to 5 million Americans may have a significant gambling problem, 2 million may be a pathological gambler, and 3 million may be a problem gambler. The cost of Pathological and Problem gambling has now soared to nearly half the annual cost of drug abuse in the United States.
So at the end of this workshop you will have an introduction to the gambling problem we now face. You will know the difference between the five types of gamblers, you will learn and understand the difference between action and escape gamblers. And the three phases of compulsive gamblers. (Winning, Losing and Desperation phase) Participants will also learn the characteristics of a pathological gambler. You will also look at how the family is affected by gambling and we will look at the profile of the female and male significant others. We will also look at the profile of a child of a compulsive gambler. Lastly you will understand the various treatments available for both the gamblers and their families. And review the warning signs of potential gambling and the gambling lingo to look out for in your clients. We will also look at the screening tools that are available to help you assess a person with a potential gambling addiction.
Instructor
Cathy Mikulak, MS,CASAC*G is a substance abuse counselor for Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern New York. It is an inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation program. She holds her Master’s Degree in Counseling with a specialization in substance abuse from Pace University in Pleasentville New York. She is also a certified Alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC) with a specialization in gambling treatment. She has over 10 years experience providing substance abuse and mental health treatment. Cathy teaches Psychology as an adjunct at Ramapo College in Mahwah New Jersey and Iona College in New Rochelle New York.
Course Objectives
- To understand what gambling is and the types of gambling/gamblers that exist.
- To learn and understand the phases of gambling and the characteristic of a gambler.
- We will look at how the gamblers actions affects the family and the profiles of the family members.
- To learn and understand the various treatments available for the gambler and their families.
Course Requirements
This is a four-week course, beginning on March 01, 2010. Requirements are:
- Required on-line reading (one hour per week)
- Completion of pre and post test
- Completion of weekly homework assignments (one hour per week)
- Participation in the weekly course forum
- Completion of an on-line course evaluation
*Please note that there are no real time events associated with this course. Lessons will be posted on the class home page on Tuesday and responses are due the following Monday. With the exception of the first weeks lesson which will be posted Monday with the responses due the following Monday. Assignments can be accessed at the participant’s convenience.
A full refund is available up until March 09, 2010 after which there will be no refunds.
Accreditation
$60.00 Certification
- This four-week course, which begins on March 01, 2010, has been approved by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) for 8 educational credits. It is being provided by the Brown Distance Learning program, which is accredited as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider (#000151).
- This course meets the qualifications for 8 hours of continuing education credit for MFCC’s and/or LCSW’s as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (PCE#1917).
- This course is approved by the Connecticut Certification Board (CCB) for 8 Category 1 continuing education for Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC’s). The CCB is an IC&RC affiliate.
- The New York State OASAS does accept distance learning CEUs provided by institutions of higher learning for individuals pursuing or renewing a CASAC, CPP or CPS.
$100.00 Certification
- This Brown Distance Learning Program workshop is approved by the American Psychological Association for 8 CE’s for psychologists. The Brown Distance Learning Program maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
*Combined certificates are available upon request.
Certificates will be mailed within two weeks to participants in the program for its duration who submit all required materials.
Please contact your local certification board to verify reciprocity or acceptance of Brown Distance Learning contact hours.
To participate, you must have:
- An E-mail address and the capacity to retrieve and send E-mail;
- Access to World Wide Web (the following programs provide WWW access: Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Explorer)
- Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher is the preferred browser for Brown DLP online courses
- The ability to navigate the World Wide Web
- A basic understanding of how to use a computer and send and receive email
PLEASE NOTE NETWORK AND COMPUTER TECHNICAL SUPPORT WILL NOT BE PROVIDED.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 01, 2010 or when the course limit is reached.
To register for this course please log into your account or create your account then log into your account and click the Enroll in a New Course link at the bottom of your account page. On the Enrollment page select ‘469 Problem and Pathological Gambling’ using the pull down menu and click on the enroll button. Having enrolled into the course you will be prompted for payment. You may make your payment online or by regular mail. To view payment information please use the payment policies.
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