Navigating the complexities of problem gambling and addiction requires robust resources and up-to-date information for both individuals seeking help and the professionals dedicated to providing support. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) is a pivotal organization in this landscape, offering a wealth of materials and training, notably through initiatives like Oasas Learning Thursday. This article serves as an enhanced guide to the vital resources provided by OASAS, particularly emphasizing the OASAS Learning Thursday series, ensuring that practitioners and those affected have access to the most helpful tools available.
For immediate, 24/7 support, the NYS OASAS HOPEline remains a critical point of contact. Anyone in need of assistance, or concerned about someone affected by problem gambling, can call 1-877-8HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) at any time. Gambling-related harms can manifest in various ways, impacting relationships, finances, and emotional well-being, causing feelings of anger, fear, shame, and worry. Recognizing these impacts is the first step towards seeking help and utilizing the comprehensive resources available through OASAS and its partners.
This guide expands upon the resources offered by the Problem Gambling Resource Center Treatment Provider Resources Hub, providing an organized and SEO-optimized overview for English-speaking audiences. It is designed to be a valuable tool for treatment providers seeking to enhance their practice and better support their clients in overcoming problem gambling.
Essential Resources for Problem Gambling Treatment
The following sections detail key resource categories crucial for effective problem gambling treatment, with a special focus on how OASAS Learning Thursday and related OASAS initiatives enhance professional development and resource accessibility.
Assessments and Screening Tools
Accurate assessment is foundational in addressing problem gambling. OASAS provides and recommends several screening and diagnostic tools for professionals:
- Brief Adolescent Gambling Screen (BAGS): Specifically designed for adolescents, this tool is crucial for early identification of gambling issues in younger populations. Brief Adolescent Gambling Screen
- DSM-5 Gambling Disorder Diagnostic Criteria: The standard diagnostic criteria used by clinicians to diagnose Gambling Disorder, ensuring consistent and reliable diagnosis. DSM-V Gambling Disorder Diagnostic Criteria
- Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale (G-SAS): A brief screening tool to quickly assess the severity of gambling symptoms. Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale brief screening tool
- South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS): A widely used and validated tool for identifying probable problem and pathological gamblers. Available in both English and Spanish. South Oaks Gambling Screen, South Oaks Gambling Screen -Spanish
These assessments are vital for professionals in accurately diagnosing and understanding the extent of gambling problems, enabling tailored treatment plans. OASAS Learning Thursday sessions often delve into the practical application and interpretation of these tools, enhancing provider competency.
Brief Screening Tools for Initial Contact
For quick and efficient screening, OASAS recommends these brief tools:
- Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS): A very short screening tool available in multiple languages, making it accessible for diverse populations. Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen brief screening tool
- Lie Bet Questionnaire: A concise tool using just two questions to screen for potential gambling problems. Lie Bet brief screening tool
- NODs-CLiP and NODs-PERC: These tools offer different approaches to brief gambling screening, providing options for various clinical settings. NODs-CLiP, NODs-PERC
- Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) E-Screener: An online screening tool for initial self-assessment or for use in clinical settings. PGRC E-Screener (Problem Gambling Severity Index)
These brief screens are invaluable for frontline professionals and can be integrated into routine assessments to identify individuals who may benefit from more in-depth evaluation and treatment. The OASAS Learning Thursday series may feature sessions on the effective implementation of these brief screening methods.
Financial Resources and Tools
Financial strain is a significant consequence of problem gambling. OASAS provides resources to help individuals and families manage financial challenges:
- Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Rochester: Offers services across NYS to help individuals manage debt and improve financial health. Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Rochester
- Monthly Budget Planner: A practical tool to help individuals create and manage a budget, essential for regaining financial control. Monthly Budget Planner.docx
- Technology, Providers & Gambling Treatment Training with TrueLink Card Demo: Training on utilizing technology and financial tools like TrueLink Card to aid in treatment. Technology, Providers & Gambling Treatment training
- Therapeutic Budget: A specialized budget template designed for individuals in recovery from gambling addiction. A Therapeutic Budget for people in recovery(1).xlsx
- Your Money, Your Goals Financial Toolkit: A comprehensive toolkit from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, available in multiple languages, to build financial skills. Your Money, Your Goals financial toolkit
These financial resources are critical for addressing the economic impacts of problem gambling and supporting recovery. OASAS Learning Thursday may include modules on integrating financial counseling and tools into gambling addiction treatment.
Essential PGRC Forms for Treatment Providers
For streamlined administrative processes, OASAS provides frequently used forms for Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) clinicians:
- Financial Assessment Form: For detailed evaluation of a client’s financial situation. Financial Assessment
- Inpatient Treatment Contact Information: A directory of inpatient treatment facilities for referrals. Inpatient Treatment Contact information
- Portal Guidance Document: Instructions for using the PGRC online portal. Portal Guidance Document
- Policy & Procedures for PGRC Clinicians: Guidelines for clinical reimbursement and practice policies. Policy & Procedures for PGRC Clinicians
- Release Of Information Forms (English and Spanish): Essential forms for client consent to share information. Release Of Information, Release of Information -Spanish
- Session Note Forms (English and Spanish): Templates for documenting therapy sessions. Session Note -Spanish, Session Record form
These forms ensure compliance and facilitate efficient service delivery for PGRC clinicians. Training on the proper use and completion of these forms could be a valuable topic within OASAS Learning Thursday.
OASAS Training Resources – Learning Thursday Series
OASAS Learning Thursday is a cornerstone of professional development in addiction services. Key resources within this series include:
- Gambling and Behavioral Health Conditions: Explores the co-occurrence of gambling addiction with other mental health conditions, crucial for integrated treatment approaches. Gambling and Behavioral Health Conditions
- Problem Gambling Screening in Treatment Programs, Why it Matters: Highlights the importance of routine screening for problem gambling across all treatment programs. Problem Gambling Screening in Treatment Programs, Why it Matters
- OASAS Learning Hub: The central portal for accessing all OASAS Learning Thursday sessions and other training materials. OASAS Learning Hub
OASAS Learning Thursday is explicitly designed to enhance the expertise of addiction professionals. By participating in these sessions, providers stay updated on best practices, new research, and effective treatment methodologies. The focus on topics like screening and co-occurring disorders directly addresses critical areas in problem gambling treatment.
OASAS Provider Resources for Enhanced Practice
Beyond Learning Thursday, OASAS offers additional resources to support providers:
- Group Therapy Options: Details on structuring and implementing group therapy for problem gambling. Group Therapy Options
- Group Referral Guidance: Best practices for referring clients to group therapy. Group Referral Guidance
- Peer Referral Guidance: Information on utilizing peer support services in addiction treatment. Peer Referral Guidance
- Guidance for Reimbursement: Information on reimbursement policies for OASAS-designated gambling treatment programs. Guidance for Reimbursement
These resources are essential for providers to deliver comprehensive, well-rounded care and to navigate the administrative and clinical aspects of problem gambling treatment effectively.
Online Resources, Podcasts, and Recovery Meetings
For readily accessible information and support, OASAS and its partners offer a range of online resources:
- Know The Odds Website: A public resource for general information about problem gambling. Know The Odds website
- MindRideNY: Provides basic education on the neurological impacts of gambling addiction. MindRideNY
- NYCPG YouTube Page: Features videos and educational content from the New York Council on Problem Gambling. NYCPG YouTube Page
- Podcasts: A curated list of podcasts offering insights and personal stories related to gambling addiction and recovery, including “All In: The Addicted Gamblers’ Podcast” and “After Gambling Podcast”.
- Recovery Meetings: A comprehensive list of recovery meeting resources, including Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-Anon, SMART Recovery, and online options. Resources like “8-Dimensions of Wellness” and “The Bet Free Life” YouTube show provide diverse recovery pathways.
These online and community resources extend support beyond clinical settings, offering continuous access to information, community, and recovery tools.
Voluntary Self-Exclusion and Workbooks
For individuals seeking to limit their access to gambling and for structured self-help, OASAS provides:
- Voluntary Self-Exclusion Programs: Forms and information for self-excluding from casinos and wagering facilities in NYS and neighboring states. NYS Voluntary Self Exclusion form
- Workbooks: A selection of workbooks designed for self-study and therapeutic use, covering topics from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to mindfulness-based relapse prevention. Examples include “Gambling Behaviour Self Study workbook” and “Your First Step to Change 3rd Edition workbook”.
Voluntary self-exclusion and workbooks are proactive tools that empower individuals to take control of their gambling behavior and engage in structured recovery work.
Conclusion: Leveraging OASAS Resources for Effective Problem Gambling Support
The resources compiled and enhanced here, particularly highlighting OASAS Learning Thursday, represent a comprehensive toolkit for addressing problem gambling. From assessment tools to financial resources, training opportunities, and recovery support networks, OASAS provides invaluable support for both individuals and professionals. By utilizing these resources, and continuously engaging with initiatives like OASAS Learning Thursday, professionals can enhance their expertise, improve treatment outcomes, and contribute to healthier communities. For anyone seeking immediate help, remember the NYS OASAS HOPEline is available 24/7 at 1-877-8HOPENY.
