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Problem gambling can devastate individuals, families and communities. The effects of a gambling disorder are not only economic – they can lead to damaged relationships and high rates of substance abuse, depression and suicide.
During Problem Gambling Awareness Month this March, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is sharing information about the dangers of problem gambling, as well as resources to help clinicians recognize when their patients have a problem.
Problem gambling is often overlooked in clinical settings. That’s why DHS is urging licensed health care providers to use a simple, two-question screener to help them identify problematic gambling or gambling-related behaviors in their patients. The questionnaire, called “Lie/Bet,” includes the following questions:
- Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
- Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?
If the responses are “no” to both questions, no further screening or referral is needed. If the person answers “yes” to one or both questions, further assessment and referral is needed.
Further screening tools include Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions, South Oaks Gambling Screen, or the NORC Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Disorders – Self-Administered. Any licensed provider can reference the Lie/Bet screener in their assessments, but further assessment should be referred out to any of Minnesota’s state-approved problem gambling treatment providers.
Individuals struggling with gambling disorder have the highest rate of suicide of any addiction, making it imperative for licensed providers to assess for gambling behaviors and consider referrals to an approved provider.
Minnesota also needs more clinicians to help people struggling with a gambling use disorder. For that reason, DHS offers scholarships for qualified clinicians interested in becoming a problem gambling treatment service provider. These scholarships cover training costs up to $1,197.
The Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling manages the scholarship/reimbursement program for DHS. For information on eligibility and the application process, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, visit mnapg.org/certification/.
Additional resources
- If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling in any form, you can call a free, confidential helpline at 1-800-333-HOPE, or text HOPE to 61222. This DHS-funded 24/7 helpline will help guide individuals to available problem gambling supports and resources in their community.
- The state of Minnesota provides funds for gambling treatment for people who do not have insurance or another source of payment – no one is turned away if they can’t afford treatment. Visit GetGamblingHelp.com for resources and a link to state-approved treatment providers.
- Younger audiences can visit the youth-focused website, justaskmn.org, that helps teach young people about problem gambling. The website includes information on moderation, myths about sports betting and signs of problem gambling.
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