0153 - Behavioural Addictions: Gambling, Gaming and Technology Overuse

Course Description

Hours: 12

Behavioural addictions are garnering increasing attention in both clinical contexts and in addiction research. There have been two significant changes that have put a spotlight on behavioural addictions. In 2013, the DSM-5 reclassified pathological gambling from an impulse control disorder to an addiction and in 2019 the World Health Organization (WHO) officially added Gaming Disorder to the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). These changes, informed by advancements in neuroscience, exemplify an evolving understanding and acknowledgement of behavioural processes as having similar features to that of substance abuse. 

This workshop on behavioural addictions will provide participants with an overview of problem gambling, gaming and technology overuse and will explore the similarities and differences between behavioural addictions and substance abuse. Even though there are many similarities between substance use and behavioural addictions, providing treatment for behavioural addictions requires a specialized skill set and knowledge base.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:  
•    Describe the overlap between gambling, gaming and technology overuse.
•    Explain prevalence rates across multiple demographic populations and at-risk populations.
•    Identify warning signs of gambling, gaming and technology use.
•    Describe how behavioral addictions impact major life domains and overall wellness (physical, emotional, mental, financial, social etc.). 
•    Recall screening methods to identify gambling, gaming and technology overuse in clients.
•    Explain the importance of mitigating harm by promoting responsible gambling and a balanced use of technology. 
•    Summarize evidence-based treatment approaches.

Supplementary Resources: 
•    The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals, Jody Bechtold and Alyssa Wilson
•    Internet Addiction: A Handbook and Guide to Evaluation and Treatment, Kimberly S. Young (Editor), Cristiano Nabuco de Abreu (Editor) 
•    Hooked on Games: The Lure and Cost of Video Game and Internet Addiction, by Andrew P Doan (Author), Brooke Strickland (Author), Douglas Gentile (Introduction)
•    Cyber Sober: A Caregiver’s Guide to Video Gaming Addiction, Elaine Uskoski

Note: This workshop was designed for helping professionals or those looking to get into the helping field. For those in recovery, the content and discussions may be triggering.

CACCF: 12 continuing education hours

Notes

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Remote: 548-889-5128
Online: 548-889-4967

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Addictions Certificate : Addictions Certificate