against all odds african americans & problem gambling problem gambling ta & training project
TRANSCRIPT
Against All Odds
African Americans& Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
AFRICAN AMERICAN - FACTS
The rate of problem gambling is significantly higher among minorities and lower income individuals and the negative effects of problem gambling disproportionately affect these individuals. (University of Buffalo)
Problem drinkers are 23x more likely to also have a gambling problem, than individuals who do not have a problem with alcohol. (University of Buffalo)
California boasts the 2nd largest African American population in the country, with much lower net worth than White households. (U.S. Census, 2000)
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Types of Gambling Activity in the African American Community
Numbers Running Pool Halls Race Tracks Street Dice Games Cards
Casinos Lottery Scratch Offs Bingo Sports Betting
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Comparison of Frequency at Unlicensed Games by Ethnicity
0
10
20
30
Per
cen
t
Cards Dice SptTeams Coins
Unlicensed Games
AfrAmer
Cauc
NatAmer
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
***All differences significant to .001
AFRICAN AMERICANS - ResearchAfrican
AmericansWhites /
Caucasians
Gambling Impact and Behavior Study (NORC, 1999)
Problem 2.7 1.4
Pathological 3.2 1.0
Research Institute on Addictions (NY, 2001)
Problem 7.7 1.8
Pathological 3.7 0.5
Research Institute on Addictions (NY, 2004)
Problem w/American Indians
11 3.1
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
In California prevalence study: Only 6% of non-PG’s were African Americans, whereas 14% of PG’s were African Americans. (1990)
Contributing Sociological Factors Social Rewards
- Social Interaction- Sensory Stimulation- Decision-making Opportunities- Group Membership- Emotional / Moral Support- Self Esteem
Problems with Outside Society- Loss of Social Networks- Value Conflicts
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
AFRICAN AMERICAN CHALLENGES
Sociological factors for gambling, especially for African American males are social reinforcements and a false sense of power related to the Invisibility Syndrome
This is also true for African American adolescent males, who according to a study by researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, have high rates of problem gambling, combined with externalizing behaviors, impulsivity and hyperactivity, particularly if they live in disadvantaged neighborhoods
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Invisibility Syndrome Frustration Increased awareness of
perceived slights Chronic indignation Pervasive discontent &
disgruntlement Anger Immobilization or
increasing inability to get things done
Questions one’s worthiness Disillusionment &
confusion Feeling trapped Conflicted racial identity Internalized rage Depression Substance Abuse Loss of Hope
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Ethnicity within Pathology
35
54.2
2.6
57.7
29.4
4.5
0
20
40
60
80
100
% w
ith
in D
SM
4J
NotPatho Patho
DSM IV-J
AfrAmer
Cauc
NatAmer
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
*** All differences significant to .001.
•PersonalitySensation SeekingImpulsivity
•Mood StatesDepressionAnxiety
•AddictionsCo-occurring DisordersSubstance abuse / dependenceRecovery
Psychological Factors
• Social Learning- Parents may serve to model gambling behaviors- Study participants who reported that parents have
gambling problems were more likely to be pathological gamblers themselves.
• Genetic Predisposition- Twin study found some heritability for pathological
gambling symptoms based on DSM-III- Molecular genetic study found evidence for shared
genetic component among pathological gamblers
Familial Factors
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Impact on Families
The most common problem is the loss of money. Savings, property or belongings may suddenly be lost. This kind of money crisis makes the family feel scared, angry and betrayed.
Gambling problems cause strong feelings among familymembers, which make it harder to solve problems. Many partners of those with gambling problems do not want to be emotionally or physically close with the person who has hurt them. Family members may avoid other people, because they feel ashamed.
Family Impact: Emotional Problems
• Most people who gamble excessively have mixed feelings about gambling. They know they are causing problems for the people they love. They may become anxious and unhappy, and often hate themselves. But the urge to gamble is too great to resist.
• They feel they can’t give up on all the time, money and emotion they have put into gambling. They can’t accept that they will never win back what they have lost.
• Family violence is more common when families are in crisis. Gambling problems can lead to physical or emotional abuse of a partner, elder parent or child.
Family Impact: Physical/Mental Health
The stress of gambling problems sometimes causes health
problems, for both the person who gambles and the family.
This can include anxiety, depression and stress-related
problems such as poor sleep, ulcers, bowel problems,
headaches and muscle pains.
Many families under stress have trouble coping. One
member may try to keep things in control by taking on
more tasks. This can lead to burnout. Family members
often forget to take care of themselves or to have fun.
Family Impact: Children
When a parent or caregiver has a gambling problem,
children can feel forgotten, depressed and angry. They may
believe they caused the problem and that if they are “good,”
the problem will stop. Children may believe they must take
sides between their parents. They may stop trusting a parent
who makes promises he or she doesn’t keep. Some children
may try to draw attention away from the parent with the
gambling problem by misbehaving.
Senior citizens are the fastest growing age group in the country
Seniors now form the largest group of annual visitors to Las Vegas
California hotlines: between 1999 & 2003, calls from older adults increase 25%
Less likely to seek help, view treatment more negatively than other age groups
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Older Adults
Increased time on hands, accumulated wealth, compounded with social isolation, where gambling = acceptance & inclusion
Targeted by gambling industry as a large consumer group Gambling onset may also have been preceded by the
death of loved ones – i.e. spouse, friends, etc. At greater risk for suicide Need for age-specific interventions for older problem
gamblers. Depression / anxiety, poor & deteriorating health
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Women
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Between 1975 and 1998, women who reported lifetime gambling increased 22%, as compared to 13% for men.
Gambling impacts women differently: more likely to experience anxiety or suicide attempts as a result of gambling.
Gambling usually becomes a problem later in life
Experience a faster progression, often becoming problematic almost immediately, and hitting bottom within 1 to 3 years.
Women have a narrower scope of gambling (non-strategic games) and tend to be classified as escape gamblers, whereas men tend to be “action” gamblers.
Women are far less likely to seek help for gambling problems.
Traditional treatment modalities such as GA are historically male-dominated
Likely codependent
Often a victim of abuseOften a victim of abuse..Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
History of any abuse or neglect 84.2%; emotional, abuse (65.8%); physical abuse (63.2%) and sexual abuse (47.4%). Moore, 2002
63% reported medium-severe problem childhoods; personal history of substance abuse. Davis, 2004
Pre-occuring mental health conditions: any mental condition 81.6%; dis-associative disorder (68.4%) ; mood disorder (39.5%) and anxiety disorder (7.9%).
Moore, 2002 Blacks are theBlacks are the ONLY ONLY ethnicity where female ethnicity where female
gamblers outnumber male gamblers (51%). gamblers outnumber male gamblers (51%).
Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, 2009Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
What’s Recovery Got to Do With It?
For 2 - 5% of the population, gambling is an addiction that destroys them personally, professionally and financially, not unlike alcoholism or drug abuse.
BUT…BUT…
For persons with alcohol and/or drug related problems (or in recovery), that number increases to an estimated 25-30%!25-30%!
University of Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions
Disorder Sample N
Lifetime Substance Abuse among Problem Gamblers
Lifetime Substance Abuse among Non-Problem Gamblers
General or any substance use disorder
Bland et al. (1993) 7,214 63.3% 19.0%
Feigelman et al. (1998) 6,308 35.2% 6.5%
Alcohol abuse or dependence
Bland et al. (1993) 7,214 63.3% 16.5%
Cunningham-Williams et al. (1998) 2,954 44.1% 7.5%
Gernstein et al. (1999) 2,417 9.9% 1.1%
Petry, Stinson & Grant (Submitted) 43,093 73.2% 25.0%
Smart & Ferris (1996) 2,016 8.5% 4.4%
Welte et al. (2001) 2,638 25.0% 1.4%
Drug Abuse or dependence
Bland et al. (1993) 7,214 23.3% 6.3%
Cunningham-Williams et al. (1998) 2,954 15.5% 3.5%
Petry, Stinson & Grant (Submitted) 43,093 38.1% 8.8%
Nicotine dependence
Cunningham-Williams et al. (1998) 2,954 54.7% 27.2%
Petry, Stinson & Grant (Submitted) 43,093 60.4% n.s.
Smart & Ferris (1996) 2,016 41.6% 21.3%
Prevalence Rates of Substance Abuse Disorders in Treatment-Seeking PGs
DSM-IV: Substance Dependence Criteria Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control. A
great deal of time is spent in activities-getting, using, recovering.
Loss of ControlLoss of Control Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are reduced
or eliminated. Use continues despite known negative consequences. Damage or DisruptionDamage or Disruption
A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication; or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance. ToleranceTolerance
Withdrawal, Withdrawal, as manifested by either withdrawal symptoms, or substance is taken to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended. DependenceDependence
CULTURE & PROBLEM GAMBLING
Cultural values found to: influence the social acceptance of behaviors such as
alcohol consumption influence attitudes toward gambling, ranging from
total abstinence to qualified endorsements Collectivist cultures might exert greater influence
over gambling behaviors influence the type of gambling that may be punished
and those that may be reinforced
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
COMMUNITY TIES
African Americans tend to utilize social support networks i.e. churches, extended family members, etc., rather than seek “professional” help.
Use a Community Mental Health approach, (multi-system levels) extending interventions beyond the individual into the community/social systems and indigenous resources within that community (churches, etc)
Utilize the national standards related to culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS)
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
The Importance of the Church in African American Communities
Spirituality and Religion have been essential components of the African American cultural heritage and a major source of support, strength and survival.
The organized Black church is the oldest and most influential institution founded, maintained, and controlled by Black people.
The Black church has guided the evolution of the African American family/community structure: from parenting styles, healing practices, rites of passage and racial socialization.
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Why Involve the Faith Community? Over 300,000 local congregations with over 150 million
members
6 out of 10 Americans say their faith is the most important influence in their lives
Faith communities are integral to the development of a healthy community
A strategy that connects and includes education, health and human service systems and engages neighborhood and community/faith-based organizations is crucial to formulating solutions
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Challenges of the Community Model
Competitive atmosphere among treatment providers and parochialism among culturally-specific agencies
High occurrence of co-occurring/co-morbid illnesses Lack of, or bare bones, minority serving agencies, with
little or no gambling treatment competence and no best practices
Lack of trained, same culture treatment professionals and no cogent workforce development plan
Lack of knowledge of the CLAS standards, and their implementation
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project
Gambling with The FutureThere is a significant body of research to support that while development of a strong ethnic identity can act as a protective factor against drug use among African American teens; African American adolescent males have been identified as the population most likely to become pathological gamblers.
Problem Gambling TA & Training Project