New NCRG Publication Highlights Latest Research On Recovery From Gambling Disorders
Series Seeks to Bring Gambling Research Directly into Hands of Wider Audience
Nov 12, 2007
LAS VEGAS– Critical information about how people recover from gambling addiction is highlighted in a new publication released today by the National Center for Responsible Gaming. This is the second volume ofIncreasing the Odds: A Series Dedicated to Understanding Gambling Disorders. With a theme of “Roads to Recovery,” the publication highlights major scientific studies on various aspects of recovery, including formal treatment, self-help and relapse. The series is part of the NCRG’s ongoing efforts to increase awareness and understanding about gambling disorders.
“This monograph series is one way for us to share important research beyond academia to health care providers, public health workers, the gaming industry and individuals who might be concerned about their own gambling,” explains Phil Satre, chairman of the NCRG Board of Directors and retired chairman and CEO of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. “Bridging the knowledge gap between science and the public is a priority for our organization.”
Volume two includes summaries of studies by: David Hodgins, Ph.D., on the importance of understanding the triggers that might cause a person to relapse; Nancy Petry, Ph.D., on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and Gamblers Anonymous; Wendy Slutske, Ph.D., on the finding that approximately one-third of disordered gamblers recover on their own; Robert Ladouceur, Ph.D., on cognitive treatment techniques, such as social skills and problem solving training; and Jon Grant, M.D., on drug treatment options for gambling disorders, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers.
“The research has important implications for how health care providers, communities, insurance companies and public health planners respond to the needs of people struggling with gambling disorders,” Satre says.
The monograph’s first issue focused on youth and college gambling. Both issues are available athttp://www.ncrg.org/resources/monographs.cfm.
About NCRG
The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) is the only national organization exclusively devoted to funding research that helps increase understanding of pathological and youth gambling and find effective methods of treatment for the disorder. Founded in 1996 as a 501(c)3 charitable organization, the NCRG’s mission is to help individuals and families affected by gambling disorders by supporting the finest peer-reviewed, scientific research into pathological and youth gambling; encouraging the application of new research findings to improve prevention, diagnostic, intervention and treatment strategies; and advancing public education about responsible gaming. The NCRG is the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) affiliated charity. For more information, visitwww.ncrg.org.
NCRG funds provide grants to researchers to increase understanding of pathological gambling and find effective methods of treatment for the disorder. The funds are distributed through the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders, a program of the Division on Addictions at Cambridge Health Alliance, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. For more information, visitwww.divisiononaddictions.org/institute.
