The movie and television industries have produced a myriad of content related to gambling. Many are well researched and feature problem gambling themes. This interactive portion of the workshop will feature media clips depicting problem gambling themes that will be useful in helping counselors/therapists better understand the language and symptoms of problem gambling. Finally, while the media industry may show a perception of recovery support groups, few have been to or have experienced a Gambler’s Anonymous meeting. More gamblers and families in recovery use the Gamblers Anonymous and Gamanon Recovery Programs to treat their gambling problem than other treatment strategies. The workshop will close with an overview of each Step, how the Steps work in conjunction with each other, spiritualty vs. religion, and how to work the Steps with clients/patients.

Presenter: Marc Lefkowitz, ICGC-II

Agenda:
10:00am – 12:00pm: Problem Gambling in Media
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch Break
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Working the Gambler’s Anonymous 12 Step Program

Objectives:
1. Understand the nine signs and symptoms of problem gambling through media and how you can use media in working with problem gambling clients.
2. Attendees will know the difference between spirituality, religion, and Higher Power, and how it applies to treatment and recovery.
3. Gain an understanding of each Step of the 12 Steps in the Gamblers Anonymous Recovery Program and provide the attendees with the ability to talk the language of the Steps to patients/clients.