National Council Hosts 18th Annual Conference
More than 450 people from across the United States as well as Austria, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom attended the 18th Annual Conference on the Prevention, Treatment and Research of Problem Gambling June 17-19 in Phoenix.
The objectives of the conference, hosted by the Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, were to share the latest research on problem and pathological gambling; provide a solid understanding of treatment fundamentals for counselors new to problem gambling issues; provide experienced counselors with advanced techniques and strategies for problem gambling clients; and place a special emphasis on issues that impact women problem gamblers, including attitudes toward gambling, obstacles in treatment and barriers to recovery, as well as protective factors.
As a special focus of the conference, "women and problem gambling" was the subject of numerous sessions. Keynote speaker Sharon Wilsnack of the University of North Dakota Medical Center discussed the parallels between women's experiences with alcohol and gambling, referencing her 20 years as the director of the largest longitudinal study on women and alcohol use. NCPG board member Carol OÕHare moderated and participated in a plenary panel of female problem gamblers in recovery, who shared their experiences with gambling, addiction and recovery. "Putting a Face on Women Gamblers" was the theme of a plenary organized by NCPG President Rachel Volberg and board member Joanna Franklin.
These were just some of the more than 55 sessions offered during the two-and-a-half day conference. A special responsible gaming track featured evaluations of industry training and self-exclusion programs, a panel discussion on "addictive" characteristics of slot machines and a session on consumer protection issues. A series of prevention sessions included examinations of school-based prevention programs, public-private partnerships and best practices. Other topics covered included genetics, family issues, spirituality, legal issues, recovery, help lines, special populations such as seniors and youth, counseling techniques, a clinical case conference, the sociology of problem gambling and Problem Gambling Awareness Week. Attendees also could sign up in advance for intensive daylong, hands-on training in motivational interviewing.
Additionally, NCPG hosted an international workshop with the goal of developing benchmarks and a network of professionals involved in operating help lines. Forty participants from 10 countries shared information and discussed a number of critical issues. A survey of participants found that the total population served by these help lines was more than 200 million people.
At the annual awards lunch, the NCPG recognized its 2004 honorees, including Richard Rosenthal, who received the Dr. Robert Custer lifetime achievement award; Lori Rugle, who was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award; Churchill Downs, which was given the Industry Award; the Connecticut Lottery, which received the Government Award; and NBC's Dateline, which won the Media Award-Electronic for "Betting on Mary?"
