Introduction to Problem Gambling (IPG) is a five-week, facilitated online course for addiction and mental health service providers who may be in a position to support someone with issues related to problem gambling.*

IPG provides a basic understanding of gambling and problem gambling, including definitions, gambling concepts, understanding addiction, risk factors and harms, cognitive distortions, screening, assessment and relapse prevention.  The four online modules include a mix of didactic content, readings and forum discussions, and will take approximately 2–3 hours to complete each week.  In the final week, learners will attend a live webinar where they will role-play with a simulated patient directly, based on a case study from the course.  A simulated patient is an actor trained to play the role of a client.  Please note that participation in the simulation is required in order to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

*Learners who have no clinical experience or are not in a clinical position may find the course material is not tailored to them; you may be contacted to confirm your eligibility. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Distinguish and differentiate between activities to determine if they are gambling.
2. Identify different reasons for gambling.
3. Explain fundamental concepts in gambling and describe how they apply to gambling.
4. Compare and contrast different conceptualizations of problem gambling and addiction.
5. Select relevant risk factors, pathways, harms, co-occurring disorders, and cognitive distortions to develop a treatment plan.
6. Compare evidence-based treatment approaches for problem gambling to approaches you use in your practice.
7. Apply unique assessment considerations and relapse prevention strategies for problem gambling.

To register: Registration link.