Site Contents:
Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders
Other Division web sites:
Virtual harm reduction efforts for Internet gambling: effects of deposit limits on actual Internet sports gambling behavior.
In an attempt to reduce harm related to gambling problems, an Internet sports betting service provider, bwin Interactive Entertainment, AG (bwin), imposes limits on the amount of money that users can deposit into their online gambling accounts. We examined the effects of these limits on gambling behavior. Our findings indicate that Internet gamblers who exceed deposit limits constitute a group of bettors willing to take high risks; yet, surprisingly, they appear to do this rather successfully because their percentage of losses is lower than others in the sample. However, some of these gamblers exhibit some poor outcomes. Deposit limits might be necessary harm reduction measures to prevent the loss of extremely large amounts of money and cases of bankruptcy. This paper discusses how these limits might be modified based on its findings. Click here to visit the Library & Archives page.
Population trends in Internet sports gambling
The Internet is a controversial new medium for gambling. This study presents the first longitudinal analysis of online gambling participation and activity among a population of newly subscribed Internet bettors. Our analyses indicate that this population of gamblers adapted to the new subscription service rapidly, as evidenced by quickly developing declines in population participation, number of bets, and size of stakes. Adaptation was not uniformly evident in our population. Among subgroups of heavily involved bettors, adaptation was generally slower or not apparent. Rather than adapt, involved bettors often maintained the high level of betting they escalated to in the days following subscription. This was particularly evident for one type of game: live-action betting. These involved individuals and the effect of live-action play require close scrutiny and ongoing examination. Click here to visit the Library & Archives page.
Parameters for safer gambling behavior: Examining the empirical research
There have been claims that new gambling technology is hazardous to player health, and that technological interventions can alleviate gambling-related harm. In this paper, we systematically review the empirical research about the nexus between gambling and technology to evaluate the veracity of these claims using a public health perspective. A review of forty seven studies showed that attempts to develop and implement safety features for new gambling technology are promising, but methodologically rudimentary and limited in scope. Increased attention to the dynamic interaction among host, agent, and environment factors hold potential to advance the field. Click here to visit the Library & Archives page.
Substance and psychiatric disorders among men and women repeat driving under the influence offenders who accept a treatment-sentencing option
Driving under the influence (DUI) continues to be a serious health public health concern in the United States. Research suggests that the substance use/abuse and psychiatric histories of repeat offenders might contribute to the persistence of this phenomenon. This study examined psychiatric and substance-use histories of male and female DUI repeat offenders in treatment. The authors found that male and female repeat DUI offenders have extensive but different psychiatric and substance-use histories that might play a significant role in DUI recidivism. These differences in psychiatric and substance-use histories among men and women could have important implications for treatment and prevention of DUI. Click here to visit the Library & Archives page.
Stability and progression of disordered gambling: lessons from longitudinal studies
Very few studies have examined the progression of disordered gambling in an individual or the tendency for individuals to stay at one diagnostic level, as opposed to getting better or worse. Nonetheless, conventional wisdom states that disordered gambling is a condition that is both escalating and unmanageable. The objective of this study was to examine these assumptions. In analyses of available longitudinal studies from the peer reviewed literature, LaPlante, et al found no evidence to support the assumption that individuals cannot recover from disordered gambling, no evidence to support the assumption that individuals who have more severe gambling problems are less likely to improve than individuals who have less severe gambling problems, and no evidence to support the assumption that individuals who have some gambling problems are more likely to worsen than individuals who do not have gambling problems. This review demonstrates instability and multidirectional courses in disordered gambling. Click here to visit the Library & Archives page.
Indices of Exposure & Vulnerability for Predicting Alcohol-Related Problems
This project's aim is to develop indices of regional and personal exposure and vulnerability that can be used in the longitudinal study of determinants of early alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. We know little about the interaction between exposure and vulnerability and less about the relative influence of risk factors measured within different contexts (e.g., at regional, macro levels and personal, micro levels). The integration of models of risk and vulnerability at macro- and micro- levels can lead to deeper understanding of the interactions between risk factors and more effective treatment and prevention of alcohol-related problems. The research program will a) develop both regional and personal theoretical models that measure exposure to alcohol-using opportunities and vulnerability to early alcohol use and the development of alcohol-related problems; b) test those models and their ability to predict alcohol using behaviors in a longitudinal sample of adolescents; and c) use the findings from those tests to expand and refine the models.
St. Francis House Moving Ahead Program (MAP) Evaluation
The
Division on Addictions has partnered with St. Francis House, a service
center for people struggling with homelessness in the greater Boston area,
to evaluate the instruments used to collect information from participants in
its job- and life-skills training program, the Moving Ahead Program (MAP).
The current evaluation project includes a descriptive and psychometric
analysis of approximately 10 years of data on participants in MAP. Findings
from these analyses will inform recommendations for both revising the
intake, graduation, and follow-up tools used at MAP, and creating a complete
computerized intake and assessment system for St. Francis House and its
programs.
The Opioid Addiction and Family Project
The Opioid Addiction and Family Project is a new research study being conducted at Cambridge Health Alliance. The goal of this effort is to find out if adding family counseling to individual counseling and Naltrexone medication leads to better treatment outcomes for people struggling with opioid addiction. This study is funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Patients in the study are randomly assigned to receive either (a) naltrexone plus individual drug counseling without family counseling, or (b) naltrexone plus individual drug counseling with family counseling. Counseling and medication received as part of this study are free of charge. Each patient takes part in the study for 16 months - 4 months of treatment and 12 months follow-up. Study participants are needed. For more information, please visit our webpage at www.cha.harvard.edu/opioid or call (617) 591-6055.
Joint research initiative on multiracial identity and health: Harvard Medical School faculty at the Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance, University of Michigan, and University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The Division on Addictions is a founding member of a multi-university research initiative dedicated to examining the distribution and determinants of important addiction-related health behaviors among multi-racial/ethnic populations. Compared to monoracial majority and monoracial minority individuals, research shows that multiracial individuals are in greater danger of developing a number of risky health behaviors (e.g., underage drinking) and health disorders (e.g., depression) (Choi, et al.,2006; Shih & Sanchez, 2005). Two research projects addressing this issue will commence during the summer of 2007. First, we will collaborate with Dr. Margaret Shih of the University of Michigan on a secondary data analysis of the ADD Health longitudinal dataset to examine addiction-related behavior and social support among multiracial young adults. The Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholars program at University of Michigan will provide support for this study. Second, we will collaborate with Dr. Shih and Dr. Bo Bernhard of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on a study that will examine addiction-related behavior among multiracial individuals in the rural and urban Southwest. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas President’s Research Award will provide support for this study.
Joint research project: bwin Interactive Entertainment AG and Harvard Medical School Faculty at the Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.
The
science of Internet gaming is young. Consequently, there are many things we
do not know about Internet gaming and some of those things might help with
the prevention of gambling addiction. Because of this, bwin Interactive
Entertainment AG has entered
into a long-term research project in collaboration with the Division on
Addictions and its Harvard Medical School faculty. The first stage of this
project involves compiling and analyzing objective and bwin Interactive
Entertainment consumer
data with respect to the gaming habits of potential problem gamers. At the
second stage, preventive measures will be developed and evaluated in the
light of these results. The third phase will examine additional risk factors
that bwin Interactive Entertainment consumer data does not include, such as compulsivity,
impulsivity, learned associations, and cognitive ability.
This initial project with the Division on Addictions is funded by bwin Interactive Entertainment and the plan is for this 3-year grant to extend through 2008.
2008 Addiction Medicine Course: Managing Addictive
Disorders: New Strategies
Oct. 17-18, 2008
Radisson
Hotel Boston
In October of each year the Division on Addictions hosts a course in Addiction Medicine. The primary focus of the 2008 course is “Managing Addictive Disorders: New Strategies.” The goals of the course are: a) To inform participants of the best addiction treatment practices in both primary care and specialty setting; b) To foster increased dialogue between primary care and addiction professionals, and illustrate how these specialties can work together for the benefit of individuals with addictions; c) To inform participants about new strategies for managing addictive disorders; and d) to develop management methods for helping substance abusers and/or addicted patients in a variety of settings. To enroll in the course, please visit Harvard Medical School's Department of Continuing Education.
New Harvard Medical School Department of Continuing Education Online Course - Addiction in Your Practice: Information and Resources for Dealing with Addictive Behavior
Course Description: Psychiatric comorbidity, such as addictive behavior, is common in a variety of treatment settings, and has far-reaching consequences. Complications from addictive behavior can impede treatment progress, lead to additional problems, and increase the chance of treatment failure. Consequently, there recently has been increased demand on medical care workers who do not specialize in addiction (e.g., nurse practitioners, general practitioners, obstetricians, trauma specialists, etc.) to assess, intervene, and provide referrals for their patients who demonstrate addictive behavior. However, research suggests that many medical care providers lack addiction-related training and resources. The goals of this online course are to improve participants’ understanding of addiction and its influence on medical care. We will discuss the theoretical and clinical aspects of addictive behavior, as well as strategies for dealing with patients who demonstrate addictive behavior.
To learn more about the course, or to register, please click here.
Terms of Use.