About This Training
*Due to grant funding requirements, you must serve Summit County Residents in order to register for this training*
Providing comprehensive care in substance use treatment requires a nuanced understanding of how behavioral addictions and systemic factors intersect to impact long-term recovery. This training explores the often-overlooked relationship between gambling disorder and substance use, with a specific focus on cross addiction and its implications for opioid use disorder (OUD) prevention.
We move beyond basic awareness to examine current research on comorbidity, including findings from the DSM-5 and the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO). Participants will explore how gambling behaviors—particularly within today’s rapid digital landscape—can emerge as powerful substitute or co-occurring addictions that increase vulnerability to relapse and undermine recovery efforts. This course highlights culturally competent, evidence-based, and clinically grounded approaches to screening, assessment, and integrated treatment to better support clients navigating complex addiction patterns.
What You Will Learn
Define Gambling Disorder using DSM-5 criteria and describe its clinical classification within addictive disorders.
Explain the concept of cross addiction by identifying the neurobiological and behavioral overlap between gambling and substance use disorders.
Analyze the prevalence and comorbidity of gambling and substance use, including the specific implications for opioid use disorder prevention and relapse risk.
Identify at least two screening strategies to effectively assess for gambling behaviors in clients currently receiving substance use treatment.
Who Should Attend?
This training is designed for Social Workers, Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Chemical Dependency Professionals working in addiction recovery, community health, or private practice settings who want to ensure their clinical approach is integrated, evidence-based, and recovery-oriented.
This program is made possible through the generous support of the Akron Community Foundation and the Summit County Opioid Healing Fund. Their commitment to the professional development of our local abatement workforce ensures these resources remain accessible to those serving on the front lines of community healing.
This program (#20-1375962) is co-sponsored by Relationship Toolshop International Training Institute, LLC, who provides 1.5 CEU's for social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists as an Approved Provider for the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & Marriage & Family Therapist Board #RSX012201.