Treating Gambling Addiction

Gambling Addiction in Young Adults: Neuroscience, Online Sports Betting, and Treatment Approaches

This 2-hour continuing education training delves into the growing issue of gambling addiction among young adults, with a focus on the rise of online sports betting. Participants will explore the neuroscience behind gambling addiction, examining how online platforms exploit the brain’s reward system to foster compulsive behavior. The course will provide therapeutic approaches for treatment and prevention in addition to providing an overview of the treatment of process addictions. Clinicians will also learn about the unique challenges and risk factors young adults face in the age of online gambling, equipping them with tools to better support clients navigating these complex issues.

Program Objectives:

1. Understand the neuroscience of gambling addiction and its effects on the brain’s reward system.
2. Explore the impact of online sports betting on young adults and the unique challenges it poses.
3. Learn modern therapeutic approaches for treating gambling addiction, with a focus on process addiction models

This course is approved by the KY Board of Social Work, KY Alcohol and Drug Counselers, KY Licensed Professional Counselor Board

Course Information

Course Instructor

Michael Eiden Author

Mike Eiden is a licensed clinical social worker, licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, board certified sex therapist, and certified sex addiction therapist who is a graduate of the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work. Mike has worked in mental health and substance abuse treatment for the past 12 years in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Mike is currently a PhD candidate & his dissertation is focused on educating parents to improve their abilities to address internet addiction in their children. Mike works full-time in private practice, specializing in cases of traumatic bonding, process addictions, and complex trauma. He also facilitates professional CEU trainings on screen addiction, trauma treatment, and sexual addiction, while educating parents, teachers, and school administrators about internet addiction.