A couple of years I ago, I was sitting next to a dear friend and person in recovery from a gambling disorder. I leaned over and whispered to her how distressing I found it for the presenter to refer to a person in recovery as “the gambler.” She said, “I know, if they say that one more time, I may scream.”
This use of language is the norm, not the exception. It is so ubiquitous we don’t even think about it. Much more has been written about the significance of the language of recovery in the Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health fields; particularly around issues of stigma and shame. This presentation will address the importance of how to use words and language to reduce stigma in the field of gambling disorder for both individuals in recovery and their partners in recovery.
Presenter: Dr. Loreen Rugle, PhD, ICGC-II/BACC
Learning Objectives:
- Identify evidence for how gambling disorder is stigmatized
- Define person first language and how even “neutral” terms may contribute to stigma around gambling disorder
- Identify effective strategies for reducing the stigma associated with harmful gambling
Agenda
12:00-12:05pm – Introductions of presenters and helpline information
12:05-12:45pm – Lecture of material
12:45-12:55pm – Discussion questions, case presentation, interaction (as needed)
12:55-1:00pm – Closing comments