Dickenson, L., Derevensky, J. & Gupta, R. (2004, March). "Harm reduction for the prevention of youth gambling problems: Lessons learned from adolescent high-risk behavior prevention programs". Journal of Adolescent Research.

OVERVIEW

Gambling is a widely sanctioned by the Canadian and United States governments as a form of adult entertainment and revenue. However, underage adolescents often have access to gambling, which can negatively impact the lives of our youth along with illicit drug use, risky driving, and delinquency. As a public health issue, problem gambling is shown to be linked to suicide, depression, and bankruptcy. Youth engaged in gambling are not immune to these risks.

The subject of how to curb teen gambling is an important one to consider – but what is the best approach? This research focuses on the role of “harm reduction” as an alternative to more traditional prevention and nonuse approaches such as abstinence. The Harm Reduction strategies have been shown to have positive results These prevention plans seek to help adolescents “reduce harmful negative consequences incurred through involvement with risky behaviors.” They focus on providing awareness and education, fostering positive peer support, and helping teens develop decision-making skills.

DESIGN

The researchers use the harm reduction approach that is traditionally used for alcohol and substance abuse as a framework to design a youth problem gambling harm reduction program.

FINDINGS

Empirical research on Harm Reduction programs support the following:

• These programs help foster the value of responsible behavior by acknowledging that youth are permitted to make their own choices.
• They help adolescents to foster a sense of self by becoming responsible for their health and behavior.
• Research suggests that a general mental health prevention program is most effective if it integrates principles from both abstinence and harm reduction principles.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Youth ministers, teachers, and social workers must prepare adolescents to cope in a society that sanctions gambling.
2. Teachers and youth workers must work together to advocate for effective programs in schools that encourage dialogue to help equip youth with knowledge, skills, and peer support, and responsible decision-making.

IMPLICATIONS

Youth ministry can benefit from the effectiveness that some Harm Reduction programs have shown in reducing risky behavior among youth. By dialoguing with youth, workers can affect change and prevent some of the long-term consequences of problem gambling.