Problem Gambling: A Hidden Addiction among Asian American Communities

Gambling encompasses diverse cultural practices and modern forms like casino gambling. In the Asian American community, factors like cultural acceptance and targeted marketing contribute to its prevalence. Problem gambling, as defined by DSM-5, affects individuals despite adverse consequences, with neuroscience revealing addictive pathways similar to substance use disorders. Treatment options include behavioral therapies, cognitive interventions, and pharmacological approaches tailored to subtypes like behaviorally conditioned and emotionally vulnerable. Resources like helplines, state-funded programs, and support groups offer assistance. A case vignette will prompt discussions on the challenges of gambling addiction, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems and empathy in addressing this complex issue.

In this workshop, participants will:

• Gain an understanding of problem gambling, with a particular focus on its components within the Asian American community.
• Gain an understanding of the neuroscience behind gambling addiction.
• Explore treatment approaches for gambling problems among Asian Americans
• Learn about ways to support Asian American families and individuals who may be struggling with gambling addictions.
• Learn about different resources available.

Looking to receive continuing education contact hours?
Papa Ola Lokahi (NASWHI-CEP-13) has been designated an approved provider of social work continuing education contact hours by the National Association of Social Workers Hawai’i Chapter. The Papa Ola Lokahi maintains responsibility for the program. This program is also approved by the State of Hawaii Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (Approval# ADAD-24-075) for up to 1 contact hour(s). NOTE: Participants are responsible for submitting proof of attendance to their respective certification or licensing board. ʻOhana CoE & Papa Ola Lōkahi do not submit this information on behalf of training participants.

Participants will receive a link to verify attendance at the end of the workshop.

Download the slides here

Workshop Presenters

Michael S. Liao, MSW 廖頌瑋

(he/him/his)

Director of Programs, NICOS Chinese Health Coalition

Michael Liao’s career in social work has spanned various settings—including child welfare, domestic violence prevention, supervised visitation, mental health, and substance abuse treatment. Michael is currently the Director of Programs for NICOS Chinese Health Coalition. Since 2004, Michael has been providing cultural responsiveness training on a wide range of topics, including implicit bias and widening our personal lens, cross-cultural communications, Asian American cultural issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and anti-oppressive practices, for a wide variety of audiences.