Why It’s Important to Include Problem Gambling Screening in Mental Health Care
Published: May 1, 2023
Due to the arrival of sports betting in Ohio, incorporating problem gambling care into the work of behavioral health, prevention, and other kinds of organizations has become even more of a necessity. That’s why, as Mental Health Awareness Month kicks off today, Before You Bet is highlighting the easiest way to add gambling to the mental health care offerings in your part of Ohio: a problem gambling screening quiz.
A problem gambling screening quiz is a quick online questionnaire that a person who might be struggling with gambling takes. Their answers are then scored to determine their risk level for problem gambling. When administered by a licensed healthcare provider, a screening can be used in conjunction with other medical tools to make a diagnosis for gambling disorder. Non-medical screenings are also widely used outside of a licensed professional’s office.
A screening quiz can help addiction counselors, community service workers, and prevention providers identify people who should be referred to treatment resources and can also be helpful to the people who are struggling themselves. By being able to gauge their risk, a person who might be struggling can potentially realize for themselves that certain behaviors could be leading them toward a problem with gambling and motivate them to modify their behaviors or seek additional support.
Various screening quizzes are offered by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Harvard Medical School. But the easiest one for all Ohioans to access is the Before You Bet quiz. This quiz is not a medical diagnosis, but it can help someone gauge their risk level for problem gambling. It is offered in the following ways:
- Online Screening Quiz: The digital version of the Before You Bet quiz only takes two minutes to complete, and can be done confidentially on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It immediately gives you a score and any helpful resources.
- One-Page Printable Quiz: This version of the quiz is formatted to fit on one sheet of paper and can be printed out with any printer. It can be used during an intake process, handed out at events, or included in one-on-one sessions.
- Pocket Card Quiz: Sized to fit in someone’s pocket, purse, or bag, this two-sided card can be printed and passed out at community events or included in informational packets of related materials.
If you or someone you know has recently taken a problem gambling screening quiz and has questions about their gambling, call Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline today. Trained, understanding operators are standing by 24/7 to answer your call. Your information will be kept confidential, and the call is free. Call 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741 now.