Introduction to Gambling & Co-occurring Disorders (Spring 2026)

This training will provide participants with an overview of behavioral health concerns that commonly co-occur with Gambling Disorder. After a brief introduction to gambling and Gambling Disorder, participants will learn about the Syndrome Model of Addiction, which conceptualizes similarities between behavioral and substance addictions. Then, we will discuss pathways between problem gambling and other behavioral health concerns, including the Pathways Model of problem gambling, and review the research on common comorbidities and their relationship with problem gambling. Participants will leave with an understanding of how gambling can contribute to various behavioral health concerns and vice versa. This training is interactive. We expect participants to come to the training prepared to engage in creative discussion, ideally with cameras on and microphones functioning. You must stay the full length of the training to receive CE credit.

Number of CE(s): 1.5

Instructional Level: Introductory. This training includes breakout rooms and interactive elements that participants must engage in to receive full credit. This training counts toward the MA PGS Certificate Core Competency Coursework.

Learning Objectives: 

As a result of completing this training, you will be better prepared to…

1. Explain the Syndrome Model of Addiction.
2. Describe pathways between problem gambling and other behavioral health conditions, including the Pathways Model of problem gambling.
3. Identify the nature of a client’s comorbidities as they relate to problem gambling.

Agenda:

1. Overview of gambling and Gambling Disorder
2. Syndrome Model of Addiction
3. Pathways between problem gambling and other behavioral health conditions, including the Pathways Model of problem gambling
4. Common comorbidities and their relationship with problem gambling
5. Key takeaways and additional resources

Instructor Bios:

Instructor #1: Heather M. Gray, PhD: Dr. Gray is the Director of Academic Affairs at the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance, an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and leads the Division on Addiction’s efforts to develop and implement M-TAC. She has been working in the addiction research and education field for over 15 years. Her research focuses on the development of, and recovery from, addictive disorders. Dr. Gray’s recent research includes examining the link between problem gambling and self-harm, and how people gamble and respond to interventions designed to promote responsible gambling. She is Editor-In-Chief of the Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS; https://basisonline.org/) research blog. Dr. Gray earned her PhD in Social Psychology from Harvard University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship with the Boston University Health and Disability Research Institute

Instructor #2: Elizabeth Bice, BA; Elizabeth is a Program Manager for Health Resources in Action and works on the Training and Education team for M-TAC. She has 4+ years of experience working in the gambling addiction field and has developed and facilitated online trainings on a variety of topics pertaining to Gambling Disorder.  She is particularly interested in sports betting and the covert ways gambling has been normalized in everyday life. Elizabeth also hosted a presentation on avoiding gambling harm in recovery at the 2024 Massachusetts Problem Gambling Conference: Equity in Action. She received her BA in Community Health from Tufts University.

Instructor #3: Glimar Rodriguez Parrilla, LICSW, LADCI; Glimar “Glee” Rodriguez Parrilla is a bilingual educator and clinician dedicated to promoting health equity and supporting marginalized communities. With over a decade of experience in substance use disorder (SUD) counseling, she is a compassionate advocate and member of a collective of experts in the field. As a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADCI) and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Glee specializes in treating individuals with co-occurring disorders across various clinical settings. Identifying as a professional in recovery and a trained recovery coach, she uses her personal experiences to empower clients and foster resilience within communities. Glee earned her Master of Social Work from Simmons University, where she received advanced training in medical social work and addiction medicine through the SIMPACT-SOWEP Grant. This foundation informs her innovative approaches to behavioral healthcare. Her commitment to community advocacy drives her to educate others about equitable care and trauma-informed practices, actively collaborating with stakeholders to improve health outcomes for underserved populations.

Approval Statements:

• NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals – This course has been approved by the Division on Addiction, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #84058, the Division on Addiction is responsible for all aspects of the programing.
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – This program has been approved for 1.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D93023.

• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – The Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment is authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to sponsor, conduct or approve continuing education programs for alcohol and drug counselors/assistants (LADCs). This program offers 1.5 continuing education credits.

Funding Statement: The Division on Addiction and Health Resources in Action collaborated to produce this M-TAC training/course, which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services. The instructors have no financial interests that might create a conflict of interest in the development or delivery of this training. Click here to access our full list of our funders and conflict of interest/grievance policies and procedures.