Division on Addiction

Are you a healthcare professional looking to enhance your understanding of problem gambling? Check out these free CE courses, offered online through the MA Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment and funded by the MA Department of Public Health: www.m-tac.org/courses/

Planning for Gambling Disorder Screening Day? Our free Screening Day Toolkit includes step-by-step guidance, educational materials, ready-to-use outreach and promotional resources, screening tools, and more. Get started: www.divisiononaddiction.org/outreach-res...

#GamblingScreen #PGAM2026 #GDSD

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from @bristolunipsych.bsky.social that explored the temporal relationship between problem gambling and suicidality. basisonline.org/2026/02/17/b...

Gambling Disorder can affect finances, relationships, work, and overall well-being, yet many cases go undetected and untreated. Screening is an important step toward identifying problems early. Learn more: www.divisiononaddiction.org/outreach-res...

#GamblingScreen #PGAM2026 #GDSD

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from the University of Kansas School of Medicine that explored family reunification after involvement in family treatment courts. basisonline.org/2026/02/10/f...

These free posters from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health help raise awareness about the unique challenge gambling poses for people with a history of substance misuse. Available in both English and Spanish! Download or order print copies: massclearinghouse.ehs.state.ma.us/PROG-GAMB/PG...

🎉 Save the date! The 13th Annual Gambling Disorder Screening Day is Tuesday, March 10! This international initiative encourages awareness, conversation, and screening for gambling disorder. Learn how to get involved and access free screening resources: www.divisiononaddiction.org/outreach-res...

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from @universidadoviedo.bsky.social that explored cigarette smoking and cessation among people with intellectual disabilities and insights from their direct support professionals. basisonline.org/2026/02/03/p...

This program explores the rapid growth of sports betting, its public health impacts, and how policy, education, and community action can help reduce harm. Learn more and register: online.umich.edu/teach-outs/s...

Dr. Sarah Nelson, Director of Research at the Division on Addiction, was interviewed as part of the University of Michigan's Sports Betting: Risks & Ripple Effects Teach-Out.

Do you think someone in your life is struggling with substance use disorder? Are you looking for ways to help and support them but are not sure how or where to begin? Learn how to start the conversation and find resources to help: samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/starting-the-conversation-guide.pdf

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from @leedstrinity.bsky.social that investigated psychosocial factors that contribute to the development of late-onset problematic alcohol use. basisonline.org/2026/01/27/l...

Addiction recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Pathways to recovery can include clinical care, therapy, peer support, faith-based support, and self-management. Find treatment and support that works for you: findtreatment.gov

#TreatmentMonth #RecoveryIsPossible

Screening for gambling problems is easy with free, anonymous resources! Check out our 3-question Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen – available in 22 languages – if you want to know more about your relationship with gambling. www.divisiononaddiction.org/outreach-res...

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from the Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory at Central Queensland University that explored young adult sports bettors’ experiences of gambling harm and their perspectives on changing their gambling behavior. basisonline.org/2026/01/20/y...

Science Literacy in Your Practice is a free online course designed for clinicians who are interested in enhancing their knowledge about scientific research and evidence-based practices. Learn more and register: divisiononaddictioncourses.org/courses/scie...

Sports betting worries grow as wagers skyrocket— Harvard Gazette Experts see rise in gambling problems, possible wider cultural fallout.

Online sports betting continues to grow, raising concerns about its public health impact. The Harvard Gazette explored this topic, featuring insights from Dr. @debilaplante.bsky.social, Director of the Division on Addiction, on the importance of gambling screening. news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from the University of New South Wales that explored how patients with methamphetamine use disorder experience a treatment package consisting of psychotherapy and doses of the psychedelic psilocybin. basisonline.org/2026/01/13/e...

If making changes to your substance use is part of your goals for the new year, know that you’re not alone and help is available. Take the first step: connect with resources or reach out for support. Visit findtreatment.gov

#TreatmentMonth #RecoveryIsPossible

Advancing #openscience principles and practices and conducting replication studies will strengthen the #gambling studies literature. Check out our infographic to learn more! www.divisiononaddiction.org/wp-content/u...

Learn about gambling research and its implications for treatment and public health with The Worldwide Addiction Gambling Education Report (WAGER) Microlearning Course, a free online course offered by the MA Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment: www.m-tac.org/module-categ...

Substance Use Disorder #TreatmentMonth highlights treatment options, pathways to recovery, and supporting others in need. Check out SAMHSA's toolkit and help spread the word: www.samhsa.gov/about/digita...

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from the University of Washington School of Social Work that examined the relationship between young adults' reasoning for using vapes and subsequent vape and cigarette use later in life. basisonline.org/2026/01/06/r...

What do you know about addiction? Test your knowledge with our free quizzes on Gambling Disorder, responsible gambling, and addiction and adolescence. www.divisiononaddiction.org/education-tr...

Your First Step to Change is a self-help workbook for individuals thinking about changing their #gambling behavior. Download or order free copies from the MA Department of Public Health's Health Promotion Clearinghouse. Available in 5 languages! massclearinghouse.ehs.state.ma.us/PROG-GAMB/PG...

#ICYMI – Another successful year of The BASIS has come to a close. Check out our 2025 Year-In-Review for a recap of this year’s highlights and a look ahead to 2026! basisonline.org/2025/12/19/t...

New on The BASIS: We review a study by researchers from @rand.org that examined the experiences of people who attend online mutual support group meetings for problematic drinking. basisonline.org/2025/12/30/e...

The holidays can be stressful. Taking care of your body and mind is an important part of self-care. Explore practical ways to support yourself during the holiday season: www.samhsa.gov/find-support...

What does it mean to #GiftResponsibly? Keep lottery tickets, scratchers, and other forms of gambling out of children’s gifts.

After the training, staff reported increased mental health/substance use knowledge and perceived competence to respond to a mental health crisis, suggesting this program shows promise in residential treatment settings. psycnet.apa.org/record/2026-...