Free OHA PGS Webinar Recording
How We Speak Matters
Description
Language shapes perception. The words we choose when speaking to—or about—people experiencing gambling harm reflect how we view, value, and ultimately treat them. In gambling prevention, education, treatment, and recovery, language plays a powerful role in whether individuals feel seen, respected, and safe enough to seek help. Yet, outdated and stigmatizing vocabulary remains deeply rooted in clinical, community, and even casual conversations about gambling.
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Terms like "addict," "degenerate gambler," "problem gambler," or "compulsive" language not only misrepresent what we now understand about gambling disorder—they reinforce shame, discourage people from coming forward, and create barriers to treatment.
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Stigmatizing language impacts engagement in services, disrupts therapeutic rapport, and can contribute to isolation, internalized shame, and delayed access to support.
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This webinar explores how shifting to person-first, trauma-informed, recovery-centered language supports resilience, dignity, and healing.
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As we continue advancing patient-centered models of care, it becomes essential to intentionally replace outdated phrasing with language that reflects current clinical understanding, promotes hope, and strengthens recovery environments across prevention, treatment, documentation, and community dialogue.
Time Frame
Webinar aired on January 28, 2026.
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The webinar recording will remain online indefinitely for participants to review and for everyone else to access and learn from. Continuing Education (CE) hours are not available for this recording.
Continuing Education Hours
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This webinar recording is not accredited for Continuing Education (CE) hours.
Target Audience
Open to all. Of special interest to mental health, addiction, and problem gambling treatment providers.
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Whether you work in prevention, treatment, policy, research, or are simply curious about emerging gambling behaviors, this webinar provides timely insights into a rapidly evolving landscape.
Presenter
Andrew Schreier
Mr. Schreier is an Independent Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Approved Clinical Consultant, and International Certified Gambling Counselor - II. Mr. Schreier graduated from Ottawa University with a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Human Services. He is the Director of Clinical Services in Wisconsin & Minnesota for Community Medical Services that provides medicated-assisted treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder. He provides oversight and guidance for all clinical and behavior health services. Mr. Schreier also works at New Life Resources, Inc. that provides individual counseling/therapy, children and adolescent services, couples/marital counseling, group therapy, and consultation. Experience over the years include working in group home, halfway house, residential, medicated-assisted treatment, and outpatient treatment settings. He presents on various topics related to substance use, mental health, gambling, clinical supervision, ethics, and various other topics to statewide and national audiences. Mr. Schreier is the host of “Talking Addiction & Recovery” Podcast.
