Episode 2, Season 8: The Near Miss - Neurobiology and Risk of Gambling Disorder for Service Members and Veterans
In this episode, hosts Dr. Jenna Ermold and Dr. Kevin Holloway tackle a critical "blind spot" in military mental health with Dr. Shane Kraus, Director of the Behavioral Addictions Lab at UNLV. While we often screen for alcohol and PTSD, there is a "hidden" addiction quietly devastating the lives and careers of Service members and Veterans. From the high-tech lure of AI-driven sports betting apps to the surprising presence of slot machines on overseas bases, gambling disorder is a rapidly growing crisis that often goes undetected until it’s too late.
Dr. Kraus joins us to explain the "banana analogy" and the dangerous neurobiology of the "near miss" that keeps the brain hooked. We discuss why military culture might make this addiction so difficult to spot, the staggering link between "chasing losses" and Veteran suicide, and the simple questions you aren't asking that could save a life. If you’ve ever wondered why a patient with stable PTSD suddenly spirals into a crisis, this conversation on the first-ever recognized behavioral addiction is a must-listen.
Be sure to listen in and remember, we want to hear from you! Have thoughts about this episode? A “clinical sin” you’ve encountered? Ideas for future topics or guests? You can leave us a voice mail message at speakpipe.com/cdpp4p, or send us an email at cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu. As always, until next time, stay curious, and mind your EBPs.
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Show Notes:
Shane W. Kraus is a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in psychopathology, substance use disorders, gambling disorders, and compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). He is an associate professor of psychology who has published over 250 scholarly works on substance use disorders/behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling), psychopathology, compulsive sexual behavior, and trauma. Dr. Kraus received his PhD in clinical psychology from Bowling Green State University in 2013. He completed his addiction fellowship at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry in 2015.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org
- UNLV Behavioral Addictions Lab: Reach out for validated screening tools and research. https://ba.sites.unlv.edu/
- State Councils on Problem Gambling: Check your local state chapter for clinician training and toolkits.
Calls-to-action:
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This podcast is produced by the Center for Deployment Psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Uniformed Services University, the Department of War, or the US Government. In addition, reference to any specific company, products, processes, or services does not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement by the Uniformed Services University, the Department of War, or the US Government.