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State of Play’s TL;DR
- Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs said its family support training for substance use disorder is being expanded to cover problem gambling and prevention.
- The move adds a responsible gambling angle to a broader public health initiative.
Pennsylvania says it is working to expand its family support training beyond substance use disorder to include problem gambling and prevention.
The update came as state officials highlighted more than 1,000 residents trained through existing family support programs.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) on Oct. 27 said the Shapiro administration’s investments in family support services are helping people affected by substance use disorder, while also noting that new training topics are in development, including problem gambling.
Pennsylvania highlights existing family support tools
According to DDAP, its Family Learning Series includes seven online learning modules with training videos and related resources for people supporting a loved one with substance use disorder. Since launching earlier this year, about 1,075 people have accessed the training and the videos have been viewed more than 1,600 times.
The agency said 90% of participants reported they plan to use what they learned in everyday life, while more than 80% said they felt better able to support a loved one with substance use disorder because of the training.
DDAP also pointed to its Caregiver Connection website, which offers support resources for parents, grandparents, siblings, and others. The site includes information on local and online support groups, ways to connect with others, county drug and alcohol offices, and where to get free Narcan.
Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones said in the release that “addiction is a family disease,” adding that loved ones often feel overwhelmed, stigmatized, and unsure where to find help for themselves.
Problem gambling appears in the next phase of training
The most notable detail is DDAP’s statement that work is underway to expand training offerings to cover additional topics such as problem gambling and prevention.
The release did not provide a launch date, curriculum details, or say whether the expanded training will be offered statewide immediately. But the mention places responsible gambling within Pennsylvania’s broader public health and family support framework, rather than only inside gaming regulation.
DDAP also highlighted a county-level example in Chester County, where nearly $70,000 in agency investments supported a Family Recovery Course. The department said more than 600 Chester County residents have been trained to become recovery partners for loved ones, and that more than 200 course sessions have been offered since Gov. Josh Shapiro took office.
According to the release, nearly 90% of participants who finish that course remain connected to supportive programs by attending community events and joining a parent partnership group.
Based on reporting by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
