Conference in Maine to Link Problem Gambling, Opioid Use Disorders

BANGOR, Maine (AP) — A conference in one of Maine's biggest cities will look at the link between problem gambling and the opioid crisis.

The conference is set for Wednesday in Bangor.

University of Maryland School of Medicine professor Christopher Welsh will speak as keynote speaker about the intersection of opioids and problematic gambling and effective treatment.

Rhode Island's Problem Gambling Program Manager Nancy Murray said patients with opioid addiction should be screened for gambling patterns and provided with education.

Maine saw 282 deaths due to drugs in the first nine months of 2018, a drop from 297 in the same period in 2017.

At least one opioid caused the vast majority of fatal overdoses.

New Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has promised to expand treatment and reduce stigma in hopes of preventing future deaths.