[Self-help program: a new tool to facilitate the access to treatment for problem gamblers]

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Addiction
• Clinical Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Problem gambling is prevalent, yet few individuals seek clinical treatment due to barriers like stigma and cost.
• Existing treatment models may not adequately address the needs of all individuals with gambling disorders.
• The development of accessible, innovative interventions is crucial for improving treatment engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel self-help program for excessive gamblers.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in fostering readiness for behavioral change.
• To determine if the self-help program facilitates transition to face-to-face clinical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Development of an internet-based self-help program by the Gambling Clinic and Other Behavioral Addictions.
• Recruitment of 172 problem gamblers to participate in the self-help program.
• Assessment of prior help-seeking behavior and quit attempts, and the role of the self-help program in subsequent treatment decisions.

Main Results:

• 40% of participants had never sought clinical treatment or attempted to quit gambling prior to the program.
• The internet-based self-help program was found to precede the decision to seek traditional face-to-face therapy for some individuals.
• The program demonstrated potential in increasing motivation and readiness for change.

Conclusions:

• The developed self-help program serves as a valuable clinical tool for addressing excessive gambling.
• Internet-based interventions can effectively bridge the gap between individuals and traditional therapeutic settings.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for expanding access to care for problem gamblers.