In 2016, Dr. Nancy Petry and her colleagues discovered that even a brief (10-15 minute) intervention for problem gambling integrated into substance use disorder treatment can be effective in reducing problem gambling. This downloadable 1-page handout was the foundation of the brief advice intervention. Therapists can elect to review it with their clients as part of ongoing treatment.
Are you interested in using motivational interviewing principles to encourage treatment attendance? This letter can be personalized for individual clients who’ve scheduled their first session to discuss gambling-related problems. Dr. Rory Pfund and his colleagues have found, in a randomized controlled trial, that it increases the likelihood that clients will attend the first session. We thank Dr. Pfund for sharing this resource.
Marc Lefkowicz discusses the history, structure, and need-to-know basics of Gamblers Anonymous
Situational Practice for the Treatment of Gambling Disorder and Other Expressions of Addiction
A Webinar Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling Services and directed by the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital. Dr. Howard Shaffer, Dr. Sarah Nelson, and Dr. Heather Gray present activities designed to prepare mental health and substance use treatment providers to recognize and manage gambling-related problems in their clients, and includes a discussion of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Practice Guidelines for Treating Gambling-related Problems: An Evidence-Based Treatment Guide for Clinicians.
Situational Practice for the Treatment of Gambling Disorder and Other Expressions of Addiction
A Webinar Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling Services and directed by the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital. Dr. Howard Shaffer and Dr. Heather Gray present the principles of effective addiction treatment and situational preparedness.
Your First Step to Change is a collection of self-change toolkits available to the public, free of charge. Many people change their excessive behavior patterns without entering treatment. These toolkits are for individuals who would like help making a change or want information about their own risky behavior. Available in multiple languages.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a gambling exposed state. The availability of gambling opportunities is associated with gambling and with gambling-related problems. Consequently, it is important for providers, including non-specialist providers, to consider their patients’ potential gambling-related treatment needs. This website was designed for treatment professionals who want to learn more about evidence-based treatment approaches for clients experience gambling-related problems.