Screening and Treatment for Problem Gamblers

Statistically, about 10-30% of substance abuse individual has a co-occurrence of gambling problems. Most counselors need a better assessment tools in order to address problematic gambling problems. About over 27 instruments are available for identifying problem gamblers but there are 2 commonly used screening tools that are likely used by drug treatment agencies to screen gambling problems along with the substance abuse condition.

The first screening tool is the bet and lie questions where the subject is asked of an instance where they feel the need to bet an increasing amount of money and whether there was an instance they ever lied about their gambling activities to people around them. This screening tool indicates a good predictive validity to rule out gambling problems. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) is the second screening tool widely used that is based on the DSM III developed in 1980s. It uses 20 items to assess problem gambling characteristics such as the uncontrollable money spending than intended, argument with family about gambling activities and borrowing money to finance their gambling or to pay outstanding debts due to gambling. Having a score of 5 and higher would indicate the need for further assessment due to positive result of being a pathological gambler.

There is actually no standardized treatment specific to gambling. But a few well-designed treatment studies are presented as follows: The Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment approach mostly gain empirical support because it involves minimal therapist contact and delivered in an outpatient basis and proved to shown increased motivation to the problem gambler. The Pharmacotherapy approach is an important adjunct to verbal treatment. Drug such as Naltrexone, Welbutrin and some serotonin reuptake inhibitors are administered.

Other interventions involved are to increase the problem gambler's commitment to resolve the underlying cause of gambling problems. There is a significant rate of incidents of support group drop outs and non completion of treatment among problem gamblers that should initiate the strengthening of their commitment to change. The gambling treatment outcomes can be improved through addressing the factors that may contribute to treatment failure.

Treatment also involves correcting cognitive errors among problem gamblers where they stand at the notion concerning randomness and believe they can control the gambling outcome. Counselors also help client to understand risky situations to avoid that can affect relapse and the development of a newer problem. The financial implication in also addressed in the counseling process, not for counselors to provide financial support but to point out financial issues as detrimental results due to their gambling problems. Treatment is also focused on harm reduction which is best done through gambling abstinence.