Hermano Tavares1, Monica L Zilberman, Nady el-Guebaly. 1. Addiction Centre, Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary, 1403-29th Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2JT9. hermano.tavares@calgaryhealthregion.ca
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Treatment approaches for pathological gambling have been modelled after preexisting substance addiction models. This paper reviews cognitive-behavioural models in a search for original insights that are specific to gambling treatment. METHOD: A computerized search of major health care databases (Medline and PsycINFO) was performed. RESULTS: New cognitive-behavioural approaches to the treatment of pathological gambling provide 3 original additions to the traditional multimodal treatment of addictions: cognitive restructuring, in vivo exposure, and imaginal desensitization. Other cognitive-behavioural techniques, such as relapse prevention, problem solving, and social skill training, are shared by gambling treatment and addictions treatment. CONCLUSIONS: When treating pathological gamblers, clinicians must consider introducing techniques to address cognitive distortions related to gambling. Also, cue exposure--whether in vivo or imaginal--may help deal with urges prompted by such cues. The blending of these new techniques into a multimodal addiction treatment potentially balances the rational and external orientation of the cognitive-behavioural approach with interpersonal and introspective components of the traditional addiction treatment.
OBJECTIVE: Treatment approaches for pathological gambling have been modelled after preexisting substance addiction models. This paper reviews cognitive-behavioural models in a search for original insights that are specific to gambling treatment. METHOD: A computerized search of major health care databases (Medline and PsycINFO) was performed. RESULTS: New cognitive-behavioural approaches to the treatment of pathological gambling provide 3 original additions to the traditional multimodal treatment of addictions: cognitive restructuring, in vivo exposure, and imaginal desensitization. Other cognitive-behavioural techniques, such as relapse prevention, problem solving, and social skill training, are shared by gambling treatment and addictions treatment. CONCLUSIONS: When treating pathological gamblers, clinicians must consider introducing techniques to address cognitive distortions related to gambling. Also, cue exposure--whether in vivo or imaginal--may help deal with urges prompted by such cues. The blending of these new techniques into a multimodal addiction treatment potentially balances the rational and external orientation of the cognitive-behavioural approach with interpersonal and introspective components of the traditional addiction treatment.
Authors: Matt Kushner; Paul Thurus; Sandra Sletten; Brenda Frye; Kenneth Abrams; David Adson; Joani Van Demark; Eric Maurer; Chris Donahue Journal: J Gambl Stud Date: 2007-12-06
Authors: Marc N Potenza; Iris M Balodis; Christine A Franco; Scott Bullock; Jiansong Xu; Tammy Chung; Jon E Grant Journal: Psychol Addict Behav Date: 2013-04-15