Counseling Problem Gamblers

Over the past decade, legal wagering has expanded rapidly in North America. In 1998 alone, people lost 50 billion dollars in legal betting and it is estimated that illegal wagering is twice that amount. A recent government report, based on the broadest population survey, concludes that the lifetime and pathological gamblers in the U.S. range between 4 and 10 million persons and is growing. If we include the families affected by problem gambling then the potential impact is indeed prodigious. Virtually no community in the U.S. and Canada is left untouched by entertainment or problem gambling. Treating problem gambling has evolved from a small group of practitioners in the 1980's working in specialty impatient units into an international enterprise that affects the caseload of many mental health professionals. Owing to its quiet origins, problem gambling treatment strategies are not well known throughout the clinical community. Consequently the average clinician is him/herself "learning as they go." This approach does not benefit either client or therapist. As the book's first chapter makes clear, problem gambling differs significantly from substance abuse, its nearest clinical relative. Not attending to these differences leads to poor results and clinical failure. This book is the one essential tool needed by clinicians treating or likely to treat problem gambling. Written by a clinician with wide experience, it is intended for the general clinician treating or likely to treat problem gambling desiring a comprehensive, yet user-friendly guide. Assessment and treatment of problem gambling and those affected by it is discussed Includes diagnostic instruments developed by the author An integrative approach is taken with a special focus on cultural concerns and clinical applications for women and minorities Integration of spirituality in treatment is covered

Counselling and support for people with a gambling problem is a rapidly growing area. This book offers the reader an opportunity to experience the person-centred encounter and appreciate the difficulties associated with problem gambling whilst taking into account the most recent developments within the gambling industry. Counselling for Problem Gam

Problem gambling is a recognised mental disorder and a significant public health issue internationally. A Clinician’s Guide to Working with Problem Gamblers introduces the reader to the concept of problem gambling as an illness, it describes the current gambling habits and explores the way problem gambling may present in an individual. This guide is the product of a collaboration between two of the country’s most eminent experts on problem gambling as a psychiatric disorder. Bowden-Jones and George bring together contributions from leading clinicians working in the field to provide an outline of the epidemiology, aetiology, research, assessment procedures and treatment practices which are discussed and presented in an accessible and engaging manner. The inclusion of questionnaires and screening tools adds to the ‘hands on’ feel of the book. The book covers a range of topics that clinicians and trainees need in order to review and understand the disorder, including, amongst others: Cognitive behavioural models of problem gambling Psychiatric co-morbidity Family interventions Gambling and women Remote gambling A Clinician’s Guide to Working with Problem Gamblers will be essential reading for mental health professionals working with problem gamblers, as well as those in training, it is a comprehensive reference point on all aspects of this psychiatric condition. It is also aimed at various other groups of people who have an interest in the field of problem gambling, including academics, researchers, policy makers, NHS commissioners, probation officers, other health care professionals, the lay reader and family members of those affected by gambling.

This book provides an overview of the state of the art in research on and treatment of gambling disorder. As a behavioral addiction, gambling disorder is of increasing relevance to the field of mental health. Research conducted in the last decade has yielded valuable new insights into the characteristics and etiology of gambling disorder, as well as effective treatment strategies. The different chapters of this book present detailed information on the general concept of addiction as applied to gambling, the clinical characteristics, epidemiology and comorbidities of gambling disorder, as well as typical cognitive distortions found in patients with gambling disorder. In addition, the book includes chapters discussing animal models and the genetic and neurobiological underpinnings of the disorder. Further, it is examining treatment options including pharmacological and psychological intervention methods, as well as innovative new treatment approaches. The book also discusses relevant similarities to and differences with substance-related disorders and other behavioral addictions. Lastly, it examines gambling behavior from a cultural perspective, considers possible prevention strategies and outlines future perspectives in the field.

This international survey addresses gaps in the knowledge base on problem gambling, emphasizing evidence-based best practices for working with this diverse and notably resistant client population. A detailed introduction offers current findings on behavioral, affective, and neurological manifestations of disordered gambling, with prevalent types of resultant psychological, financial, and social harm. The book’s conceptual discussion examines clinical and sub-clinical presentations as well as the complex interplay of psychological and social factors that create barriers to seeking help. And on the practical side, up-to-date chapters detail widely-used and newer treatment options for compulsive gambling with the best chances of reducing treatment non-compliance and post-treatment relapses, including: · Psychoeducation. · Motivational interviewing. · Cognitive behavioral therapy. · Metacognitive and mindfulness approaches. · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. · Dialectical Behavior Therapy. · Schema therapy. · Pharmacology. · Relapse Prevention. Evidence-Based Treatments for Problem Gambling is a ready source of insights, data, and strategies for counselors working in problem gambling treatment centers, and for psychologists and counselors operating in public or private practice who see individuals with problem gambling as a primary or comorbid presentation. Researchers, lecturers, and treatment clinic managers will find this presentation both informative and immediately useful.

This Therapist Guide provides clinicians with session-by-session instructions for implementing an effective, CBT-based treatment for pathological gambling. The treatment outlined helps clients to not only overcome their problem, but also to deal with the many consequences of their excessive gambling including financial problems and interpersonal conflicts.

Read first what the experts are saying about this book: Sheryl Anderson, Director of Vanguard Center for Gambling Recovery at Project Turnabout. Vanguard is the nation's premier inpatient treatment program for gambling addiction: "Mr. Dahl's insights into the characteristics of problem gambling are significant and important for our current understanding of this growing epidemic. Psychologists, gambling counselors, and problem gamblers should all read this book." Devonna Rowlette: Washington State Certified Gambling Counselor II: "I intend to provide this book to all my patients, and I will recommend that every therapist I know do the same. It was also a very pleasant surprise that the book was a pleasure to read. It was well written, even funny at times. I believe this book will become the go-to first book for the problem gambling industry for a very long time to come." D.G. Smith, Co-founder of Youth Emergency Services (Y.E.S) one of the nation's first phone-in crisis hotlines.: "Suicide is preventable. Intervention is possible. My experience with crisis helplines informs me of that reality. Mr. Dahl's specific step-by-step plan to get the problem gambler to prepare for a suicide attempt well before they get to that awful moment of decision not only has never been proposed, I believe it is pure genius. It will prevent completed suicides in the thousands!" Keith S. Whyte, Executive Director, National Council on Problem Gambling: "This timely book on preventing problem gambling-related suicide is packed with practical tips and recommendations. Gambling addiction is a life-threatening disorder and needs to be taken extremely seriously." If you think that you may have a gambling problem, read this book now before it is too late. Gambling addiction is exploding around the world and it is causing an alarming increase in suicides. Last year in the United States gambling-caused suicides killed approximately the same number of people as all homicides combined! These gambling related suicides are preventable, and this book tells you why, and how. If you have, or suspect you have a gambling problem, this book could save your life. If you know someone who you suspect has a gambling problem, this book could save their life. After dealing with suicide prevention, the book goes on to give you the most comprehensive information anywhere about all the available treatment and recovery options for gambling addiction. Therapists, researchers, counselors, and educators will also learn valuable concepts and tools for dealing with this exploding and dangerous addiction. Reading and learning from this book is a small price to pay to avoid impulsive and preventable suicides.

Full of practical information on assessing, diagnosing, and treating alcohol gambling addiction, this handy manual in the new Wiley Series on Treating Addictions is an invaluable tool for anyone who works with clients experiencing problems with gambling.