Brief Therapies for Problem Gambling Substance Abusers

UConn Health220 enrolled

Overview

This project evaluates the efficacy of brief interventions for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders who also have gambling problems. In total, 220 problem gambling substance abusers will be randomized to one of three conditions: (a) a control condition consisting of 10 minutes of psychoeducation about gambling, (b) 10 minutes of brief advice about problem gambling and how to reduce it, or (c) four session of motivational and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Gambling, substance use and psychosocial problems will be assessed using standardized instruments at pre-treatment, month 2, 5, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24-month follow-up evaluations.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

220

Conditions

Gambling

Interventions

10 minutes of psycho-educationBEHAVIORAL

Patients review with study therapist a brochure about types of gambling people engage in and relationships between gambling, drug use, moods, and legal problems.

10 minutes of brief adviceBEHAVIORAL

Patients will review with study therapist a brochure and advice about problem gambling. It will also contain methods for reducing gambling.

four 50-minute individual therapy sessions of MET & CBTBEHAVIORAL

MET \& CBT

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * age \> 18 years * current (past-year) DSM-IV criteria for alcohol, cocaine, opioid or marijuana abuse or dependence * score \>3 on the past-two month SOGS * report an average of \>2 gambling days per month for the past 2 months; (e) spent an average of \>$50/month on gambling in the past 2 months * English speaking * sign informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * have uncontrolled major psychiatric disorders other than substance use that require inpatient hospitalization (e.g., active bipolar disorder, psychosis, suicidality) * desire specific gambling treatment or are currently receiving treatment for gambling * have severe cognitive impairment * read below 5th grade level * plan to relocate \>100 miles or are likely to be incarcerated

Locations (1)

University of Connecticut Health Center

Farmington, Connecticut, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

dollars and days gambled per month

Time frame: baseline and each follow-up

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.