Public/MOH/Reports/2008/Feedback to MOH Re Emerging Trends in National

Emerging Trends in National & International Literature

From Abacus Counselling Training & Supervision Ltd Literature Findings Comment (match to findings numbers) Weinstock J, Ledgerwood D & 1. Aim was to ascertain relapse prevalence 1. Difficulties of generalising this study is that it is reliant Petry N (2007) Association following treatment upon the participants’ self-recall after 6 months. Also, between post-treatment 2. 12 mth follow-up n=178 using SOGS and restricted to those who completed treatment (many in gambling behaviour and harm David Hodgin’s & colleagues Gambling NZ don’t) with a possible more faviourable outcome. in pathological gamblers. Timeline Followback GTFB). Those scoring 0 Also, USA study, with cultural and treatment process Psychology of Addictive on SOGS were categorised as problem-free, differences to NZ. Behavior, 21(2), 185-193 those scoring 1≥SOGS were ‘symptomatic’ 2. Use of the SOGS, and particularly precise cut-offs may gamblers not categorise well. Appeared to be wide ranges e.g. 3. Results: 45 problem free (n=30 abstinent), amount spent varied widely 133 symptomatic (SOGS≥3 n=118, SOGS≥5 3. 17% improvement (‘problem-free’); 53% remained n=95). highly problematic. 4. Problem-free reported significantly less days 4. Compared with NZ (2007 statistics), a different gambled & fewer hours per session, smaller measure is used although with a similar screen. proportions of income. However, proportions Almost half of treated clients in NZ improved their of income spent gambling were only SOGS scores substantially (down 6-20). A lesser marginally above the problem-free gamblers improvement (1/3) was found in NZ for those partially who had continued gambling. completing treatment. In NZ 85% had lost less money, and 2/3 had greater control over gambling. Comment summary Although comparing this research with NZ PG treatment is somewhat comparing apples and oranges, despite the treatment differences and measurement tool, this does indicate NZ outcomes may compare favourably with the USA. The widely different individual findings in some cases raise the importance of having more than a dichotomy measurement of improvement, and of the use of an independent perspective e.g. family feedback. Nelson S, LaPlante D, Peller A, 1. Self limit programmes often offered by 1. These have recently been offered by the NZ Racing Schumann A, LaBrie R, & casinos and Internet gambling sites to Board for their customers (setting maximum amount Shaffer H (2009 in press) Real reduce gambling harm lost/bet per week adjustable weekly)

of 2 Abacus Counselling, Training & Supervision Ltd NZQA reg February 2009 limits in the virtual world: self- 2. This research focussed upon Internet sports 2. NZRB programme also covers sports gambling limiting behaviour of Internet gambling 3. Results interesting in that time gambled also reduced. gamblers. Journal of Gambling 3. Results were that those who took up the Studies, epub ahead of print. option of self-limiting were those that Comment summary gambled more (more bets per day, more Although reviewers indicated that this didn’t stop days per week) and played more online gamblers also accessing other sites and may not be an games. Following self-limiting 11% stopped indication of all their gambling, and that it may not gambling and continuing bettors reduced generalise to other forms of gambling, results are both their bets per day and amount encouraging. The NZRB indicate relatively small uptake of gambled. its new self-limiting programme at this stage but reports those participating are finding results beneficial. Probably an advantage for those with moderate problems or at-risk for gambling problems, and a positive initiative to be encouraged with the gambling industry in NZ.

of 2 Abacus Counselling, Training & Supervision Ltd NZQA reg February 2009