University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Alberta Gambling Research Institute Alberta Gambling Research Institute 1999 Intensive treatment program for problem gamblers Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) http://hdl.handle.net/1880/41354 technical report Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca Intensive Treatment for Problem Gamblers Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission I MAINC HV 6722 C32 I57 1999 c.2 Intensive treatment program for problem gamblers. -- 3 5057 00630 0130 A Acknowledgements This Non-residential Intensive Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers has been the result of the work of many people over a period of two years.The initial survey of the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission's supervisors indicated that a program such as this needed to be flexible so that it would fit with agency and client needs.The program provides a flexible guide for counsellors as opposed to a prescriptive format of delivery. During the two years in development, the program was field tested in various communities and various formats. Recommendations from those pilot experiences were implemented.We would like to thank Stan Wiens for the coordination, research and format of this program. AADAC staff who provided input on the modules include: Barry Andres, Dayle Bruce, Susan Cormack, Dave Delaire, Mary Ellen Jackson Herman, Diane Lamb, Gene LeBlanc, Ernie Ling, Harold Machmer, Marie-Line Mailloux, M.J. Mcleod, Ron Olsen and Karen Smith. Marley Chute was the tireless typist and computer formatter. Disclaimer AADAC is a non-profit agency of the government of Alberta.This resource is available free of charge to AADAC staff and may be distributed to other treatment personnel in Alberta in a limited number; however, a few packages may be sold on a partial cost-recovery basis to agencies outside the province but distribution and sale will be limited to Canada and the USA. Every effort has been made to track down and cite sources. If any have been missed, please notify AADAC and any omissions will be rectified on subsequent copies. Manual Contents Program Guide Module 1 Introduction to the Program Module 2 What Is Problem Gambling? Module 3 Gambling as a Lifestyle Module 4 Establishing Support Module 5 Debt Assessment and Management Plan Module 6 Negative and Irrational Thinking Module 7 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues Module 8 Relapse Prevention Module A Stress Management and ~elaiation Module B Leisure Planning Module C Self-Esteem Module D Dealing With Loss Module E Relationships Module F Communication Skills Module G Anger Management Module H Assertiveness Bibliography Intensive Treatn Intensive Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers Program Guide Contents Program Guic Section 1 About the Prog~ram Program Descriptil Program Materials Module Descriptions 7 Section 2 Program Planning Program Formats 11 Program Activities and Sequences 12 Section 3 Cornerstones of the Program Stages of Change 13 Motivational Interviewing 14 Behavioral Counselling 15 Cognitive Restructuring 15 Section 4 Screening and Assessment Screening for Problem Gambling 17 Suicide Screening 18 Screening for Substance Abuse 18 Screening for Financial Crisis 19 Assessment 19 Section 5 Planning Client Treatment Treatment Planning Considerations 21 Treatment Goals 21 Supplementary Information 22 Section 1: The Intensive Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers C) has several unique features: Program CO About the The program is comprised of a series of modules in order to enhance flexibility in treatment planning and service delivery, and to encompass all aspects This Intensive Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers w of the client's life, both within and outside the - has been designed in Alberta, Canada and therefore makes counselling setting. Counsellors and clients work C, reference to Alberta services and supports throughout the together to select the modules which are most 1) manual. Users of this manual are encouraged to identify appropriate for the particular needs of each client, supports and contacts in their own communities and w Throughout the program, modules can be added, insert them. e deleted, or modified in order to foster and support CO the changes the client is experiencing. Program Description The modules can be delivered in different ways. C, This feature has been incorporated to accommodate am The Intensive Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers the varying resources of service agencies (e.g. staff has been designed for the increasing numbers of clients availability, space constraints) as well as the who seek treatment for problems related to gambling. variability in the number of clients seeking treatment -C, The program is intended to provide treatment where for problem gambling. UB clients need more than individual counselling, yet can't Many modules can be integrated into existing attend a residential inpatient treatment program.This treatment programs, groups and services.While some L9 Intensive Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers is modules are specific to problem gambling alone, recommended for those who recognize that a gambling )r others focus on more generic topics and are suitable problem exists and have a desire to make some changes. for clients receiving treatment for addictions other w It is not recommended for "precontemplations." than gambling.The integration of problem gamblers CO (See description on pg. 14) in these groups fosters treatment effectiveness and c. efficiency. CIP) The program uses the principles of four main CO treatment approaches to bring about insight and CO behaviour change; they are: Stages of Change theory, Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Counselling and Cognitive Restructuring. A brief overview of CI) these approaches is provided. A working knowledge - of these approaches is recommended. CI, The Intensive Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers CO is comprised of two sets of modules: Gambling-Specific 4- Treatment-a series of modules (1 through 8) which CI provide information about gambling and problem gambling; and Generic Treatment-a series of modules C) (A to H) which focus on developing skills and resolving C, underlying issues. C, CI CI. C) C) C) C) -C) C) c, Intensive Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers Program Guide 5 Program Materials Gambling-Specific Modules This resource package Intensive Treatment Program for Introduction to the Program Problem Gamblers has been designed to assist addictions What is Problem Gambling? counsellors in planning and delivering the program in their communities.The package consists of the resources Gambling as a Lifestyle described below. Establishing Support Debt Assessment and Management Plan Program Guide The program guide outlines the components of the Negative and Irrational Thinking Intensive Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues describes the resources available for its implementation, and discusses how its flexibility can be used to fit the Relapse Prevention needs of clients and agency resources. Generic Modules The Guide has the following sections: Stress Management and Relaxation 1. About the Program describes the resources that comprise the Intensive Treatment Program for Leisure Planning Problem Gamblers. Self-Esteem 2. Program Planning is intended to help agencies Dealing With Loss assess the resources they have available in order to Relationships determine the most efficient way to deliver the program. Communication Skills Anger Management 3. Cornerstones of the Program discusses the theoretical basis of the Intensive Treatment Program Assertiveness for Problem Gamblers and describes four fundamental approaches that underlie the program: stages of change theory; motivational interviewing; behavioral counselling; and cognitive restructuring. 4. Screening and Assessment outlines various procedures and tools that counsellors can use to provide comprehensive screening and client assessment. 5. Planning Client Treatment discusses treatment planning for clients. Guidelines are presented for developing individualized client treatment plans. 6 Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission Module Format Module Descriptions A series of modules forms the core of the resource Module 1: Introduction to the Program package. Each module consists of the following In this session, participants begin to normalize the components: problems they are experiencing with their gambling. Participants recognize that they are not alone, that their Overview problems are not unique, and that help is avaitable. Briefly describes the intent of the module and why it is included in the program. The first session is designed to provide an overview of the Intensive Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers and to introduce program staff and participants.Through Objectives presentations and discussions, participants learn more Indicates what clients should gain from the module. about problem gambling and may begin to process some of the ambivalence they may be experiencing about Time their gambling. At the end of the session, participants Identifies how long the module should take to complete. are provided with the opportunity to make an explicit Note: Some modules are conducted over several sessions. commitment to continue in the program. In these cases, times and intervals are specified. Module 2: What is Problem Gambling? Strategy An important part of treatment involves helping clients Provides suggestions and guidelines for presenting