Gambling Disorder 

Treatments

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

Treatment Summary: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular and empirically supported intervention that is effective in treating gambling addiction (Rash & Petry, 2014). Cognitive distortions play a key role in maintaining and perpetuating a gambling disorder. Thus, challenging these erroneous beliefs can aid recovery and promote maintenance (Ledgerwood et al., 2020). CBT employs a diversity of techniques to help address maladaptive thoughts and behavioral patterns associated with gambling addiction (Rash & Petry, 2014). For example, cognitive restructuring helps the individual identify and challenge cognitive distortions, such as the gambler’s fallacy. Behavioral interventions in CBT, such as stimulus control–identification and avoidance of triggers–and response prevention are empirically supported strategies that further help clients develop and maintain healthier coping mechanisms (Rash & Petry, 2014). 

• References: Ledgerwood, D. M., Dyshniku, F., McCarthy, J. E., Ostojic‐Aitkens, D., Forfitt, J., & Rumble, S. C. (2020). Gambling‐related cognitive distortions in residential treatment for gambling disorder. Journal of Gambling Studies, 36, 669–683. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-019-09895-4 & Rash, C. J., & Petry, N. M. (2014). Psychological treatments for gambling disorder. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 4(7), 285–295. http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S40883  

• Submitted by: Evelin Diaz-Ucles