Guidance
The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board’s advice on the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms 2019–2022
The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board’s advice on the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms 2019–2022
Treatment and support
Treatment and support for those affected by gambling-related harms involves a continuum of services – information, online resources, self-help (e.g. Gamblers Anonymous), help with stimulus control, online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)53 and other forms of counselling as well as pharmacological treatment delivered in clinical settings.
Continuum of treatment services – reflecting range of support needs
Information Awareness raising Online resources
Self-help Advice Helpline support
Counselling Online CBT
Clinical treatment
There are a number of significant weaknesses in the present arrangements for delivery of treatment services to those who need them. The new strategy, and the announcement of expanded support for problem gamblers as part of the greater prominence being given to mental health and well-being in the new NHS 10-year plan,54 present a significant opportunity to address those weaknesses.
In our view there needs to be an urgent national review of the arrangements for commissioning, funding and quality assuring treatment for gambling-related harms to make sure this opportunity is not lost, with a view to handing responsibility for oversight to the GB health departments.
References
53 The predictive capacity of DSM-5 symptom severity and impulsivity on response to cognitive-behavioral therapy for gambling disorder: A 2-year longitudinal study (opens in a new tab), Mestre-Bach et al, European Psychiatry, January 2019
54 The NHS Long Term Plan: 10 key public health points (opens in a new tab) Public Health Matters, Public Health England, January 2019
Recent developments in treatment
Last updated: 24 April 2023
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