Abstract
Why This Resource
Workers in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector are expected to respond to clients with a variety of issues which may arise in combination with substance use. Gambling is one such issue.
Gambling disorder is now listed as an ‘Addiction and Related Disorder’ in the DSM-5 [1], yet many AOD staff have not considered the similarities and
differences between the two disorders. Working with both issues requires similar skill sets. It involves developing a strong therapeutic alliance and use of
a range of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapies (CBT), Relapse Prevention, Harm Reduction and Motivational Interviewing.
This resource aims to strengthen workers’ skills and
understanding of gambling and how to appropriately respond to clients who present for AOD treatment who may also have or be at risk of a gambling issue.
The AOD sector is aware that co-occurring issues such as problem gambling cannot be addressed in isolation from other client problems. Increasing workers’ awareness and confidence to address these sensitive topics is likely to result in improved client outcomes and wellbeing.
The high number of AOD clients who have co-occurring AOD and gambling disorders highlights the need for services to respond to both concerns. Such a response may also limit the negative impacts of problem gambling on clients’ children and families.
Workers in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector are expected to respond to clients with a variety of issues which may arise in combination with substance use. Gambling is one such issue.
Gambling disorder is now listed as an ‘Addiction and Related Disorder’ in the DSM-5 [1], yet many AOD staff have not considered the similarities and
differences between the two disorders. Working with both issues requires similar skill sets. It involves developing a strong therapeutic alliance and use of
a range of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapies (CBT), Relapse Prevention, Harm Reduction and Motivational Interviewing.
This resource aims to strengthen workers’ skills and
understanding of gambling and how to appropriately respond to clients who present for AOD treatment who may also have or be at risk of a gambling issue.
The AOD sector is aware that co-occurring issues such as problem gambling cannot be addressed in isolation from other client problems. Increasing workers’ awareness and confidence to address these sensitive topics is likely to result in improved client outcomes and wellbeing.
The high number of AOD clients who have co-occurring AOD and gambling disorders highlights the need for services to respond to both concerns. Such a response may also limit the negative impacts of problem gambling on clients’ children and families.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Victoria |
| Publisher | Odyssey House Victoria |
| Number of pages | 40 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978 0 646 94523 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |