Leisure Substitution and Problem Gambling: Report of a Proof of Concept Group Intervention

Problem gamblers often engage in few social activities other than gambling and\udpost-treatment, can be left with considerable unstructured time and inadequate social skills.\udAs relapse often occurs when the gambler is alone, removing or cutting back on gambling is\udunlikely to be a successful treatment strategy if recreational and social alternatives are\udunavailable. The Re(Making) Meaning project provided a structured re-engagement program for 30 participants considered at risk of relapse. In this nine-month, 18-event life-style\udenhancement project, offered as an adjunct to individual counselling, participants completed\uda range of gambling and social measures at commencement, 6 months, and 12 months.\udSubstantial positive change in the Temptation to Gamble Scale, Work and Social Adjustment\udScale, Self-Esteem, Anxiety, and Loneliness scales were achieved. It is recommended that\udthis proof of concept study of leisure substitution for problem gambling is replicated in a\udcontrolled study to determine its relative effectiveness