Lesson 1Motivation and readiness to change: stages of change, decisional balance, ambivalence explorationHere we look at checking motivation and readiness to change, using stages of change, weighing pros and cons, and exploring mixed feelings to give fitting feedback, boost involvement, and plan the right help at the right time.
Applying stages of change to gambling behaviorUsing decisional balance to map pros and consExploring ambivalence with motivational skillsAssessing confidence, importance, and readinessAligning interventions with change stageLesson 2Assessment of cognitive distortions and beliefs: illusion of control, gambler’s fallacy, superstitions, entitlement beliefsThis part checks thinking errors linked to gambling, like feeling in control, gambler's fallacy, lucky charms, and deserving to win, and connects them to risky choices, keeping on despite losses, and chance of slipping back.
Screening for common gambling thinking errorsAssessing illusion of control and skill beliefsIdentifying gambler’s fallacy and near-miss biasExploring superstitions and magical thinkingEvaluating entitlement and rescue fantasiesLesson 3Risk assessment: suicidality, impulsivity, comorbid substance use, family violence, financial crisisWe cover checking risks for those with gambling issues, including suicide thoughts, rash actions, other substance use, family fights, and money troubles, plus safety plans and where to send for help.
Screening for suicidality and self-harm riskAssessing impulsivity and disinhibition factorsEvaluating substance use and intoxication riskIdentifying family violence and safeguarding needsAssessing financial crisis and urgent supportsLesson 4Cultural and family context: marital dynamics, parenting stressors, financial roles, religious or community beliefs about gamblingThis explores family, culture, and community ways that affect gambling, like marriage issues, child-raising stress, money duties, shame, and beliefs from faith or village, for checks that respect culture.
Mapping family structure and financial rolesAssessing marital conflict and trust erosionExploring parenting stress and caregiving strainUnderstanding cultural and religious views on gamblingAddressing stigma and community expectationsLesson 5Assessment of comorbidity and differential diagnosis: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, impulse-control disordersWe check other mental health issues and tell them apart, like low mood, worry, ADHD, mood swings, personality traits, and impulse issues, and spot main from side effects of gambling.
Screening for mood and anxiety disordersAssessing ADHD and executive dysfunctionIdentifying bipolar spectrum presentationsEvaluating personality and impulse-control issuesDistinguishing primary from secondary symptomsLesson 6Comprehensive clinical interview: gambling history, onset, frequency, triggers, financial and legal consequencesLearn to do full talks about gambling, covering start, pattern, how often, what sets it off, chasing losses, and harms to money, law, work, and family for better diagnosis and plans.
Structuring the initial diagnostic interviewExploring onset, course, and escalation of gamblingAssessing frequency, duration, and preferred activitiesEvaluating financial, legal, and occupational harmsAssessing relationship and caregiving consequencesLesson 7Functional assessment of gambling episodes: antecedents, behaviors, consequences, reinforcement patternsMap out what leads to gambling, the acts, results, and reward loops to find high-risk spots and things to change in personal treatment.
Identifying internal and external antecedentsMapping gambling behaviors step by stepDocumenting short- and long-term consequencesAnalyzing positive and negative reinforcement cyclesUsing functional data to design interventionsLesson 8Collateral information and records: partner interview, financial statements, app/online betting logsGather and check info from partners, family, bank papers, and phone betting records to confirm habits, measure harm, and spot hiding that affects plans.
Planning and obtaining informed consent for collateralPartner and family interviews about gambling impactReviewing bank, credit, and debt documentationAnalyzing betting apps, online logs, and statementsReconciling self-report with objective collateral dataLesson 9Standardized screening tools and measures: SOGS, PGSI, DSM-5 criteria checklist, NODS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, AUDIT-CReview main tools for screening gambling and linked issues like SOGS, PGSI, DSM-5 lists, NODS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, AUDIT-C, with tips on scores and use in care.
Selecting appropriate gambling screening toolsAdministering SOGS, PGSI, and NODSUsing DSM-5 criteria checklists in practiceScreening mood and anxiety with PHQ-9 and GAD-7Assessing alcohol risk with AUDIT-CLesson 10Sleep, trauma, and stress assessment: insomnia, trauma history, occupational stressors and shift work effectsCheck sleep troubles, past harms, work stress, and night shifts in gamblers, and how they mix with urges, slips, and treatment response.
Screening for insomnia and sleep disruptionExploring trauma history and PTSD symptomsAssessing occupational stress and job strainEvaluating shift work and circadian disruptionLinking stress, sleep, and gambling relapse
