People with gambling disorder (GD) suffer from many negative consequences, yet few seek treatment. Of particular concern are people with GD and other mental and behavioural health disorders. The Ohio Problem Gambling Treatment Model for Adults with Co-Occurring Disorders (OhPGTM) was developed as a group-based treatment manual. The OhPGTM aims to address not only gambling behaviour but also mental and behavioural health issues that contribute to gambling. In this study, the researchers described the OhPGTM and reported on the findings about its effectiveness over a five-year period.
By 2019, a total of 353 people engaged in at least some part of the OhPGTM’s weekly modules. Slightly more than one-third completed all 12 weeks (122 participants). The results showed that GD symptoms improved after participants completed the 12 weekly modules compared to before. However, self-esteem and gambling cravings did not improve significantly. The OhPGTM holds promise as a treatment for adults with GD and co-occurring disorders, but further research is still needed.
