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Client Views of Contingency Management in Gambling Treatment: A Thematic Analysis

Lucy Dorey, Jack McGarrigle McGarrigle, Richard May, Alice Hoon Orcid Logo, Simon Dymond Orcid Logo

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume: 19, Issue: 24, Start page: 17101

Swansea University Authors: Lucy Dorey, Jack McGarrigle McGarrigle, Alice Hoon Orcid Logo, Simon Dymond Orcid Logo

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Abstract

Low levels of treatment access and poor retention among those with gambling problems suggests a need to improve treatment. Contingency management (CM) is a behavioural intervention involving the identification of target behaviours and the provision of incentives when targets are met. There exists a...

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Published in: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
ISSN: 1660-4601
Published: MDPI AG 2022
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62188
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Abstract: Low levels of treatment access and poor retention among those with gambling problems suggests a need to improve treatment. Contingency management (CM) is a behavioural intervention involving the identification of target behaviours and the provision of incentives when targets are met. There exists a substantial evidence base for CM increasing abstinence and attendance in substance misuse treatment, but this has not been widely extended to gambling treatment setting. This study sought to explore the views of clients about CM for the treatment of problematic and disordered gambling. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 gambling treatment clients who were, or had previously been, engaged in treatment in Great Britain. Participants were provided with an explanation of CM, two hypothetical scenarios, and two structured questionnaires to facilitate discussion. Thematic analysis was used to interpret findings. Some participants felt that clients could manipulate CM while in treatment to obtain money to gamble, and that mechanisms of CM could trigger recovering clients into relapse. Participants also identified potential benefits of CM to achieve treatment goals, by enhancing motivation and engagement while in treatment, and helping bring people into treatment earlier. Gambling treatment clients broadly supported the use of incentives for treatment. CM is seen as a facilitator of extended engagement in treatment, and an encouragement for clients to make progress in the treatment process.
Keywords: contingency management; gambling; treatment; thematic analysis; qualitative
College: Professional Services
Funders: This study was funded by GambleAware.
Issue: 24
Start Page: 17101