Integrative Couple Treatment for Gambling/Substance Use Disorder

Launched by UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC À TROIS-RIVIÈRES · Apr 25, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to treating gambling and substance use disorders by involving both partners in a couple-based therapy. The goal is to see if this method is more effective than the usual individual treatment. Couples where one partner has a gambling or substance use problem and has been actively engaging in these behaviors in the last three months are encouraged to participate. To join, couples should have been living together for at least six months or been in a significant relationship for at least two years, and both partners should be able to participate without any serious mental health issues.

Participants in this trial can expect to receive therapy together as a couple, which may help improve their relationship while addressing the addiction. It’s important to note that couples with recent violence, serious mental health problems, or who have not engaged in gambling or substance use recently will not be eligible to participate. This study is currently recruiting participants, and those who join will contribute to understanding how couple-based treatment might help in managing these disorders more effectively.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • The Gambler may have a gambling or substance use problem at the beginning of treatment AND is accepted for treatment by addiction rehabilitation centers (CRDs).
• • The Gambler has engaged in gambling or substance use behaviors in the past three months (Time Line Follow-Back).
• • The Partner may or may not engage in gambling, consume alcohol or other substances of abuse.
• • Living in couple for at least six months OR report being in a significant relationship for at least two years.
• • Neither member of the couple presents a mental health problem that could hinder their ability to participate in the therapeutic process.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • The Gambler has been completely abstinent from any gambling or substance use problem for the past three months.
• • The Gambler received treatment for gambling disorder or substance abuse disorder during the last six months (excluding Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous).
• • Low level of marital commitment between the couple in the past 2 weeks indicating a high risk of short-term separation (Marital Status Inventory, score ≥9)
• • Presence of serious acts of violence committed within the past year endangering the safety or life of one of the spouses (Modified Conflict Tactics Scales: Answer YES to any question from Q27-33) OR use of services for victims of domestic violence in the past year.
• • Presence of an active mental health disorder in either partner hindering therapeutic participation, such as a psychotic disorder OR a suicide attempt in the last 30 days (Psychological Scale of the Addiction Severity Index) OR severe borderline personality disorder (BSL-23 ≥2.8) OR excessively extreme antisocial behaviors (Conduct Disorder Scale from the GAIN ≥ 9).