Problem Gambling Self-help Tool Kit Now Offered Online
A problem gambling self-help tool kit originally developed as a booklet by the Harvard Medical School Division on Addictions and the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling now is available online.
"Your First Step to Change," a "portal to self-realization and self-guided change," allows users to assess their personal situation and their readiness to change through a series of exercises ranging from questions to FAQ-style topic pages about gambling and disordered gambling behavior. It also suggests ways of changing behavior in a non-threatening, self-controlled manner.
"While the printed kit certainly was useful, the online version allows us to reach a greater audience with a more cost-effective tool," said Christine Reilly, executive director of the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders at Harvard Medical School's Division on Addictions. "Besides accessibility, the real power of the online format is the interactive element. We believe that this format can provide more help and information in an engaging manner that isn't possible with the typical questionnaire."
The gentle tone of the online tool kit reflects research showing that people with addictive disorders are very ambivalent about changing their behavior, even when the addiction is causing great destruction in their lives. "Because most people with an addictive disorder, including gambling, do not seek treatment, we designed 'Your First Step to Change' to help people who are hesitant or not ready to call a help line or seek professional counseling," Reilly said.
A free and anonymous service, "Your First Step to Change" eventually will offer resources for people with behavioral problems ranging from substance abuse to shopping.
The online tool kit, which was developed with support from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the National Center for Responsible Gaming, is available via hyperlink from the Harvard Medical School Division on Addictions' home page or can be accessed directly. For more information, contact Christine Reilly.
