Couple-based treatment for gambling and substance use disorders
Efficacy Study of Two Types of Intervention for People in Couple Who Have Difficulties With Their Gambling Habits or Alcohol/Drug Use
This study is testing whether a couple-based treatment for gambling and substance use disorders can help partners recover better than traditional individual therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Academic / other |
| Locations | 7 sites (Joliette, Quebec and 6 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05833503 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of a couple-based treatment approach, known as Integrative Couple Treatment for Addiction (ICT-A), against traditional individual treatment for individuals suffering from gambling and substance use disorders. The research will involve at least 100 couples, who will be randomized into either the experimental group receiving ICT-A or the control group receiving standard individual treatment. The study seeks to address the unique dynamics of couples affected by addiction, focusing on improving treatment access, retention, and outcomes. Previous findings suggest that couple-based interventions can lead to better understanding and resolution of conflicts related to addiction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include couples where one partner has a gambling or substance use disorder and both partners are willing to engage in therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who have been completely abstinent from gambling or substance use for the past three months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance treatment outcomes for couples dealing with gambling and substance use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for couple-based interventions in addiction treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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).
Where this trial is running
Joliette, Quebec and 6 other locations
- Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de Lanaudière — Joliette, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- Centre intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches (CISSS-CA) — Lévis, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- Centre Universitaire Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux du Centre Sud de l'Ile de Montréal — Montréal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux des Laurentides — Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- Centre Universitaire Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Estrie — Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest — St-Hubert, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- Centre Universitaire Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale — Québec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joël Tremblay, PhD — Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
- Study coordinator: Joël Tremblay, PhD
- Email: Joel.Tremblay@uqtr.ca
- Phone: 418-659-2170
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.