Effects of group counseling and acupressure on gambling withdrawal symptoms
Effects of Positive Psychological Group Psychotherapy and Auricular Acupressure on Gambling Severity, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Dopamine
This study tests whether group counseling and acupressure can help people with gambling addiction feel better during withdrawal.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Inha University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Incheon) |
| Trial ID | NCT05241041 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines the impact of auricular acupressure and positive psychological group counseling on individuals experiencing gambling addiction. It involves a randomized controlled trial with 180 gamblers and 60 non-gamblers, where participants are assigned to different groups to assess the effectiveness of the interventions on gambling severity and withdrawal symptoms. The study aims to explore both the psychological and physiological aspects of gambling addiction through innovative therapeutic approaches.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 19 years old who have been gambling for more than six months and are motivated to quit.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or have a history of drug use, including marijuana, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-pharmacological interventions for individuals struggling with gambling addiction and its associated withdrawal symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While there is some existing research on psychological interventions for addiction, this specific combination of auricular acupressure and positive psychology in gambling addiction is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
\[For first-year\]: Inclusion Criteria: 1. gamblers who - are more than 19 years old - had a total gambling period of more than six months * gambled within a month * wanted to quit gambling * had eight or more PGSI(Problem Gambling Severity Index) scores * had no ear infections * were not allergic to copper or aluminum * willing to complete questionnaires * agreed to extract blood 2. non-gamblers who * were over the age of 19 * willing to complete questionnaires * agreed to extract blood * got zero or received the lowest scores on alcoholism, smartphone addiction, game addiction, and gambling addiction tests * had never smoked * never been blacked out in their lives * had negative outcome in cotinine urine tests * had no medical or psychological diagnosis * no medication for therapeutic purposes Exclusion Criteria: 1. gamblers who - were pregnant - had experiences in taking drugs, including marijuana. 2. non-gamblers who * were pregnant * had taken painkillers in recent a week prior to blood testing * had experiences in taking drugs, including marijuana \[For second and third year\]: Inclusion Criteria: 1. gamblers - will be the same as those in the first year of the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. gamblers who * were undergoing gambling counseling * were on medication * had taken painkillers in the past a week * were pregnant * had experiences in taking drugs, including marijuana
Where this trial is running
Incheon
- Inha University Hospital — Incheon, Korea, Republic of (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eun Jin Lee
- Email: eunjinlee@inha.ac.kr
- Phone: 82-32-860-8214
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.