Using contingency management to help rural gamblers with their gambling disorder
Piloting the Addition of Contingency Management to Best Practice Counselling as an Adjunct Treatment for Rural and Remote Disordered Gamblers
This study is testing whether adding a new approach called contingency management to regular counseling can help people in rural areas with gambling problems feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Lethbridge Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lethbridge, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT02953899 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project pilots the use of contingency management as an additional treatment alongside standard counseling for individuals with gambling disorders living in rural and remote areas. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either contingency management combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CM+) or cognitive behavioral therapy alone (CBT). The study utilizes internet-based video conferencing for counseling sessions, making it accessible for those in remote locations. Assessments will be conducted before and after the treatment period to evaluate clinical, psychological, and behavioral outcomes, including any co-occurring substance use issues.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with gambling disorder who have gambled in the last month and reside in rural or remote areas.
Not a fit: Patients with unmanaged psychiatric or neurological disorders other than gambling disorder may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance treatment attendance and retention for rural gamblers, leading to better outcomes in managing their gambling disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using contingency management for behavioral disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * capable of providing written consent, * received a diagnosis of gambling disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), * gambled within the last month, * live in a rural or remote location, and * speak English Exclusion Criteria: * Medically unmanaged psychiatric or neurological disorder(s) except for disordered gambling
Where this trial is running
Lethbridge, Alberta
- University of Lethbridge — Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Darren R Christensen, PhD — University of Lethbridge
- Study coordinator: Darren R Christensen, PhD
- Email: darren.christensen@uleth.ca
- Phone: 403-329-5124
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.