ICBTG in Routine Care

Implementation of Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Problem Gambling in Routine Addiction Care: A Feasibility Study

Problem gambling (PG) is a major public health concern worldwide. As awareness of PG has risen, treatment demand is increasing, and internet interventions is a promising alternative for providing fast, evidence-based treatment at scale, to a low cost. This article presents the protocol of an open label, uncontrolled pilot and feasibility trial of a novel internet-delivered cognitive behavioral treatment, conducted in regular addiction care with adult treatment-seeking patients (max N=25) with problematic gambling. Weekly measures of gambling symptoms and gambling will serve as outcome measures. Study results will further guide the development of the intervention and its implementation into regular addiction care.

Inclusion criteria:

• being at least 18 years old
• living in Sweden
• being able to read and write Swedish.
• having a total score of >= 3 on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI; Ferris & Wynne, 2001)
• having the ability to work with online treatment material by themselves (with support from a therapist)

Exclusion criteria:

• fulfilling criteria for ongoing manic episode
• currently undergoing a parallel CBT treatment for Gambling Disorder or problem gambling.