Introduction: Problem Gambling and Its Challenges
While gambling can be a recreational activity for many, it can escalate into a serious addiction with psychological, social, and financial consequences. In the digital age, the accessibility of online platforms has amplified the risk of losing control.
An essential factor in problem gambling is dissociation: a mental state where the individual disconnects from reality, losing awareness of time and money spent gambling.
What is Dissociation in Problem Gambling?
Dissociation is a mental state of disconnection in which the gambler loses awareness of their surroundings or the passage of time. This experience often includes:
- Loss of time perception: Gamblers do not realize how long they have been playing.
- Mental trance: A hypnotic-like state where external factors lose importance.
- Changes in identity: Feeling like a different person during gambling sessions.
- Memory blackouts: Difficulty remembering details of the gambling session.
Studies suggest that more than 40% of gamblers experience some form of trance, and up to 90% lose track of time while gambling.
The Peli Poikki Program: An Effective Online CBT-Based Treatment
The Peli Poikki program is an online intervention based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered over eight weeks. The program includes:
- Weekly exercises and educational materials.
- Weekly phone calls with a therapist for support.
- Strategies for relapse prevention and trigger management.
- Tools to regain control over financial situations.
The program aims to help individuals recognize and modify their dysfunctional thoughts about gambling and develop practical strategies to manage their addiction.
Key Findings: The Impact of Dissociation
The study highlighted two critical findings:
- Immediate improvement in participants with high dissociation: Gamblers with higher dissociation levels at baseline showed significant improvement after completing the treatment.
- Persistent dissociation leads to relapses: If dissociative experiences continued after treatment, the long-term effectiveness of the intervention diminished, increasing the likelihood of relapse.
This suggests that dissociation is not only a symptom of problem gambling but also an indicator of its severity. Successful treatment requires addressing dissociation specifically.
Implications for Problem Gambling Treatment
The findings provide critical insights for improving treatment approaches:
- Personalized treatments: Incorporate techniques such as mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies to reduce dissociative tendencies.
- Booster sessions: Provide additional sessions after completing initial treatment to reinforce progress and prevent relapses.
- Continuous assessment: Evaluate dissociation throughout the treatment process to identify individuals at higher risk.
Conclusion
Dissociation plays a crucial role in problem gambling and its treatment. While programs like Peli Poikki are effective, addressing dissociative experiences is essential to ensure long-term success and reduce the risk of relapse.
This study highlights the importance of tailored treatments, continuous monitoring, and long-term support for individuals struggling with dissociative tendencies. By addressing these challenges, we can improve recovery outcomes and provide more sustainable solutions for problem gamblers.