8-Week Gambling Coaching Program

Objective: To familiarize participants with the program’s structure, establish rapport, set mutual expectations, and introduce foundational concepts related to gambling addiction.

• Welcoming participants and setting expectations.
• Personal stories: Sharing personal experiences and reasons for joining.
• Introduction to gambling: Understanding its history and the current cultural context.
• Goal setting: Defining personal objectives for the course.
• Homework: Personal reflection on one’s history with gambling.

Objective: To delve into the psychological, biological, and social factors that contribute to gambling addiction. Participants will gain insight into how addiction develops and its impact on the brain and behavior.

• Definition of addiction and how gambling fits into this.
• The brain on gambling: Neurological and psychological aspects.
• The differences between recreational gambling and problem gambling.
• Stages of gambling addiction.
• Homework: Identifying personal triggers.

Objective: To explore cognitive distortions commonly associated with gambling addiction. Participants will learn to identify and challenge irrational beliefs and thought patterns that fuel addictive behaviors.

• Introduction to cognitive distortions related to gambling.
• Common myths and misconceptions.
• The gambler’s fallacy: Understanding randomness and probability.
• Cognitive restructuring: Techniques to challenge and modify maladaptive beliefs.
• Homework: Journaling about identified cognitive distortions.

Objective: To address the financial implications of gambling addiction. This session will offer practical strategies for managing finances, addressing debt, and fostering a healthier relationship with money.

• Financial consequences of gambling addiction.
• Creating a financial plan and budget.
• Addressing debts and financial strain.
• Money management tools and resources.
• Homework: Drafting a personal financial plan.

Objective: To introduce effective coping strategies that can replace the urge to gamble. Participants will practice skills such as mindfulness, stress reduction, and emotion regulation.

• The role of coping mechanisms in addiction.
• Healthy vs. unhealthy coping strategies.
• Introducing mindfulness and grounding techniques.
• Stress reduction and self-care.
• Homework: Practicing a chosen coping technique daily.

Objective: To underscore the importance of healthy interpersonal relationships in recovery. Participants will learn to rebuild trust, enhance communication skills, and cultivate a supportive network.

• The impact of gambling on relationships.
• Communication skills for repairing strained relationships.
• Building and maintaining a supportive social network.
• The role of support groups.
• Homework: Participating in a support group or reaching out to a trusted individual.

 

Objective: To equip participants with tools and strategies to recognize potential triggers and avert relapse. The session will emphasize building resilience and maintaining the progress achieved during the course.

• Understanding the stages of relapse.
• Identifying personal triggers and high-risk situations.
• Creating a relapse prevention plan.
• Emphasizing the importance of continued support.
• Homework: Finalizing a personal relapse prevention plan.

Objective: To consolidate learning from previous sessions and set a clear path for sustained recovery. Participants will reflect on their journey, set future goals, and develop a personalized plan to maintain a life free from gambling.

• Reflecting on progress and personal growth during the course.
• Discussing potential challenges moving forward.
• Setting long-term goals and strategies for maintaining abstinence.
• Gathering feedback and suggestions for future courses.
• Homework: Final reflections and setting a 6-month goal.