Brief interventions in gambling

Brief interventions have shown a small but significant benefit in reducing gambling behaviour in short-term follow-upQuilty, 2019. They may help prepare the patient to engage with specialist help and are not intended as standalone treatment in gambling disorder. Consider using motivational interviewing (a form of brief intervention) to explore the extent of a patient’s gambling and its impacts. The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation outlines techniques for discussing gambling. A questionnaire can form part of the interview; an example is the 9-item Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Offer anyone with a PGSI score of 3 or more referral to a gambling support service, or a specialist gambling treatment service. Consider offering a printable patient information sheet on ways to reduce harms from gambling and substance use.