According to the latest prevalence study conducted in 2009, the proportion of at-risk gamblers in Québec is 1.3%, while that of probable pathological gamblers is 0.7%. However, it is widely recognized that 97% of problem gamblers will not seek formal treatment because most of them wish to solve their problem themselves.
This intervention reduced gambling problems and improved overall quality of life.
A study carried out by researchers at the Centre québécois d'excellence pour la prévention et le traitement du jeu at Université Laval examined the feasibility and impact of an innovative program based on self-treatment in gamblers wishing to change their gambling habits. The "JEu me questionne" program, which integrates the main elements of current programs, aims to facilitate the treatment process for gamblers because it can be carried out at home and does not require face-to-face interaction with a counsellor.
The results indicate that this intervention not only reduced gambling problems, but improved overall quality of life. In addition, the gamblers expressed great satisfaction regarding the various elements of the "JEu me questionne" program. This is a promising treatment for Québec, as it requires few human and financial resources. It could be used to complement the rehabilitation services currently in place, and eventually be offered by CLSCs.
Main researcher: Robert Ladouceur, Université Laval
Original title: Programme d'intervention bref et semi-autonome « JEu me questionne » pour les joueurs à risque et pathologiques
