ABSTRACT
To develop behavioral abilities and cognitive strategies to avoid a complete relapse. (Fall: isolated episode of gambling. Complete relapse: recovered baseline gambling frequency.) Technique: training in self-control abilities: (1) Self-observation (self-recording). (2) Goal establishment (main objective: abstinence). (3) Training in specific techniques (e.g., self-statements to wait a certain time when the gambling desire appears). (4) Application of the techniques in the real context. (e) Effect of abstinence transgression. Objective: To prepare the gambler for the possible experience of this effect, so that he/she can reconceptualize the fall as a learning experience. Technique: Information on the components of the abstinence transgression effect. Cognitive restructuring (to explain that the fall can act as an aid to learning to identify high-risk situations and to train confrontation strategies). Programmed relapse (if there is imminent risk of relapse, to reduce the fear and devalue the power of attraction of the game).
