ABSTRACT
A successful public health approach to gambling, in addition to having prevention and consumer protection components, must include a range of intervention options for individuals who develop mild to severe gambling-related problems. Although a number of empirically supported interventions are available, the majority of individuals experiencing problems will not seek formal treatment. Some individuals who actively reject formal treatment are amenable to briefer, self-directed activities to reduce harm or to stop gambling. Others prioritise and seek treatment for other comorbid mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety) or social concerns (e.g., family conflict). Stepped-care models, adapted from other areas of mental health and addictive disorders, have been developed to describe the required elements of a coordinated response. This chapter presents an expanded stepped care model that incorporates a broader public health orientation recognising a diverse array of pathways to recovery, including but not limited to formal treatment. Relevant research on treatment and non-treatment-assisted recovery from gambling problems is reviewed, and then the public health integrated stepped care model is provided. Finally, gaps for further research and development are identified.
